Obituaries: July 22, 2026
Alan Adler
March 10, 1958-July 17, 2026
Alan Adler (1958-2026) was a man of deep faith in Jesus Christ, who loved to laugh, watch baseball, collect baseball cards, bicycle local trails with his wife of 35 years, and spend time with friends and family during countless lunches and phone calls.
He was a member of Harvest Vertical Church and, with his wife, Deb, led life-groups and mentored young men and women in their 20s. His love of people and desire to help those experiencing food insecurity inspired him to start a church-based food ministry in 2008-2009, then later volunteer many hours with Forgotten Harvest, Meals on Wheels, and Love in Action of the Tri-Cities.
He was born to Marjorie and Leonard Adler in Lewistown, Pennsylvania, on March 10, 1958, joining sisters Alice and Kathleen. He spent his high school years in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he was on the wrestling team for Western Hills HS. Wrestling was the impetus that started his journalism career. Frustrated by a lack of wrestling coverage in the weekly Western Hills Press, he submitted a short piece, shoved it through the mail slot of the paper’s office, and was stunned when it appeared in print the following Wednesday.
His writing career continued at Ohio University, where he honed his journalism skills, and after college graduation in 1980, Alan joined the Associated Press. His fast, accurate journalism and “excellent news skills” led to assignments in Cleveland (Ohio), San Diego (California), and Detroit (Michigan). Those news skills led to work at the Detroit Free Press as a business and automotive writer from 1994-1997, then a 20-year career at General Motors in communications, including 2 years in Shanghai, China.
After leaving GM in 2017, Alan started his own communications company and, with the foundation of knowledge in advanced automotive technologies gained at GM, went back to his journalism roots, writing and podcasting for FreightWaves from 2019 to January of 2025 when he fully retired.
Throughout all his work years, he served as church elder, Bible Study Fellowship group leader, coordinator for Financial Peace University classes, and volunteered for the blight relief organization Life Remodeled in Detroit, and food distribution through Forgotten Harvest, and disaster-relief weeks in Haiti and Iowa with Samaritan’s Purse. Alan talked of the importance of serving others and giving back, often bringing his children Storm, Joel, and Mark along with him as he served.
Retirement for Alan was not a time to sit back. He maintained a Meals on Wheels route twice weekly and spent many hours at Love in Action of the Tri-Cities filling local pantry orders, picking up donated food from local retailers, representing Love in Action at the Grand Haven farmer’s market, and delivering food backpacks to elementary school kids.
Alan’s wife, Deb, often joked that she was fairly certain Alan loved her more than baseball, but it was a close contest. A loyal fan of the Cleveland Guardians (always “the Tribe” to Alan) from his time in the Cleveland AP bureau, over his lifetime he saw major league baseball games in nearly 50 stadiums, completing visits to all 30 current stadiums with Yankee Stadium in April 2026. He also completed a prized collection of 1958 TOPPS baseball cards shortly after his cancer diagnosis in February 2026. Monitoring his fantasy baseball scores was important even up to his last days in Hospice.
Alan is survived by his wife, Deborah Adler; three children, Genevieve “Storm” Adler, Joel Adler, and Mark Adler; sisters, Alice (Paul) Plybon, Kathleen Zimmer (Dave McKeon); niece and nephews, Trish (Cliff) Moody, Chip (Monika) Plybon and Zachary (Chelsea) Zimmer; and great-niece, Evelyn Zimmer.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard (Dolores) and Marjorie Adler, and brother-in-law, Thom Zimmer.
A memorial service will be at 3 p.m. Friday, July 24, 2026, at Harvest Vertical Church – Spring Lake Campus. Visitation will be 4-6 p.m. Thursday, July 23, 2026, at The Spring Lake Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 213 E. Savidge St., Spring Lake, MI 49456.
Interment will take place in Nunica Cemetery. Memorial contributions in memory of Alan may be given to Love in Action of the Tri-Cities. Please sign the family’s online guestbook at Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services.
Lorraine Becksfort
January 22, 1941-July 20, 2026
Lorraine Becksfort, age 85, passed away on Monday, July 20, 2026.
