Obituaries: June 27, 2026
Milton "Red" John Adams
January 2, 1951-June 21, 2026
Milton John “Red” Adams, of De Tour Village, Michigan, went home to be with the Lord on June 21, 2026. He was surrounded by his family at the time of his passing.
Red was born on January 2, 1951, in Sault Ste Marie, Michigan, to Herbert E. “Bill” Adams and Marjorie H. (Olmstead) Adams.
Red grew up in De Tour Village, Michigan, graduating from DeTour High School with the class of 1969. On December 11, 1971, he married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Linda Bender. After high school, he began doing various jobs, his favorite of which was the excitement of working on the lake freighter, the J.L. Rice, with his brother Bill. Needing a steady job that allowed him to be a family man, he was hired by EUPTA in 1972 and spent the next 34 years working for the Drummond Island Ferry.
Along the way, he spent 45 years on the DeTour Fire Department, 39 of them as the fire chief. He spent 17 years on the DeTour Village Council, eight years on the DeTour School Board, and coached football at DeTour High School for 15 years. Red owned a propane business and the DeTour Bike Shop, which had never closed. He was also certified to teach specialized training to firefighters around the state, and lots of other undertakings.
Around the age of 25, during a midnight shift on Drummond Island Ferry, he read a book by Rev. Hal Lindsey called "The Late Great Planet Earth." At the end of that book, he gave his heart to Jesus, and he spent the rest of his life serving the Lord God Almighty in every way possible. From setting up chairs and making popcorn at their first church, to spending the last 25 years of his life as the Head Pastor of Wilderness Tabernacle Church in DeTour. Generations of families have been changed because of Red’s passion for people to come to Jesus. His life was the beginning of a legacy that propels his family to live out their Christian faith with boldness and a desire for others to know the God they love and trust so well.
In recent years, he loved going fishing with his brother, Bill, going to auctions with Linda, golfing with his son, Josh, and spending time with his kids and grandkids downstate. Red and Linda had wonderful adventures together, including traveling to all 50 states. Red and Linda also went camping with their kids, their families, and their extended family for 45 years consecutively, around the Fourth of July. He lived a very full life in his 75 years on this earth.
Red loved his family unconditionally. Linda was his favorite person on earth. He was a dedicated husband with unwavering love for his wife. No father worked harder, or spent more time with his kids, than Red did, and his grandkids were his pride and joy!
Red is survived by his wife of 54 years, Linda; children, Sarah (Tim) VanOudheusden of Cutlerville, Michigan, Joshua Adams of DeTour, Mark (Kristin) Adams of Ravenna, Michigan, Christie (Aaron) Schwartz of Hudsonville, Michigan, Abby (Tom) Kennedy of Grand Rapids, Michigan; mother-in-law, Dolores Bender of Sault Ste. Marie; siblings, Bill (Jeanne) Adams of Tooele, Utah, Nancy (Bill) Cline of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, Francis (Pat) Danes Taylor, Michigan. He also had nine grandchildren, Maclain and Addison Adams, Jase and Crew VanOudhuesden, Cecilia and Reagan Schwartz, Evelyn, Elias, and Emmett Kennedy.
Red was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Marjorie Adams; son, Milton John Adams Jr.; and sister and brother-in-law, Eugene and Mary Wagner.
A service will be held in his honor at 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 3, 2026, at Wilderness Tabernacle Church, 1670 E. North Caribou Lake Road, De Tour Village, MI 49725, with a luncheon immediately following. A private family burial will take place at Maple Grove Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Wilderness Tabernacle Church in Red’s name: P.O. Box 6, DeTour Village, MI 49725. Any gift given will promptly go to promoting and sharing the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. What Red wanted most was to make Heaven crowded.
The family welcomes memories and messages at cookcaresgrandville.com in their guestbook online.
Sandra Adamson (Haack) Swider
November 24, 1943-June 18, 2026
Sandra Lynn Adamson Swider, age 82, went to be with her Lord on Thursday, June 18, 2026.
Sandra was preceded in death by her spouses, M. Michael Haack and Don Swider; parents, Adolph H. and Helen Adamson.
She will be remembered by her daughter, Kerri (David) Layman; son, Kevin (Tanya) Haack; and five grandchildren, Chase and Tyler Layman, Kaleb, Owen, and Collin Haack.
