Obituaries: March 9-15, 2026
Lynnette Rae (DeWitt) Chittenden
February 15, 1954-March 8, 2026
Lynnette "Lynne" Rae Chittenden, age 72, of Grand Haven, passed away on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at Trinity Health Muskegon Hospital.
She was born on February 15, 1954, in Grand Haven, Michigan, to the late Herbert and Mary Kay (Bouwman) DeWitt. Lynne married Michael R. Chittenden on October 6, 1973, and he preceded her in death on September 15, 2016, after sharing 42 years of marriage.
Lynne graduated from Grand Haven High School and was a stay-at-home mother to her two children while they were growing up. She enjoyed gardening, her cats, and taking care of her home, which was her happy place. She loved nothing more than being a wife and mother and was the happiest being with and caring for them.
Lynne will be lovingly remembered and missed by her two children, Craig Chittenden and Joseph Chittenden (significant other, Catherine Stanton); five loved grandchildren: Maria Mari, Samuel Chittenden, Thomas Chittenden, Robert Stanton, and Joanne Smith; and her brother, L. Michael DeWitt.
She was preceded in death by both her parents; her husband, Michael; her granddaughter, Alexis Mari; her brother, Ross DeWitt, and her sister, Lori Glass.
Private family services will be held.
Memorial contributions may be made to Harbor Hospice-Leila & Cyrus Poppen Residence.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lynnette Rae (DeWitt) Chittenden, please visit our floral store.
Patricia A. Danly
May 18, 1936-March 7, 2026
Patricia Ann (Moeke) Danly, 89, of Holland, Michigan, passed away peacefully in her sleep on March 7, 2026, in Zeeland, Michigan, Riley’s Grove Assisted Living Center.
Pat was born in New York, New York, to Kenneth Malcomb and Ruth Pauline (Towne) Walters on May 18, 1936. She went on to earn a master's degree in education from Michigan State University. She worked as a teacher for West Ottawa Public Schools/Lakewood Elementary for 36 years.
She enjoyed sailing, knitting, playing the piano, gardening, and traveling. Pat met Richard A. Danly at the Macatawa Bay Yacht Club. Later, he moved to Holland, Michigan, and they were married in 2000. Pat and Dick enjoyed many years together sailing the Great Lakes and traveling the world. They accomplished quite a feat by cruising the Great Circle Loop twice in their trawler.
Pat is survived by her children, Steve Moeke, Bob Moeke, George (Jodi) Moeke, Jeanne (Steve) Windemuller; five grandchildren, Hailey (Moeke) Allen, Shelby (Moeke) Bensinger, Erin (Moeke) Gipperich, Randi Windemuller, and Trent Windemuller, four great-grandchildren; siblings, Marianne Mc Beth (David), William (Bill) Walters (Liz); stepchildren, Connie (Tom) Petersen, Mark (Pat) Danly, Dave (Theresa) Danly, Craig (Nancy) Danly, and Keith (Laurie) Danly; 12 step-grandchildren, 11 step-great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her sister, Ruth Elaine Sully.
A private family committal will be at Dykstra Funeral Home on March 11, 2026, with the Rev. Jen Adams of Grace Episcopal Church officiating. Burial will be followed at Lakewood Cemetery, Lakewood Blvd., Holland.
Memorial donations may be made to:
- The American Heart Association / American Stroke Association: P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692. 800-242-8721.
- Arthritis Foundation 1355 Peachtree St., Ste. 600, Atlanta, GA 30309.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to staff at Riley’s Grove Assisted Living for their excellent care.
Nella Faber
September 15, 1927-March 6, 2026
Nella Ann (Kooistra) Faber, 98, of Holland, Michigan, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2026, at Resthaven Maple Woods Assisted Living facility in Holland, Michigan.
Nella was born in Prospect Park, N.J., to Jacob G. Kooistra and Lena (Sytsma) Kooistra on September 15, 1927. She graduated from Grand Rapids Christian High. After graduation, Nella worked as a secretary at Vandenberg Brothers Furniture in downtown Grand Rapids. In 1951, she married Gerard Faber and raised a family of four in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Over the years, Nella worked as a secretary in academic, retail, and medical settings. She enjoyed reading, listening to opera and classical music, playing Scrabble and spending time with her children and grandchildren at Lake Michigan.