Lorraine was born January 22, 1941, in Zeeland, to Leonard and Ann (Schipper) Raterink. She attended Zeeland Christian School and graduated from Zeeland High School in 1959. Lorraine then did nursing training at Butterworth Hospital. She worked as a nurse at Zeeland Hospital for 40-plus years. Lorraine married Dave Becksfort in July of 1960, and they raised their two children in Zeeland. For many years they were members of First Christian Reformed Church of Zeeland and Lorraine now attends North Holland Reformed Church. David preceded Lorraine in death in 2015.
She is survived by her son, Doug and Barb Becksfort; daughter, Deb and John VanNuil; grandchildren, Ross and Sarah Becksfort (David, Emma, Andrew), Ryan and Kelsey Becksfort (Colton, Marleigh), Heather and Jimmy Holton (William, Theodore), Allison and Matt Bosman (Levi), Emily and Charles Henley (Charlea, Easton); sister Betty Morren; brother Harvey Raterink; sister-in-law, Janice VanderZwaag; and many extended family members.
Funeral services are at noon Friday, July 24, 2026, at North Holland Reformed Church, 12050 New Holland, Holland, MI 49424. Visitation is 10:30-11:45 a.m. prior to the funeral service at North Holland Reformed Church. Burial will take place in Zeeland Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Lorraine's honor may be given to Wedgewood.
Arrangements are by the Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St., Zeeland, MI 49464.
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Lorena Dryfhout
February 20, 1934-July 18, 2026
On Saturday, July 18, Lorena Dryfhout, lovingly known as Cookie Grandma, went to meet her Savior Jesus with members of her family by her side.
Lorena was born in Westchester, Illinois, on February 19, 1934, to Klaas and Rena Boersma Prime. Lorena met Henry Dryfhout Jr at church youth group. They began dating and were married for 73 years. Together they welcomed seven children.
The heart and soul of Lorena were her faith and relationship with Jesus, her family and serving others.
Lorena was active in the Reformed Church of America Women’s Ministries beginning in high school and continued to serve in churches throughout her life.
Lorena treasured spending time with family. She was happiest when gathered with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. She shared her faith in the way she lived each day, and that faith was embraced by all her children.
Lorena was preceded in death by her son, Henry Dryfhout III; her granddaughter-in-law, Rebekah Pratt; her sisters, Angeline Boonstra, Lena Jacobs, Ringedena Hoekstra, Bertha Boonstra, Eleanor Bulthuis; and her sister-in-law, Carol Auwerda.
Lorena is survived by her husband, Henry and her children, Larry and Linda Dryfhout with Vicki (Chad) Ferguson, Tamara (Doug) Boll, Heidi (Kevin) Dummer; Betty and Mike McLarty with Michael (Tina) McLarty, Shaun (Megan) McLarty; Patty and Bud Pratt with Phillip (Andrea) Pratt, Kristen (Chris) Frederick; David Dryfhout with Rose Marie (Dave) Huizenga, Gloria (John) Ruggles, Connie (Kevin) Smith; Steven and Rhonda Dryfhout with Abbie (Zach) Widmayer, Hannah (Connor) Ball, Otto Dryfhout; Linda Dryfhout with Sandra (Blaine) Kooiker, Katie (Kory) Miller, Ben (Sydney) Zelent, Nathan Zelent. She was also beloved by 41 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be held at 3 p.m. on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at ResLife of Holland, 1006 Washington Ave., Holland, MI 49423, followed by a fellowship time with cookies and cake.
There will be a visitation 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at Lakeshore Memorial Services, 11939 James St., Holland, MI 49424.
Memorial donations may be given to Walking by Faith.
Private interment will take place at a later date.
Marilyn Ruth Elzinga
September 19, 1937-July 21, 2026
Marilyn Elzinga, age 88, quietly passed away on Tuesday, July 21, 2026.
Marilyn was a devoted wife and mom, loved to engage and entertain her family; a grandmother who was sometimes a little "Sassy," but always sweet. She enjoyed writing poetry, camping, and throwing a great Easter egg hunt. She was dearly loved and will be deeply missed.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Peter Elzinga; and son, Karl Elzinga.
She is survived by her children, Michael and Ruth Elzinga, Randy Elzinga, Patricia and Dan Vanden Heuvel; daughter-in-law, Mary Elzinga; 14 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; sister, Sherry and Harold Diepenhorst; in-laws, Allen Elzinga, Elaine Elzinga, Terry and Sandy Elzinga; and numerous extended family members.