Sandra’s life was defined by her love of learning, service to others, and the beauty she cultivated wherever she went. She earned two master’s degrees and dedicated many years to teaching elementary students — sharing her patience, encouragement, and love of learning with countless children throughout her career at Marywood Academy and Caledonia Public Schools. A Certified Master Gardener and long-time volunteer with the Master Gardener program, she delighted in creating beautiful gardens and found joy in every flower that came into bloom. Her compassion extended to animals as well, and she lovingly adopted many shelter dogs over the years.
Above all, Sandra cherished her family. Her greatest happiness came from being “Mom” and “Grandma,” and she found her deepest fulfillment in the time she spent with her children and grandchildren.
A celebration mass of Sandra’s life will commence at 11 a.m., with visitation occurring at 10 a.m., Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 3937 Wilson Ave. SW, Grandville, MI 49418.
In honor of Sandra and in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Humane Society of West Michigan. Interment will be at Rosedale Memorial Park. The family welcomes memories and messages at cookcaresgrandville.com in their guestbook online.
Shirley Ilene Bos
August 18, 1937-June 25, 2026
Shirley Bos, age 88, of Zeeland, Michigan, went to be with her Lord and savior on Thursday, June 25, 2026.
She is reunited with her beloved husband, Ronald, who preceded her in death in 2010.
Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, she graduated from Holland High School. She was employed by Herman Miller, retiring in 1992.
She is survived by her children, Patricia and Brian Wyckoff; son, Douglas and Wenise Bos; grandchildren, Stephanie and Jon Backlund, Carson and Ellie Wyckoff; great-grandson, Lincoln Wyckoff; and sister, Norma and Jim Tenckinck.
At her request, no services are being planned.
Burial to take place in Pilgrim Home Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given in Shirley's honor to Hospice of Holland, 270 Hoover Blvd., Holland, MI 49423 or at hollandhospice.org.
John 3:16
Psalm 23
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James R. Caywood
May 5, 1956-June 25, 2026
James Robert “Jim” Caywood, 70, passed away peacefully on June 25, 2026, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, surrounded by the love of his family.
Jim was the devoted husband of Cindy, his beloved wife of 51 years. Together, they built a life centered on love, faith, family, and countless cherished memories. Their marriage was a beautiful example of unwavering commitment.
Jim was a faithful husband, father, grandfather, brother, neighbor, and friend. Nothing brought him more joy than being present for the people he loved. He loved being at any event or activity that the grandchildren were a part of.
Jim retired from the Zeeland chemical plant, Vertellus, after 48 years. He attended The Foundry Church in Zeeland. Jim found much joy in being outdoors. He loved hunting, working the family farm, spending time at the cabin, snowmobiling through the winter, and traveling with Cindy. One of their most memorable trips was celebrating their 50th anniversary in Hawaii.
His warm personality made everyone feel special. Jim had a gift for engaging with others. His kindness, humor, and easy smile left a lasting impression wherever he went.
Though his absence leaves an immeasurable void, the memories he created and the love he shared will continue to inspire those fortunate enough to have known him.
Jim was preceded in death by his father and mother, Robert and Beverly Caywood.
He is survived by his loving and faithful wife, Cindy; his children and grandchildren, Tonya and Dan Mannes (Weston and Nolan), Josh and Heather Caywood (Grace, Audrey, and Ben), Amanda and Mark Nyhof (Natalie, Adelynn, and Owen); his siblings, Karen and Jim Schwartz, Dan and Kelly Caywood; his siblings-in-law, Linda and Phil Hunderman, Wanda and Steve VerBeek; and many nieces and nephews.
He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at The Foundry Church, 425 100th St., Zeeland. Burial will be in West Drenthe Cemetery. Visitation will be 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Monday, June 29, at The Foundry Church. Memorial contributions may be given to The Foundry or Corewell Health Hospice.
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Rev. Dr. Lisa Greene Henderson
January 3, 1963-June 25, 2026
Rev. Dr. Lisa Greene Henderson, age 63, of Grand Haven, passed away on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at Fayette's Assisted Living in Lowell.
She was born on January 3, 1963, in Grand Haven, Michigan, to David and Mary (Hirdes) Greene.