Nella is survived by her four children, Steven (Pamela) Faber, Randall Faber, Lori Andrus, and Gwen Terpstra; eight grandchildren, Brent Faber, Adrienne Faber, Christopher (Patty) Westra; Michael (Hanna) Westra, Alexis Andrus, Anne Terpstra, Laina Terpstra, and Vivian (Dylan) Gaines; and four great-grandchildren, Jacob Faber, Henry Faber, Sean Westra, and Wynn Westra.
She is also survived by her sister Marilyn Marsh and brother John Kooistra.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Gerard Faber; sister, Anna Kooistra; brother, George Kooistra, and grandson Ian Faber.
A funeral service will be held Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Dykstra Funeral Home - Downtown Chapel, at 29 E. Ninth St., Holland. The visitation with family begins at 10 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m.
Ann Fredrickson
October 21, 1928-March 8, 2026
Ann Fredrickson, age 97 of South Haven, passed away Sunday, March 8, 2026.
No services or visitations are scheduled.
Arrangements are by the Dykstra Funeral Home-Downtown Chapel.
Betty Hilldore
October 25, 1931-March 11, 2026
Betty Grace (Peuler) Hilldore, age 94, of Holland, passed away Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at Quincy Place Senior Living.
Betty Grace (Peuler) Hilldore lived a life rooted in family, music, and the many simple pleasures that brought her joy. Born to Henry and Alice Peuler in Hudsonville, Michigan, she was active in school, playing basketball and clarinet and accompanying choirs on piano.
She met the love of her life, Larry, at 16, married him at 18, and together they raised five children. Betty faithfully attended their plays, concerts, and tennis matches, and accompanied them at solo and ensemble events. She also nurtured her own love of antiquing and her knack for making her home warm and inviting. She and Larry traveled to all 50 state capitol buildings, and later in life, she was delighted to visit the Netherlands and find her family’s home village.
After most of her children were grown, Betty enrolled full-time at Grand Valley State University to pursue a degree in social work. She went on to serve families in Allegan, Kent, and Muskegon counties before retiring and later working at antique and home décor shops in Holland.
Betty especially loved time with family, playing piano, antiquing, interior design, gardening, reading, bird watching, crossword puzzles, volunteering at Evergreen Commons, animals, pineapple on pizza, Twizzlers, and the color pink.
Betty was preceded in death by her loving husband of 51 years, Lawrence, and a great-granddaughter, Sasha Adaline White.
She is survived by her children, Thomas (Mary) Hilldore, Lori (William) Notier, Larry (Cheryl) Hilldore, Mary Hilldore, and Timothy (Christy) Hilldore. She also adored her 16 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 15, 2026, at Dykstra Funeral Homes-Northwood Chapel, 295 Douglas Avenue in Holland. Chaplain Lisa Braunius will be officiating. Burial will be in Lakewood Cemetery.
Visitation will be 1-2:45 p.m. prior to the service at Northwood Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Gentiva Hospice.
Janice Hollander
November 6, 1969-March 6, 2026
Janice Elaine Hollander, age 57, of Fennville, passed away Friday, March 6, 2026, at her home.
Janice was born in Douglas, Michigan, on November 6, 1969, to Bill and Barbara (Canamore) Wooten. She graduated from Fennville High School. On January 1, 1985, Janice married John Hollander, and together they had two boys.
She was employed at Howard Miller for five years, daycare for two years, pet sitting for five years, and for 20-plus years she was self-employed, cleaning houses.
Janice enjoyed traveling, especially going to different wineries across the country. She had a love for all animals.
She was preceded in death by both sets of grandparents; sister-in-law, Connie Wooten, and her father, Bill Wooten.
She is survived by her husband and soul mate of 41 years, John and sons: Johnathan Hollander of Holland, Michigan, and Justin (Dr. Kristin) Hollander of Hudsonville, Michigan; one grandson: Hayden; mother, brother and his wife, nephew and niece; great nephew and niece; her cats Emma and Abby; lots of friends and many animals.
Cremation will take place, and no services are planned at this time. Arrangements are by Dykstra Funeral Homes – Saugatuck Chapel.
Robert (Bob) Allen Ogle Jr.
December 30, 1935-March 3, 2026
Robert "Bob" Allen Ogle Jr., age 90, of Grand Haven, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born on December 30, 1935, in St. Ignace, Michigan, to the late Robert and Minerva (Bellant) Ogle Sr.