Visitation with the family is 6-8 p.m. on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St., Zeeland, MI 49464.
Funeral services are at 11 a.m. on Monday, July 27, 2026, at First Protestant Reformed Church, 3641 104th Ave., Zeeland, MI 49464, with the Rev. Justin Smidstra officiating.
Burial to take place in Zeeland Cemetery.
Memorial contributions in Marilyn's honor may be given to Redeemer School redeemerchrschool.com or 7250 Ransom St., Zeeland, Michigan 49464 or David's House Ministries dhmin.org or by mail to 2251 Hope Grove Ave. SW, Wyoming, MI 49509.
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Nancy Jo Emerick
March 7, 1953-July 18, 2026
Nancy Jo (Scholten) Emerick, 73, of Holland, Michigan, passed away on July 18, 2026.
Nancy was a kind and gentle soul with a warm smile and a big heart for all who knew her.
Nancy was born in 1953 to Harold and Charlotte Scholten and was the fourth of their five children. Nancy had a very active childhood, working many years as a lifeguard and as a klompen dancer at Dutch Village. She was a 1971 graduate of Holland High School and then attended Central Michigan University for a time, where she met her first husband, and they had two children, Mandy and Greg. She was a loving and supportive mother who attended her children’s countless sporting events and extracurricular activities. After raising her children, she moved back to Holland, where she worked for State Farm Insurance Co. until retirement.
Nancy married Michael Emerick on February 14, 2004. They had a shared passion for swimming and would swim daily at the Holland Aquatic Center. They also enjoyed road trips to Drummond Island and spending time at Lake Michigan, her favorite place.
Nancy is survived by her daughter, Mandy (Cory) Gahsman; grandchildren, Chase, Delaney, and Flynn; her son, Greg (Tara) LaPointe; grandchildren, Logan, Landry, and Linley; her husband, Michael Emerick; his daughter, Kathleen (Tom) Kohl; grandchild, Irish (Caiden) Beltran; his daughter, Laura (Ross) Bolman; grandchildren, Brendan (Kailey) Haak; great-grandchildren, Ellison and Charlie, and Ross (Maddie) Bolman; his son, Lucas (Karina) Emerick; grandchildren, Ethan Emerick, Isel Lopez, and Griffin Kennedy; her brother, Gary (Phyllis) Scholten; her sisters, Sally John and Carol (Roger)Eldean; and her sister-in-law, MaryAnne (Ben) Phillips; and her brother-in-law, Dennis Mott.
Nancy was preceded in death by her grandparents, Garret and Johanna Scholten, John and Nancy Baron; her parents, Harold and Charlotte Scholten; her sister, Cheryl Mott; and her brother-in-law, Bob John.
A memorial visitation is planned for Friday, July 24, at Lakeshore Memorial Services, 11939 James St., Holland, beginning at 1 p.m. and lasting until 3 p.m.
Pauline Kuiper
March 23, 1941-July 19, 2026
Pauline Kuiper, age 85, of Holland, died Sunday, July 19, 2026, at her home.
She was preceded in death by her son, Mark Kuiper, in 1960.
Pauline is survived by her husband of 67 years, Terry; daughters, Dawn (Brad) Schneider, Brenda (Todd) Ingalls, Darcy (Steve) Harman; eight grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren; siblings, Melinda (John) Dickmon, Lester (Carol) Baumann, David (Delores) Baumann.
A memorial service will be at 11 a.m Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E. 16th St., Holland. A time of fellowship will follow the service. Memorial contributions may be given to the American Cancer Society.
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John Peter Horowski
June 2, 1945-July 19, 2026
Surrounded by loved ones, John Peter Horowski of Holland left this earth peacefully on July 19, 2026.
He was a beloved and treasured husband, father, grandfather and friend. Born in Ludington to his parents Joseph and Myrtle Horowski, he was a graduate of Ludington High School, where he met and later married the love of his life, Joyce (Petersen), his wife of nearly 61 years.
John was a gift to those who were fortunate enough to have him in their lives. His gifts of time and heartfelt enthusiasm were always evident as he cheered for both his children and grandchildren as they participated in countless athletic and music events. He even tried his hand at coaching softball, with "thumbs up" reviews. Family members, friends and even an occasional person standing in a checkout line behind him or at a nearby restaurant table had brighter days because John's gift of humor produced belly laughs, smiles and — yes — even a rolling of eyes from an occasional "dad joke." His gifts of love and support made a difference in the lives of many.
