Obituaries: July 4, 2026

Carl Thomas Back

September 24, 1948-July 1, 202

Carl Thomas Back passed on July 1, 2026, at the age of 77.

Born on September 24, 1948, Carl lived in Wyoming, Michigan.

No services are scheduled at this time.

Daniel Jay Boerman

June 21, 1967-July 1, 2026

Daniel "Dan" Jay Boerman, age 59, passed away on July 1, 2026.

Born June 21, 1967, Dan was a longtime resident of Holland, Michigan.

Dan was born to Hershel and Gloria Boerman and was raised with the steady rhythms of farm life — one of four children, learning early what it meant to show up, work hard, and do what needed to be done. He participated in daily farm activities, often working before school and returning home to continue helping, a pattern that reflected both devotion to family and a quiet resilience. Dan graduated from Hamilton High School in 1984.

For most of his working life, Dan dedicated himself to Fleetwood, where he spent about 25 years in the factory. Even while employed full-time, he continued to lend a hand on the farm whenever he could. Later, health issues required him to retire early and begin to slow down, yet the strength of his spirit and the steadiness of his work ethic remained evident in the way he met life’s changes.

In 1993, Dan met Roxanne through one of his friends and Roxanne’s son, Fred. Dan and Roxanne were married in 1996 and shared many meaningful years, with their 30th wedding anniversary approaching on July 27. Though they did not have children of their own, Dan was especially close with Roxanne’s two children and embraced the role of a father figure with heartfelt devotion. He cared deeply for Roxanne, and the two supported one another through hospital stays, a testament to the enduring bond they shared.

In quieter moments, Dan found comfort in simple pleasures—playing video games, watching episodes of "Cops," and, most of all, spending quality time with Roxanne, memories she will always hold close.

Dan is survived by his wife, Roxanne Boerman; his mother, Gloria Boerman; his brother, James (Brenda) Boerman; his brother, Randy (Darby) Boerman; his stepson, Jerry (Amber) McAlpine; and, as shared by the family, “He is also survived by his nine grandchildren and his seven great-grandchildren.”

He was preceded in death by his father, Hershel Boerman; his sister, Diane Boerman; and his stepson, Fred McAlpine.

The final resting place will be at Graafschap Cemetery.

Sylvia J. Dykstra

December 6, 1928-July 2, 2026

Sylvia J. Dykstra, age 97, of Holland, died Thursday, July 2, 2026, at her cottage surrounded by her family.

Funeral services will be at noon on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at Maranatha Christian Reformed Church, 918 Central Ave., Holland. Burial will be in Graafschap Cemetery. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, July 8, at Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E. 16th St., Holland.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Sylvia J. Dykstra, please visit our Sympathy Store.

Randall "Randy" Lee Fischer

February 24, 1981-June 20, 2026

Randall “Randy” Lee Fischer, 45, of Wyoming, Michigan, passed away on June 20, 2026.

Randy was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Valorie (Bos) Fischer and Martin Fischer. He graduated from Wyoming Park High School in 1999 and went on to attend Grand Rapids Community College, majoring in general studies.

Randy met the love of his life, Lynda Kilfether, in 2000 in Game, and they shared a lifelong love of gaming. The two wed on September 15, 2005, at Millennium Park in Walker, Michigan.

Randy worked for many years at Mor-Value Parts as a returns coordinator and at the Builder’s Exchange of Western Michigan as an internet documents specialist. In his free time, he enjoyed games of all kinds, especially Dungeons and Dragons, Euchre, EverQuest, and PS5 titles.

Randy is survived by his wife, Lynda Fischer; two children, Alexander Fischer and Micaela (Yuhmontie) Pittman; grandchild, Piper; sister, Jenny Fischer Roberts; brother, David Fischer; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, James Owen Bos and Bonnie (Sprite) Bos; and paternal grandparents, Raymond Fischer and Barbara (Waite) Fischer.

The family will host a celebration of life from noon-7 p.m. Thursday, July 9, 2026, at Millennium Park, 1415 Maynard Ave. SW, Walker, MI 49534. The family kindly requests that guests wear a Hawaiian shirt in his memory, if possible. Attendees may park at Lot A and will make their way to gather at Shelter A.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to The GRID Gamer’s Outreach (gamersoutreach.org/donate). The program builds portable game stations and organizes volunteer programs for children in hospitals, including Helen DeVos and around the United States.

He was a loving husband, father, uncle and friend, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of sharing their lives with him.

The family welcomes memories and messages at cookcaresgrandville.com in their online guestbook.

Nickolas Jay Vander Veen

October 6, 1947-June 25, 2026

With grateful hearts for a life well lived and faith well kept, we celebrate the life of Nickolas Jay Vander Veen, who was welcomed home by his savior on June 25, 2026, at the age of 78.

Nick lived a life marked by deep faith, steadfast love for his family, and unwavering devotion to his country. Above all else, he loved Jesus Christ. His faith was the cornerstone of his life, guiding his words, his actions, and the example he set for everyone who knew him.

Nick proudly served his country during the Vietnam War. His love for America was evident throughout his life, and he considered it a privilege to have served his nation.

While he was proud of his military service, his greatest pride and joy was his family. He was a devoted husband, loving father, cherished Poppy, compassionate pastor, and treasured friend. He was a master at offering wisdom, encouragement, and unwavering support to each generation. His family knew they were deeply loved.

Those who knew Nick will remember his quiet strength, amazing jokes, humble spirit, generous heart, and steadfast character. He believed in doing what was right, serving others, and trusting God through every season of his life.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Ryven and Merle Vander Veen; and siblings Snooks, Gary, and Skip.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Barb; children, Brad (Kelli) Vander Veen, Brenda (Brent) Thelen, Mark (Jen) Vander Veen, Kim (Dan) Velderman, and Kurt (Lisa) Vander Veen; grandchildren, Derek (Liz) Vander Veen, Mariah (Alex) Miller, Hailee (Andy) Damon, Gavin Thelen, Caden Thelen, Evan Thelen, Jayden Thelen, Tori Vander Veen, Elli (Hudson) Black, Samantha Vander Veen, Simon Vander Veen, Makayla (Peter) Vos, Cameron Velderman, Reid Velderman, Crew Vander Veen, and Finley Vander Veen; great-grandchildren, Nathan, Rylynn, Truett, Ozzie, Belle, Eliya, and Haven; siblings, Joyce Smith, Dan (Bonnie) Vander Veen, Pam (Scott) Segard, Marcia Lemson, Karen (Tim) Zuidema, Rob Vander Veen; in-laws, Donna (Jon) Stellema, Doug (Rachel) TerBeek, Sally (Michael) Polivan, Ruth (John) Scott, and David (Renee) TerBeek.

Though we miss him deeply, we take comfort in knowing he is now home with the Lord he loved and served so faithfully. His legacy of faith, patriotism, integrity, and love will live on in the hearts of those who were blessed to know him.

A visitation will be 9:30-11 a.m. Monday July 6, 2026, at Cook Memorial Chapel, 4235 Prairie St. SW, Grandville, MI 49418, followed by a celebration of life at 11 a.m. with military honors. A private, family-only interment will follow at Allendale Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to The Road Map ministry at theroadmap.org. It would bless Nick to know that an organization that supports Veterans is being cared for in his honor. The family also welcomes memories and messages at cookcaresgrandville.com in Nickolas' online guestbook.

Micah 6:8 “And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”