Obituaries: July 9, 2026
Coralee Doris Anderson
November 16, 1932-July 5, 2026
Coralee D. Anderson, age 93, passed away on Sunday, July 5, 2026.
She is survived by her daughter, Diane (Doug) Riewald; granddaughter, Kim (Eric) Pepper; and great-grandchildren, Klay, Levi, and Layla Pepper.
Coralee loved gardening, flowers, knitting, and watching Hallmark TV. She will be dearly missed.
Interment has taken place at Fairplains Cemetery.
Ronald Wayne Benson
May 3, 1940-July 6, 2026
Ronald Wayne Benson, age 86, passed away Monday, July 6, 2026, at Bridgeway Park Assisted Living in Grand Haven, Michigan.
He was born May 3, 1940, in Pasadena, California, to Erwin G. and Elizabeth (Meyers) Benson. He married Barbara Ann Nance, who preceded him in death on October 3, 2008.
Ronald served his country in the Air Force during the Vietnam War. He graduated from Nazarene Christian College (Point Loma Nazarene University) with a bachelor’s degree in music. He worked as a computer analyst for Heinz Pet Food and Kroger, retiring in 2016. Ron loved music, serving as church music director, and played the trombone. He was a voracious reader and enjoyed military history. Ron traveled to 49 out of the 50 states and attended games in about half of all the Major League Baseball parks.
Ron is lovingly remembered by his daughter, Deidra (Tony) Harmon; two sons, Daron (Susan) Benson and Devon Benson; seven grandchildren; and his sister, Betty (Earl) Robertson.
He was preceded in death by his brother, David Benson.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to The Spring Lake Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 213 E. Savidge St., Spring Lake, MI 49456. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at sytsemafh.com.
Eldean Doris Bouwman
June 5, 1930-July 6, 2026
Eldean Doris Bouwman, age 96, went to be with her Lord Monday, July 6, 2026.
She was preceded in death by her husband, William “Bill” Bouwman; sisters, Ilene (Dale) Palma and Doretta (Cornie) Bouwkamp; and brother, Dave Vlasman.
Eldean will be lovingly remembered by her children, Bill (Barb) Bouwman, Chris (Russ) Kornoelje, Randy (Cheri) Bouwman; seven grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Eldean was a dedicated homemaker, raising her children, volunteering at their schools and her church. She spent her Saturdays baking cookies and breads for the week's lunch boxes. She and Bill loved to travel during their retirement years and visited all 50 states. They also spent winters in Florida, always enjoying a family visit. She was a member of Bethany United Reformed Church.
The family will gather Friday, July 10, for a graveside service and committal. Her interment will be next to her husband, Bill, at Grandville Cemetery.
In honor of Eldean, memorial contributions may be made to Sunset Legacy Foundation or Faith Hospice. The family welcomes memories and messages at cookcaresgrandville.com in their online guestbook.
Andrew Bryson James
April 26, 1974-July 3, 2026
On July 3, 2026, Andrew Bryson James was tragically taken from the family and friends who love him.
Born on April 26, 1974, in Evanston, Illinois, and raised in Grandville, Michigan.
Andy is survived by his son, Benjamin; daughter, Emery; and their mother, Malisa. Others who will keep him forever in their hearts include his parents, Dave and Kathy James; sister, Jen Webb; sister-in-law, Nicole (Jerry) McCord; aunts and uncles, Jan Asdel, Bob (Joann) James, Gary (Donna) James, Janet (Larry) Childers, and Ruth Ann James; nephew, Bryson Webb; nieces Jade, Willow, and Ivy McCord; and numerous cousins. Andy also leaves behind a large and loving group of friends.
Andy was preceded in death by his grandparents, Fred and Arline Asdel, and Ross and Ruth James; aunts, Kaye Asdel and Sharon Mittelstadt; and uncle, Ed James.
Andy enjoyed spending time outdoors, frequently camped and rode the trails with friends. He could often be found up North hunting, always with his loyal Weimaraner, Lucy, by his side. He loved attending concerts especially Def Leppard with friends and watching his kids play sports.
Ben will always remember the best times he had with his dad while camping and watching movies together. Emery loved watching and attending MSU football, basketball, and hockey games with her dad. Andy will be missed by so many people in so many ways.
Visitation with the family will be 10-11 a.m., and a funeral Mass will follow at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 3937 Wilson Ave. SW, Grandville, MI 49418, with a luncheon following. The family requests that you join them to remember Andy. The family welcomes memories and messages at cookcaresgrandville.com in their guestbook online.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation at donate.nfwf.org or via U.S. mail to National Fish and Wildlife Foundation: 1625 Eye St. NW, Ste. 300, Washington, DC 20006.