Lisa graduated from Grand Haven High School and Grand Valley State University. She then attended graduate school at Western Theological Seminary, where she earned her Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree and her doctorate. Lisa then became a pastor in Grand Rapids and Rockford, most recently pastoring at Bella Vista Church in Rockford.
In high school, Lisa participated in theatre and was a competitive ballet student and dancer. She loved her dogs, and in her free time, she enjoyed watching television and spending time with her grandchildren.
Lisa will be lovingly remembered and missed by her two daughters, Grace (Sam) Barnard and Anna (Chad) Slider; two sons, Seth (Janelle) Henderson and Ethan (Samantha) Henderson; four loved grandchildren, Jameson and Wesley Barnard and Norah and Mila Henderson; her mother, Mary Greene; her sister, Lori Greene; brother, Michael (Cindy) Greene; four nephews; and her two best friends, Anita Maas and Betsy Calhoun.
She was preceded in death by her father, David Greene, and grandmother, Ann Hirdes.
In accordance with Lisa's wishes, no services will be held.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association - Michigan Chapter, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, or Corewell Health Hospice & Palliative Care West Michigan.
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Kenneth Edward Krizan
March 3, 1960-June 23, 2026
Kenneth Edward Krizan, age 66, passed away on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at Corewell Health Grand Rapids Blodgett Hospital.
He was born on March 3, 1960, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Albert Joseph “Skip” and Sandra Helen (Wendling) Krizan. On June 30, 1979, he married Sharilynn Pressey in Grand Haven, beginning a partnership that spanned nearly 47 years.
Ken was a lifelong concrete construction worker who took great pride in hard work and providing for his family. He was happiest outdoors, whether hunting in the woods, fishing on the water, or sharing stories about his latest adventure. He also enjoyed softball, golf and bowling, and often you would know if it wasn’t going his way.
More than anything, Ken loved his family. He was a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and friend. He was known for his quick wit, his stubborn determination, and his willingness to lend a hand whenever someone needed help. His family will remember his sense of humor, the lessons he taught through example, and the countless memories made together over the years. In retirement, he loved living in his peaceful woods in Baldwin.
He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Sharilynn Krizan; daughter, Amanda (Adam) Shepard; four grandchildren, Karley (Zack) Briggs, Jonathan (Brook) Shepard, Brendan (Taylor) Tober, and Brynne Lowe; three great-grandchildren, Bailey, Ryan, and Mackenzie; his mother, Sandra Krizan; sister, Kris (Morey) Wagenmaker; three brothers, Keith (Dawn) Krizan, Kurt (Katie) Krizan, and Kevin Krizan; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Albert “Skip” Krizan, and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Larry (Elaine) Pressey.
A celebration of life will be 4-7 p.m. Friday, June 26, 2026, at the Grand Haven Eagles. In lieu of flowers, a donation to Sportsman for Youth is appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 620 Washington Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417.
Share memories with the family at their online guest book at sytsemafh.com.
Betty Jean Kunzi
October 8, 1937-June 24, 2026
Betty Jean Kunzi, age 88, went to be with her Lord and savior on Wednesday, June 24, 2026.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Warren Kunzi; daughter, Judith Kunzi; and parents, Andrew and Josie Talsma.
She will be lovingly missed by her children, Deb Khoriaty, Michael (Lori) Kunzi, Sharlyn Kunzi; grandchildren, Justin (Kirsten), Tarek, Alex Khoriaty, Travis, Ben (Bree) Lindemulder, Seth, Leah, Allie Overbeek; five great-grandchildren; siblings, Jan (Sid) Norman, Helen Morris, Linda (Stan) Stedman, George (Carol) Talsma, Karen Sundberg; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services for Betty will be at 5 p.m. Saturday, June 27, 2026, with visitation beginning at 3 p.m., at Cook Memorial Chapel, 4235 Prairie St. SW, Grandville, Michigan 49418.
In lieu of flowers and in honor of Betty, contributions may be made to Sunset Legacy Foundation or Corewell Health Hospice. The family welcomes memories and messages at cookcaresgrandville.com in their guestbook online.
Sharon Lynn Langejans
June 22, 1947-June 24, 2026
Sharon Lynn Langejans passed on June 24, 2026, at the age of 79.
Sharon was born on June 22, 1947, and was a resident of Zeeland, Michigan.