John both worked and played with enthusiasm. Despite the fact that he did not have an engineering degree, his skills as a draftsman led him to be a valued employee of a number of Grand Rapids area businesses during his work life. A happy and successful longtime bowler, John participated on teams in several leagues, traveled throughout the country to compete in annual ABC (now USBC) tournaments, and celebrated his own two perfect 300s. In addition to knocking down pins, he enjoyed golfing and even managed to achieve the elusive hole-in-one. The leisure time moments he savored most, however, were those with family and close friends, whether planned or spontaneous. While John is missed, he, his gifts, and zest for life live on in all who knew him.
John is survived by his beloved wife, Joyce; his treasured daughter, Marnie (Bob) Walski; his cherished grandchildren, Ben and Erin Walski; his Danish exchange student daughter, Mette Vagner Johannesen; his sisters, Sally New of Kentucky and Joanne
Shepherd of Grand Rapids; niece Renee (Jeff) Hammit and nephew Greg (Dawn) New; four great-nieces; a great-nephew; several cousins and many dear friends. In addition to
his parents, he was preceded in death by his son Michael.
Family members wish to express their gratitude for the exceptional staff at both Resthaven Care Center and Hospice of Holland for their outstanding support of John in recent months. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Resthaven Care Center(resthaven.org) or Hospice of Holland (hollandhospice.org).
Visitation will be held on July 28, 2026, at Lakeshore Memorial Services, 11939 James St. in Holland from 1-3 p.m., with a celebration of life immediately following.
Please share your memories of John here as well!
Riley Frederick Johnson
March 14, 1940-July 3, 2026
Riley "Fred" Frederick Johnson, age 86, of Fruitport, passed away on Friday, July 3, 2026, at his home.
Born on March 14, 1940, in Muskegon, Michigan, to Riley and Dora (Cooley) Johnson, Fred was a lifelong resident of the Fruitport area, where he spent his entire life on the same road he grew up on. He was a man of many trades, working as a laborer at several local companies, including SPX, Campbell, Wyant and Cannon, and AB Parts.
Fred had a unique and memorable personality. In his younger years, he was a daredevil who rode broncs and even worked as a rodeo clown. He was a mechanically inclined man who enjoyed rebuilding antique tractors and took immense pride in his lawn, which he mowed daily. In his later years, as he faced significant health challenges with resilience, he was lovingly cared for by his granddaughter, who he affectionately called his "angel."
He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Phyllis (DeYoung) Johnson, in 2001; his son, Scott, in 2017; and his brother, Rodger Johnson.
He is survived by his children, Roger Johnson and Amy (Wesley) Simpson; his grandchildren, Bobbie Jo (Jeremy) King, Richard Johnson, Tara Johnson, Cody Johnson, Rachel Johnson, Rochelle Smith, Taylor Johnson, and Hunter Anderson; his great-grandchildren, Kodalyn, Rugar Fredrick, Karly, Luca, and Wyatt; and other family members.
In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place. A private interment will be held at Fruitport Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest beside his wife. Please visit clockfuneralhome.com to sign the guestbook or leave a memory.
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Valory Jean Johnson
August 14, 1946-July 20, 2026
Valory Jean Johnson passed on July 20, 2026, at the age of 79.
Valory was born on August 14, 1946, and was a resident of Zeeland, Michigan.
No services are scheduled at this time.
Dick Sligh
August 7, 1930-July 18, 2026
Dick Sligh passed away on Saturday evening, July 18, 2026, at his home after a long illness.
He was known for his love of physical activity, particularly outdoors.
He grew up in a family that was instrumental in developing the sport of water-skiing, and he held championship titles in that field. At an early age, he became interested in wooden boats and relentlessly developed his skills and knowledge in their history, construction, and repair. Dick’s loyalty, honesty and availability to be of service to others were characteristic of him. He enjoyed good working relationships with others, all of which served him well in his role as president and owner of Grand-Craft Mahogany Runabouts here in Holland, Michigan, from 1984-2006.
Dick owned and operated a water-ski school in Metropolitan Beach near Detroit as a young adult. He then graduated from Michigan State with a master’s degree in mechanical engineering and went on to teach that subject at California Polytechnic Institute in California. He moved back to Michigan, teaching high school in Big Rapids, then became principal of Harbor Springs High School. He owned and operated Sligh Marine while teaching in Petoskey. At the marina, he specialized in serving wooden runabouts.