Stanley Vincent Kostecki
June 9, 1938-July 6, 2026
Mr. Stanley Vincent Kostecki, age 88, passed away in Muskegon, Michigan on Monday, July 6, 2026.
He was born in St. Louis, Missouri on June 9, 1938, to Stanley M. and Katherine D. (Radake) Kostecki. Stan graduated from St. Mary’s Catholic High School in St. Louis, Missouri, where he excelled in athletics and was later inducted into the school's Sports Hall of Fame. He continued his education at Western Illinois University, where he played quarterback for the football team. He was a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps.
On May 14, 1960, he married the love of his life, Lucille Marie "Lucy" (Meunz) Kostecki, and together they shared 61 wonderful years of marriage. Stan went on to become a successful businessman and co-owner of C-Plastics Inc., where he dedicated more than 35 years before “retiring” in 2024. Stan was a devoted member of Grand Haven American Legion Post #28, Spring Lake Country Club, and St. Mary's Catholic Church in Spring Lake. He found great joy in bass fishing and golfing, earning a reputation for winning many of the tournaments he entered, and he was an avid Notre Dame football fan. A gifted athlete throughout his life, Stan embraced competition with enthusiasm and determination.
More than any accomplishment, however, Stan will be remembered for the way he cared for others. He consistently placed the needs of those around him before his own and loved his family with unwavering devotion. Through life's celebrations and its challenges, his family always came first. His unconditional love, steadfast support, and quiet strength will remain a lasting legacy in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
Stan is survived by his children, Chris Kostecki, Margaret (Bob) Wurn, and Kathy Deal; grandchildren, Cassandra (Steve) Wales, Jacob Deal, Ryan (Brittany Carmody) Pellegrom, and Freesia (AJ) Pierce; great-grandchildren, Alyssa (Tyler), Vincent, Gabriella, Landon, Kylie, Greyson, and Dahlia; sister, Florence Marchlewski; brother, Fred (Ady) Kostecki and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Lucille Marie “Lucy” Kostecki; his parents; and brother-in-law, Victor Marchlewski.
Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Friday, July 10, 2026, at The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 620 Washington Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at noon Saturday, July 11, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 406 E. Savidge St., Spring Lake, MI 49456. Burial will be in Spring Lake Cemetery.
Memorials in memory of Stan may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. You may sign his online guestbook at sytsemafh.com.
Alice M. Vanko
February 24, 1957-July 7, 2026
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Alice Marie Vanko, most recently of Holland, Michigan.
Born February 24, 1957, in Chicago, Illinois, passed July 7, 2026.
Survived by brother, Thomas Vanko; loving sister-in-law, Gail Vanko; nephews, Christopher and Andrew Vanko (twins), Ryan Douka and niece, Alison Douka.
Mother and grandmother figure, affectionately known as C.G. to Christine/David, Forrest and Willow Kern. Dear friends to Jim/Eliane Oneyear, Ruslan Karosanidze, Tamara/Todd and Henry Gordon, Jeff/Brenda Crisp, Matt/Lori Nowak, Eddie/Rachel England and Jeff/Pam King.
Preceded in death by parents, Robert and Jean Vanko; brother, Joseph Vanko, and sister, Jane Douka.
The Vanko family moved from the Southside of Chicago to Countryside, Illinois, where Alice attended Lyons Township High School, graduating in 1975. She went on to be a Court Reporter in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and from there had a long career with Putnam Publishing, which brought her back to Chicago. She also worked for many years in International Banking for HSBC located in Arlington Heights, Illinois, while earning a marketing degree from DePaul University Driehaus College of Business. She graduated in 2017 Summa Cum Laude.
As much as she loved her home in Elmwood Park, Illinois, (which she bought on her own at age 35), her dream was to move back to Michigan. She relocated in 2022 and loved everything in Michigan. The local Farmers Market was a must-do to support her love for gourmet cooking; she was also known to spend a lazy day at the beach, and we must mention her love for shopping.
Over the years, her many travels took her to France, Poland, and 48 of the 50 United States.
Alice had a hearty laugh and was most certainly the life of the party. She was cherished by many and will be deeply missed.
Funeral services will be held July 14, 2026, at Mulder Chapel, 188 32nd St., Holland. Visitation will be 10-10:45 a.m. and a funeral service at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Dan Clark presiding.
A delayed graveside will be held at 3:30 p.m. at St Joseph Catholic Cemetery, 7671 Red Arrow Highway, Watervliet, MI.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Alice, please visit our floral store.