Hai Nam Le
November 3, 1950-June 23, 2026
Hai Le of Zeeland, Michigan, passed away on June 23, 2026.
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Frederick Joseph McNew
November 25, 1940-June 22, 2026
Frederick Joseph McNew, 85, of Grand Haven, Michigan, passed away on Monday, June 22, 2026.
He was born on November 25, 1940, in Litchfield, Illinois, the son of Estell and Velda Baines McNew.
Fred graduated from Litchfield High School, attended college, received a master's degree in English and began preparing for the priesthood. After thoughtful consideration, he determined that his calling lay elsewhere. He enlisted in the United States Navy, where he proudly served for four years and traveled extensively while serving as a speechwriter for the United States Navy Admiral John McCain Jr.
Following his military service, Fred enjoyed a successful career in real estate in Kansas City, Missouri, for many years. He later transitioned to the credit union industry, serving as a loan officer before transferring to Grand Haven, Michigan, as a specialized loan officer. Never one to stop learning, Fred pursued a new passion following retirement by becoming a licensed massage therapist, developing many lasting friendships through the clients he served. He also enjoyed painting abstract art in his spare time.
Fred was a faithful member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Spring Lake, MI.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Estell and Velda McNew, and his sister, Marilyn JoAnn Yemm.
Fred is survived by his sister, Janet McNew; nephews, Perry (Kathy) Yemm, Scott (Penny) Yemm, Jeff (Becca) Yemm; nieces, Shelley Leepper and Sheila (Jim) Grimsley, and many beloved great-nieces and great-nephews.
A funeral mass will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 406 E. Savidge St., Spring Lake, MI. Graveside services will be at Virden Cemetery in Virden, Illinois, with Father James Palakudy officiating. Arrangements entrusted to The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 620 Washington Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at sytsemafh.com.
Memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Fred’s memory.
Harvey Jack Meeusen
May 30, 1934-June 25, 2026
Harvey J. Meeusen, 92, of Hudsonville, entered into the presence of his savior, Jesus, on June 25, 2026.
Harvey was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 67 years, Shirley J. Meeusen; his parents, Andrew and Cornelia Meeusen; his brother and sister-in-law, Al and Marilyn Meeusen; sister and brother-in-law, Marge and John Bol; sister and brother-in-law, Ione and Lowell Rummler; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Harold and Joan DeVries; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Ron and Nina DeVries; sister-in-law, Susan DeVries; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Mary and Bill Greeno; son-in-law, Denny Van Dam; grandsons, Matt Van Dam and Greg Meeusen Jr.; great-grandchildren, Isabel and Sam Meeusen.
Harvey is survived by his five children, Jeff (Kathy) Meeusen, Cyndy (Scott) Van Oostendorp, Kathy (John) Kruse, Sharon Van Dam, Greg (Kathy) Meeusen; 21 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews and friends.
Harvey loved classical music, singing in his church choir, reading, and tinkering with cars. In past years, he enjoyed cross-country skiing, golfing, keeping his yard "picture-perfect," and serving his church as either a deacon or elder. Harvey graduated from General Motors Institute with a degree in mechanical engineering and worked his career at GM, primarily at Diesel Equipment. He authored a thesis on 'Mathematical Evaluation of the Hydraulic Valve Lifter in Relation to Valve Gear Design". In addition, he wrote an article on computer programs for evaluating cam and tappet contact stress and cam wear patterns.
A service to celebrate Harvey's life and faith will be at 11 a.m., Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at Fellowship Reformed Church of Hudsonville, 6610 36th Ave., Hudsonville MI 49426. Visitation will be at the church on Wednesday, from 10-11 a.m., prior to the service. A private graveside service will be held in Georgetown Township Cemetery.
Arrangements by the Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St., Zeeland MI 49464.
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Dr. Brian Parkhurst
June 14, 2026
Dr. Brian (Scott) Parkhurst, age 59, passed away on Sunday, June 14, 2026.
Dr. Brian was born in Groton, Connecticut, at the Naval Submarine Medical Center to Dave and Carol Parkhurst. As the son of a naval family, he spent his childhood living on military bases across the United States and Hawaii, experiences that instilled in him a lifelong sense of adventure, resilience, and appreciation for the natural world.