Subsequently, he moved to Holland to share in the family furniture business with his two brothers. When a fledgling wood boat company became available for sale, he and his wife decided to take on the challenge of owning and operating a small struggling business where his talents and abilities would be tested in a niche market.
Dick’s years at Grand-Craft were marked by many unique relationships, new runabout designs, and sales to highly successful people, including movie stars and celebrities. He enjoyed every minute of his career development and gave it his full focus and attention. The company was sold in 2006, and Dick retired to boating with his wife and involvement in the Antique & Classic Boat Society, Water Wonderland Chapter, The Antique Boat Museum in Clayton, New York, and their many national and international activities.
Dick lived an active and full life. He was not afraid to be himself and give 100% of himself to his projects and endeavors. Well-loved by his wife of 48 years, he leaves behind his wife, Marti Sligh; his daughters, Lee Ann Sligh in Maine; and Gretchen Flores; two grandchildren, Jacob and Hannah in Colorado; and his sister, Patti VerSluis in California. He has many nieces and nephews as well.
Dick was active in church life and responsibilities for many years. He and his wife, Marti, met and married at Christ Memorial Church in Holland, Michigan.
Visitation with the family is 10-10:45 a.m. on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at Christ Memorial Church, 595 Graafschap Road, Holland, MI 49423.
Funeral services are that same day at 11 a.m. also at Christ Memorial Church with Rev. Dan Miller and Rev. Jim Daniels officiating.
Burial will take place in Hillside Cemetery in Lansing, Michigan.
Memorial contributions in Dick's honor may be given to Hospice of Holland at hollandhospice.org or Christ Memorial Church at christmemorial.org/give, or to the Antique & Classic Boat Society, Water Wonderland Chapter at acbs.org (please indicate Water Wonderland Chapter) or by mail to 422 James Street, Clayton, NY 13624.
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Ward Curtis Stienstra
June 19, 1941-July 19, 2026
Ward Curtis Stienstra, age 85, passed away peacefully on July 19, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering faith and deep love for his family.
Ward is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 63 years, Myrna Stienstra, with whom he shared a lifetime of love, faith, and cherished memories.
He was a devoted father to Curt Stienstra (Joy Stienstra) and Julie Helder (Scott Helder). He was a proud and loving grandfather to Nick Stienstra, Kim Stienstra, Melanie Dombrowski (Andrew Dombrowski), and Blake Helder (Kaitlyn Helder). Ward was also blessed to be the great-grandfather of Amelia Dombrowski, who brought him great joy.
Those who knew Ward will remember his steadfast faith, service in churches and charities, gentle spirit, and willingness to lend a helping hand.
Ward's greatest passion was his relationship with Jesus Christ, which guided the way he lived each day. His faith was the foundation of his life, reflected in his kindness, generosity, and compassion for others. Above all else, Ward loved his family and found his greatest joy in spending time with those he loved. He also had a lifelong passion for gardening, taking pride in cultivating beautiful gardens with appreciation for God's creation.
While his family grieves his passing, they rejoice in the assurance of his eternal home with his Savior, Jesus Christ. His life was a testament to faith, love, and perseverance, and his legacy will continue to live on through the family he cherished and the many lives he touched.
Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, July 23, 2026, at Cook Memorial Chapel (East Building), 4235 Prairie St. SW, Grandville, MI 49418. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, July 24, at Immanuel CRC, 3520 Kiel St., Hudsonville, Michigan, with visitation from 10-11 a.m. prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers and in memory of Ward, memorial contributions may be made to New City Kids - 936 Alpine Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504. The family welcomes memories and messages at cookcaresgrandville.com in their guestbook online.
Wanda VanDerKamp
September 2, 1939-July 21, 2026
Wanda M. VanDerKamp, age 86, of Hamilton, died Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at her home.
She attended Dunningville Reformed Church.