Steve Venegas
October 29, 1979-July 7, 2026
Steve Venegas, born October 29, 1979, passed on July 7, 2026, at the age of 46.
Visitation will be held at Lakeshore Memorial Services, 11939 James St., Holland, MI 49424, on July 12, 2026, from 1-2 p.m.
A Funeral Service will take place at Lakeshore Memorial Services, 11939 James Street, Holland, MI 49424, US, on July 12, 2026, at 2:00 pm.
A committal service will be at 3 p.m. on July 12, 2026, North Holland Cemetery, 2436 Beeline Road, Holland, MI 49424.
Martin Villegas Jr
February 1, 1986-July 5, 2026
Martin Villegas, age 40, passed away on July 5, 2026.
He was born on February 1, 1986, in Plainwell, Michigan, to Crystela Villegas and Martin Villegas. One of three children and the middle child, Martin’s life was marked by a steady kindness and a generous spirit that found its way into the lives of many who knew him.
From an early age, Martin found joy in simple, shared moments — especially as a kid, when he loved playing video games with his cousin. In high school, he brought determination and pride to everything he did. He played football on the offensive line and was often seen with his war paint on for games, a small but memorable sign of how fully he showed up for his team. He also enjoyed playing the saxophone during high school. Martin graduated from Fennville High School in 2004.
After graduating, Martin went directly into the workforce and worked a variety of jobs. While working, he also managed to take classes for massage therapy and earned his certification. Most of his working life, however, was spent as the office manager at Help at Home, where he assisted with getting nursing and healthcare support into homes. In that role, his compassion and big heart were evident in the care he took to help others find the assistance they needed.
Within his family, Martin was an amazing cousin and uncle who loved all of his cousins, nieces, and nephews like his own children. Any chance he had to show his support and love to them was a chance that he took, whether it was attending an event or just offering his time. He was the kind of person who always offered a helping hand and was there for anyone who needed him, but his family was always one of the most important things in his life.
Martin carried himself with quiet confidence and a natural charisma that those around him could feel. He loved to dance, and he never let his health keep him from what he loved to do. He had a great sense of humor and offered a steady calm to those around him. He also had a strong interest in fashion and was often the family fashionista — bringing his own sense of style and presence wherever he went.
Martin is survived by his father, Martin Villegas; his mother, Crystela Villegas; his sister, Veronica Villegas; his half-sister, Alayna Brayman; his nephew, Silas; his niece, Frankie; his nephew, Raza; his aunt, Arcelia (Noe) Rivera; his uncle, Rudy (Claudia) Garcia; his cousins, Arcelia (Thomas) Deleon-Meader, Jamie Deleon, Alma (Antonio) Echeverria, and Daniella (Christopher) Willingham.
He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Frances Dorardo, and his grandfather, Rodolfo Garcia.
A celebration of life is planned for July 17, 2026, from 1-3 p.m., with a funeral service to follow beginning at 2 p.m. Both the visitation and service will be held at Lakeshore Memorial Services, 11939 James St., Holland, MI 49424.
Ronald Allen Vos
February 26, 1940-July 7, 2026
Ronald Allen Vos, age 86, of Holland, went home to be with his Lord and savior on July 7, 2026.
Born on February 26, 1940, to Albert and Ruth Vos. Ron was a man of unwavering faith, attending both Overisel and North Street CRC. He graduated from ZHS and served his country in the U.S. Army. The Lord blessed him with many talents, one being able to create and build anything out of wood; he was also extremely gifted in the lost art of hand wood carving. He was employed by Baker Furniture and Herman Miller.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marianne, in 2024 and his in-laws, George and Leona DenBesten, and Audrey DenBesten.
Ron is survived by his daughters, Linnea and Loren Hop, Kerri and Doug Geerlings, Connie Vos; grandchildren, Rachel (Jake) Vander Wall, Luke (Lettie) Hop, April Hop, Katelyn (Evan) Machiela, Allyson Geerlings (Matt Wilde), Meghan Geerlings; in-laws, Calvin (Ardith) DenBesten, Garry (Lynne) DenBesten; as well as extended family and friends.
Revelation 21:4: "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
To honor Ron’s life and faith, a funeral service will take place at North Street Christian Reformed Church, 20 E. Main Ave., Zeeland, MI 49464, at 11 a.m. on July 20, 2026. Visitation with the Vos family will be at Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St., Zeeland, MI, 49464 on Sunday, July 19, from 2-4 p.m.
Ron’s family kindly requests memorial contributions to Hospice of Holland. The Vos family is being served by Yntema Funeral Home. To leave condolences online, please visit yntemafh.com.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Ronald Allen Vos, please visit our Sympathy Store.