He earned his bachelor's degree in Park and Recreational Administration from Southern Illinois University with plans to manage large recreational areas. However, after a devastating snowmobile accident left him searching for answers, chiropractic care dramatically changed his life. Following his first treatment, nearly 60% of his symptoms were relieved. Inspired by that experience, he sold his home, moved to Davenport, Iowa, and enrolled at Palmer College of Chiropractic.
During his first year at Palmer, Brian met fellow student Karla, the love of his life. Together, they navigated the challenges of chiropractic school, building a partnership grounded in love, faith, and shared purpose. They married on the very day they graduated and later settled in Holland, where they opened Parkhurst Chiropractic in January 2000.
For more than 26 years, Drs. Brian and Karla built Parkhurst Chiropractic into a respected practice known for compassionate, patient-centered care. Their vision was simple: to create a place where every patient felt welcomed, cared for, and valued. Dr. Brian cared for everyone from children and families to student athletes and professional competitors, always believing that healing meant treating people with kindness, respect, and hope. The clinic's motto reflected the way he lived his life: "You will enter as strangers and leave as friends."
That same calling to serve extended beyond the clinic. Brian's passion for falconry began in 1995 while living in Iowa, eventually earning him Master Class Falconer status and numerous federal and state permits. In 2002, he co-founded the Outdoor Discovery Center's Bird of Prey Program, now the DeWitt Bird of Prey Program. In 2023, he fulfilled a lifelong vision by founding Falconshire Raptors of West Michigan, a nonprofit dedicated to Conservation, Education, Rescue, and Research. Whether mentoring aspiring falconers, teaching wildlife biology, training bird dogs, or caring for injured raptors, Brian freely shared his knowledge, patience, and enthusiasm, inspiring others to become thoughtful stewards of the natural world.
Dr. Brian also gave generously of his time through volunteer service on several community boards, most recently at Anchorage Marina. He found great joy on the water, whether boating with friends or simply appreciating the peace and beauty of the shoreline.
Above all, Brian treasured his family. He is survived by his beloved wife and partner of twenty-six years, Dr. Karla Parkhurst, along with a loving extended family, countless friends, devoted patients, colleagues, students, and members of the falconry and conservation communities whose lives he touched. His legacy of compassion, mentorship, generosity, and service will continue through all who had the privilege of knowing him.
An open house for family and friends will be 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St., Zeeland, Michigan 49464.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association in Dr. Brian's honor. Support LBDA With a Donation | Lewy Body Dementia Association (LBDA).
"Though his time with us was too short, Brian's spirit lives on in every life he touched, every patient he helped, every student he mentored, and every bird he released to the sky."
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Donald Alan Riebe
October 9, 1957-June 1, 2026
Donald A. Riebe, 68, passed away June 1, 2026.
Born in Muskegon, Michigan, on October 9, 1957, to Don H. Riebe and Shirley H. Hughes Riebe.
Don was in the U.S. Navy for seven years. His most recent employment was with Tennent Company of Holland.
Survived by his wife of 27 years, Cheryl Stefan-Riebe; in-laws, Maria Stefan, Bob and Sherrie Stefan; brothers, David and Kathy Riebe and Gary Riebe; daughters, Heather and Jeremy Davidson, Hannah and Mike McDaniel; three grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.
Cremation has taken place, and he will be buried at Fort Custer National Cemetery.
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Terry Riordan
December 1, 1934-June 20, 2026
Donald “Terry” Riordan, age 91, passed away in the comfort of his home on Saturday, June 20, 2026, in Caledonia, Michigan, with his loving family surrounding him.
Terry is survived by his wife of 67 years, Eldine Riordan (McMillan); their children, Dan Riordan, Tim (Cheryl) Riordan, Marty (Lori) Riordan and Julie (Steve) Johnson; as well as nine grandchildren, Adrian (Brittany) Riordan, Keegan (Nicole) Romero-Johnson, Eileen Mapes-Riordan (Maddie Soukup), Ben Riordan, Bailey (Michelle) Johnson, Lukas (Cayla) Riordan, Jarrett Riordan, Gabe Johnson, and Lydia (Gavin) Zylstra; six great-grandchildren, Greyson, Landon, Sawyer, Tate, Bryson, and Nora. Terry has one surviving sibling, Rick (Paula) Riordan, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Terry is preceded in death by his parents, James and Cecilia (Busch) Riordan; nine siblings; and daughter-in-law, Lynne Mapes-Riordan.