Bob graduated from LaSalle High School, then proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956 in Korea. He belonged to the American Legion and enjoyed driving other veterans to their medical appointments.
Bob met the love of his life, Darlene Allsworth, and they were married on August 16, 1958. Together, they built a life centered on faith and family. They were blessed with two daughters, Merodie and Renee, of whom he was immensely proud and whom he loved dearly. Following his honorable discharge from the Army, Bob attended Michigan Tech University and the University of Michigan.
Bob began his career at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where he proudly designed and outfitted research vessels with scientific equipment. He is named on five University of Michigan utility patents, the most notable of which is the PONAR dredge — named for its creators: Powers, Ogle, Novak, Ayers, and Robinson — which remains widely used today. In 1970, Bob and Darlene moved to Grand Haven, Michigan, where they raised their daughters. Bob worked for Construction Aggregates Corporation of Michigan (CACM) as purchasing manager and in quality control until his retirement in 2000.
In 2002, Bob's retirement turned into daily support for his daughter, Renee, as she embarked on a new adventure, opening the boardwalk ice cream shop, Captain Custard. This also allowed his grandchildren and great-grandchildren to laugh, smile, and work with him on a daily basis. Bob quickly and affectionately became known as "Grandpa" to countless employees and friends at Captain Custard, where he could often be found working, fixing things, or cruising around on his Segway. Bob had a special way with people and could connect with anyone. He became a friendly ambassador for the Grand Haven community and will be greatly missed by all who experienced his humor, warmth and kindness.
Bob faithfully attended the United Methodist Church of the Dunes, where he played in the bell choir. With a deep love of music, he mastered how to play many musical instruments. He then passed his love of music on to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Bob was also a second-generation Master Mason and held a lifetime membership at Grand Haven Masonic Lodge No. 139. After moving to Grand Haven, he continued his interest in local government, regularly attending city council meetings where he always felt welcomed by our community.
Bob spent many joyful years calling and square dancing with Darlene and the Flutter Wheelers Square Dance Club. He belonged to the West Michigan Ham Radio Club — using ham radios and then cellphones as a local weather spotter. Bob also enjoyed helping others by delivering Meals on Wheels and volunteering at North Ottawa Community Hospital.
Bob is lovingly remembered by his wife of 67 years, Darlene; and their two daughters, Merodie Ann Ogle Tlachac (Steven Holke) of Muskegon and Renee Sue (Robert) Ogle-Page of Grand Haven; three grandchildren: Dan (Stephanie) Tlachac, Nicole (Dustin) Matusko, and Matthew Page (Stephanie Miller); five great-grandchildren: Caitlyn, Kristin, Henry, Teddy, and Charlotte; his sister, Betty Mae Closs; several dearly loved nieces, nephews and cousins; and countless friends whom he always treated like family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Sr. and Minerva (Bellant) Ogle; his beloved uncle and aunt, Dave and Fidele Potter; and his brother-in-law, Roy Closs Jr.
Bob's kindness, generosity, and devotion to his family, church, and community will be remembered always.
The memorial service for Bob will take place at 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at United Methodist Church of the Dunes with Pastor Lou Grettenberger officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service, from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the church. Interment will be at Grand Haven Township Lakeshore Cemetery. A livestream of the service will be available at youtube.com/@duneschurchgrandhaven/streams.
Memorial contributions may be made to United Methodist Church of the Dunes.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert (Bob) Allen Ogle Jr., please visit our floral store.
Peggy M. Ritzema
April 2, 1928-March 10, 2026
Peggy Maxine Ritzema passed away peacefully on March 10, 2026, in Holland, Michigan.
Born on April 2, 1928, in Wyoming Township, Michigan, Peggy lived a full and vibrant life that touched the hearts of all who knew her.
In marriage, Peggy found a loving partnership with her late husband of 65 years, James Ritzema. Together, they built a life filled with shared dreams and mutual respect. The legacy of their love continued through their son, Rich Ritzema.
An avid lover of ice cream, Peggy never missed an opportunity to indulge in this sweet treat, often sharing this joy with friends during their many social gatherings. Her love for socializing was matched by her passion for reading, word jumbles, and word searches, activities that kept her mind sharp and her spirit engaged.