Wanda is survived by her husband of 68 years, Herschel; children, Lila Coffey, Mike (June) VanDerKamp, Sally (Randy) Timmer, Cindy (Mark) Naber, Harold (Brenda) VanDerKamp, Jason (Rochelle) VanDerKamp, Christopher VanDerKamp, Tina (Jim) Dawson; 22 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild; siblings, Henry (Iola) Wentzel, Clara Ten Hagen, Kenneth Wentzel, Florence Brinkhuis; in-laws, Mildred VanDerKamp, June Zoet, Kendell (Linda) VanDerKamp.
A time of visitation will be 1-2 p.m. with a memorial service to follow at 2 p.m. Thursday, July 23, 2026, at Dunningville Reformed Church, 2559 Lincoln Road, Hamilton. Burial took place in Riverside Cemetery, Hamilton. A luncheon and time of fellowship will be held at 3:30 p.m. at Wanda’s daughter’s house at 4167 134th Ave., Hamilton, MI 49419.
Memorial contributions may be given to St. Jude Children's Hospital.
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Dr. Karen (Anderson) Van Doorne
August 21, 1951-July 18, 2026
Dr. Karen Anderson Van Doorne, age 74, of Grand Haven, passed away on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Trillium Woods in Byron Center.
She was born on August 21, 1951, in Rochester, Minnesota, to the late Stanley and Marguerite (Tuck) Anderson.
Karen graduated from Duran High School in Wisconsin and then attended the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire, Western Michigan University, and then the A.T. Still University of Health Sciences, where she received her doctoral degree in Audiology.
Karen was the head AuD. at each of the many Audiology practices she founded and operated throughout the years, including Grand Haven Ear & Hearing, Zeeland Ear & Hearing, Grandville Ear & Hearing, and most recently, Van Doorne Hearing Care in Holland, which she opened with her son and retired from in 2018.
Karen faithfully attended Hope Church of Holland and was a former member of Second Christian Reformed Church of Grand Haven and the former Christ Community Church in Spring Lake. She delighted in watching her grandchildren play all their different sports: soccer, tennis, golf, swimming, and track.
Karen appreciated her opportunities to travel the world and experience new sights and cultures. She had a deep love for all people and an affinity towards social justice. Karen also had great appreciation for the earth and keeping it pure. Through her life, Karen enjoyed being outdoors, where she spent time water-skiing, snow-skiing, hiking, kayaking, windsurfing, swimming, and going to the beach. She was also an avid gardener who created beautiful garden spaces in all her homes and was very proud of her most recent installation of a native garden.
Karen was a member of the Macatawa Bay Yacht Club and had a special passion for sailing. She was the captain of her own sailboat, "Yankee Girl," and sailed in many races over the years, including Chicago to Mac and the Queens Cup, racing each several times.
Karen will be lovingly remembered and missed by her two sons, Ethan (Randi Bent) Van Doorne of Grand Rapids and Craig (Sarah) Van Doorne of Holland; four loved grandchildren, Cora, Anderson, Sophie, and Emerson Van Doorne; her brother, Craig (Sally) Anderson; her niece, Ashley (Jim) Herbst; and nephews, Erik (Rachael) Anderson and Austin (Jennifer) Anderson.
A celebration of Karen's life will be 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at the Grand River Sailing Club. Interment will be at Lake Forest Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Ottawa County Parks Foundation.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dr. Karen (Anderson) Van Doorne, please visit our floral store.
Vernin Veldheer
September 25, 1925-July 20, 2026
Vernin Veldheer, 100, of North Holland passed away on Monday, July 20, 2026, at his home.
Vern was born September 25, 1925, in Holland, Michigan, to George and Jeanette (Brower) Veldheer. He went to school through the eighth grade and started working to assist the family through the Great Depression. Then World War II arrived, and Vern served his country in the U.S. Army. When he returned home, he married Esther Hossink. Vern started their family business, Veldheer Tulip Farm, and worked at the Ottawa County Road Commission. In 1950, the Tulip Farm became an official full-time endeavor. Vern and Esther were also members of the North Holland Reformed Church. Esther preceded him in death in 2004.
He was also preceded in death by his parents; his son, Paul Veldheer; great-granddaughter, Maya Lynne Walters; great-grandson, Bodie James Walters; his sibling and their spouses, Don and Fran Veldheer, Elmer and Marlene Veldheer, Ruth and Randy Marlink, Kay and George Vander Kooi, Wayne Veldheer, Russ Veldheer, Larry and Wilma Veldheer, Jack Millard; in-laws, Vern Woudwyk, Mary Hossink, Edna Hossink, Floyd and Maria Hossink.