Terry was born in 1934 and had 10 siblings, nine of whom preceded him in death. He grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and raised his family nearby.
After an early retirement from Kelvinator, Terry spent most of his time dedicated to his antique business and built a solid reputation on the quality of his work. He cared deeply about faith and family. Whether it was people or antiques, he understood the value in pouring time into the things he loved. He and his wife opened their home to over 25 foster children, as well as raising their own children.
After semi-retiring again from antiques, he and Eldine chose to spend the last 20 summers at Lake Leelanau. Terry was an avid hunter and an even bigger fan of “deer camp." He was known for his sense of humor, love of food, and best lap holder ever to his five great-grandchildren. Terry was married to the love of his life, Eldine, for 67 years. He became her main caregiver for the past eight years, and she continues to struggle with dementia. His love remained constant, patient, and protective, and the values he modeled to the end will live on through his family.
Visitation services for Terry will be 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at Cook Memorial Chapel (East Building), 4235 Prairie St. SW, Grandville, MI 49418. A funeral mass will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 1, with visitation from 10-11 a.m. prior to Mass, at Holy Redeemer Catholic Parish Church, 2700 Baldwin St., Jenison, MI 49428. The family also welcomes memories and messages at cookcaresgrandville.com in Terry's online guestbook.
Mary VanOpstall
April 17, 1951-June 24, 2026
Mary VanOpstall, age 75, of Holland, passed away on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
Mary is survived by her sons and families, Michael VanOpstall and Catherine Norman (Anthony, Ia, Claire and Madeleine), David and Tracy VanOpstall; her siblings, Mel and Marsha Cooke, Kevin and Christy Cooke, Curt and Sue Cooke, Cheryl and Dave Beute; her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Bruce Wormmester, Tom and Jan VanOpstall, Jim and Diane VanOpstall, and Earl and Pat VanOpstall, and many nieces and nephews.
Mary lived a life she considered richly blessed! She often described the good things in her life as gifts from God and carried a deep sense of gratitude for the people and experiences that shaped her.
Mary was the beloved daughter of Melvin Robert Cooke and Josephine DeFouw Cooke. Mary treasured memories of her childhood home, the garden, the cornfield, the creek, and the pine trees that surrounded it. She remained deeply connected to her brothers, sister, nieces, nephews, and extended family throughout her life. Their love, support, and especially their shared sense of humor brought her endless laughter and joy.
Mary was devoted to her family. She was a loving wife (married to Al for 48 years), mother, grandmother, sister, and friend who found her greatest happiness in the people she loved. She had a great love for the beach and Lake Michigan, and she and Al would often take drives to Oval Beach for dinner over the grill. She often spoke of the overwhelming love she felt for her children and took immense pride in the lives they built, the families they created, and the people they became.
Her grandchildren held a special place in her heart. They were constantly in her thoughts and prayers, and she delighted in creating memories with them through baking, sewing, crafting, card games and many games of Yahtzee. She hoped they would always remember the love and laughter they shared together, and especially the time spent together at a cottage on Lake Michigan earlier this spring.
After retirement, Mary discovered a passion for sewing and quilting that opened a new chapter of friendship and creativity. Through quilting, she found a vibrant community of friends whose talents, kindness, and fellowship enriched her life. She treasured these relationships and the joy they brought her.
Mary was a woman of strong faith whose relationship with God guided her throughout her life. She found comfort, strength, and purpose in her faith and desired above all that those she loved would continue to walk in faith and one day be reunited together in eternal life.
Mary will be remembered for her grateful heart, generosity, creativity, devotion to family, and unwavering faith. Though her family mourns her loss, they rejoice in a life well lived and the promise of the resurrection.
The family invites you to remember, honor, and celebrate Mary at a visitation on Friday, June 26, from 10:30-11:45 a.m., followed by a funeral service at noon at Hudsonville Reformed Church (3950 Highland Drive, Hudsonville) officiated by Rev. David VanOpstall and Rev. Ron Boersema. Interment will be in Rosedale Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to 20 Liters: 20liters.org/get-involved/#give.
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