Vern is survived by his son, Jim and Jodi Veldheer; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Jenna and Luke Walters (Nakita), Jacob and Megan Veldheer (Garritt, Eleanor); siblings, Glenn and Marcia Veldheer, Esther Veldheer, June Veldheer; in-laws, Lil Veldheer, Betty Woudwyk, and special family friends Chuck and Jane Zuverink, and many nieces and nephews.
A funeral service with military honors will be held at noon Saturday, July 25, 2026, at North Holland Reformed Church, 12050 New Holland St., Holland, MI 49424. Visitation will be 10-11:45 a.m. Saturday prior to the funeral service. Private interment will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to North Holland Reformed Church (to benefit children's ministries).
Arrangements are by the Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St., Zeeland, MI 49464.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Vernin Veldheer, please visit our Sympathy Store.
Patricia Ann (Strazanac) Walker
March 15, 1940-July 18, 2026
Patricia Ann Walker, age 86, of Grand Haven, passed away on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at her daughter's home in Spring Lake.
She was born on March 15, 1940, in Grand Haven, Michigan, to the late William and Mary (Raczok) Strazanac.
Patricia graduated from Grand Haven High School and went on to receive her degree in accounting from the former Muskegon Business College, which is now Baker College. She worked her entire career doing accounting for small businesses.
Patricia loved to travel with memorable trips taken to Australia and annual trips to Mackinac Island. She was also an avid reader who enjoyed working on crossword puzzles.
Patricia will be lovingly remembered and missed by her two daughters, June (Scott) Wilson and Debbie (Eric) Zattlin; her son, Ken Walker; seven grandchildren: Katy (Jordan) Catrell, Samantha Wilson (Jesse Moore), Cory Walker, Karlye, Randi, Jennifer, and Eric (Angela) Zattlin; three great-grandchildren, Colton Catrell, Gracelyn and Ryleigh Zattlin; three sisters, Theresa Carlson, Mary Anne Strazanac, and Joann Strazanac; her brother, John (Sandy) Strazanac; and sister-in-law, Sue Strazanac.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and two brothers, Thomas "Tom" and Joseph "Joe" Strazanac.
In accordance with Patricia's wishes, there will be no services held.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Patricia Ann (Strazanac) Walker, please visit our floral store.
Stuart Westing
December 12, 1932-July 19, 2026
Stuart "Stu" Westing was born in Holland, Michigan, on December 12, 1932.
A devoted follower of Jesus Christ who lived what he believed and loved God with all his heart, mind and soul. Humble. A hard worker. His life is a testament to his faith in God.
He worked for many years at Chris-Craft and later at S-2 Yachts in the maintenance department. He could fix anything at work and at home. After working all day at the factory, he would then come home and farm. He loved his tractors: the big red Farmall that plowed the fields and rescued cars from snowy ditches during those fierce Michigan blizzards, and the small riding mower that carried laughing grandkids or loads of pumpkins across the yard.
He pursued beauty in nature and was a gifted photographer creating a musical slide program called "Singing Pictures". His beautiful photographs - Autumn in New England, the majestic Grand Tetons, the quiet elegance of flowers, and cherished moments with his family — brought joy to so many and earned him several awards. He was an active member of Holland's Camera Club for many years.
He demonstrated his love for Jesus through service — visiting the sick and spending Sundays in nursing homes to minister to the elderly. In his later years, he dedicated himself to Forgotten Man Ministries, faithfully writing letters of encouragement and hope to inmates. A Korean War veteran who served in the Army. He sure was a great Dad with his values, hard work ethic, and dry wit and humor. He will be greatly missed.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Karen; his parents, Ted and Lucy Westing; and brother and sister-in-law, Oliver and Hilda Westing.
He is survived by his children, Jim and Sandra Westing of Zeeland, John and Vickie Westing of Zeeland, Pat and Harlan Halma of Sunnyside, Washington, Joan and Dave Schultze of Fort Pierce, Florida, Judi Westing of Mission Viejo, California; 16 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren.
Stuart's family would like to thank Resthaven Care Center and Hospice of Holland for the exceptional care they provided.
Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E. 16th St., Holland. Burial will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery. Visitation will be 4-6 p.m. Friday, July 24, at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be given to Forgotten Man Ministries.
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