Known affectionately to some as the "catalog collector," Peggy's love for shopping was more than a pastime; it was a testament to her appreciation for the small pleasures in life. Her keen eye for a good deal and the thrill of finding the perfect item brought her immense joy, a joy she was always eager to share with others.
Her memory will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her, and her legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched with her kindness and love.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James Ritzema; daughter-in-law, Tina Ritzema; and sister, Phyllis Amsterburg.
She is survived by her son, Rich Ritzema (Elizabeth Madden).
A celebration of life to honor Peggy will take place in the summer.
Margaret Louise (Nickey) Swanson
May 11, 1920-March 12, 2026
Margaret Louise Swanson, 105 years old, of Grand Haven, passed away on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at Lakeshore Assisted Living-Simarron.
She was born on May 11, 1920, in Gaston, Indiana, to the late John and Mary (Woodring) Nickey.
Margaret's early years were spent on a family farm in Gaston, Indiana, where she shared countless hours playing outside with her older brother and sister, along with her younger brother. Margaret and her siblings were raised by a single mother who grew a garden, canned veggies, and taught them the value of hard work and resourcefulness. The garden provided not only food but income as well: tomatoes harvested were sold to Heinz Corp., and corn to Orville Redenbacher for popcorn.
Margaret learned to play the piano at an early age and developed a lifelong love for writing poetry and drawing — talents that continued to bring her joy throughout the years. She graduated from Gaston High School and then Ball State University.
Margaret spent time volunteering at Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie, Indiana. It was while volunteering there that she met Dr. Roy Swanson. They married on June 19, 1964, and soon moved to Morgantown, West Virginia, where they built a short but meaningful life together, taking trips down the East Coast and visiting the Outer Banks, North Carolina. Sadly, he preceded her in death in October of 1970.
Margaret worked for many years as a bookkeeper for the Central Indiana Gas Company, as a secretary in the Department of Psychology at West Virginia University, for the deputy chief medical examiner for the state, and later, as a data entry clerk for the Morgantown Police Department. She also volunteered at Monongahelia General Hospital in Morgantown, West Virginia. In her free time, Margaret enjoyed doing needlework and reading. Her stories and legacy will be carried on through her family and she will be dearly missed.
Margaret is survived by her sister-in-law, Patricia Nickey; nieces, Paula Smith, Renee (Lyle) Rycenga, Anita (Rick) Wright; nephews, Jeff Hunsaker (Diane), Jon (Susan) Nickey, Bill (Liane) Nickey; two cousins, Pat Engel and Lynn McClain; and many great-nieces and great-nephews.
She was preceded in death by her sister, Martha (John) Fisher; and brothers, John Nickey and Robert (Phyllis) Nickey.
The graveside service for Margaret will take place at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 16, 2026, at Thompson Cemetery in Gaston, Indiana.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Margaret Louise (Nickey) Swanson, please visit our floral store.
Allan Carlton True
October 12, 1947-March 4, 2026
Allan "Al" Carlton True, age 78, of Grand Haven, passed away on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, with his wife of 53 years, Roberta "Bobbie" True standing bedside; along with his family and friends at Trinity Health Muskegon Hospital.
He was born on October 12, 1947, in Coshocton, Ohio, to the late Kenneth and Elizabeth (Smith) True. Al married Roberta "Bobbie" Ankney in 1973 in Clinton, Michigan.
In 1965, Allan graduated from Pioneer High School in Ann Arbor, where he played trombone in the school marching band and even participated in plays for the Central Players.
Allan then attended Ferris State University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in business administration. While there, he and his friends founded the fraternity Phi Sigma Delta. He had a love for all kinds of music and played guitar in coffee houses to his favorite folk songs of the time. After graduating from Ferris State, Allan went on to proudly serve his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War Era.
Before his high school graduation, Allan worked at Bendix Aerospace, where he helped with the APOLLO Lunar Surface Experiments Package. After his military discharge, he was hired at Townsend Bottum to head up the computer department at the Campbell power plant. It was then that he and his wife, Roberta "Bobbie" True moved to this side of the state. Finding a home here, Allan got a job at Teledyne Continental Motors, where he worked for 30 years. It was there that he programmed what is now the Stryker Mobile Gun System and became a senior systems analyst for Computer Sciences Corporation and helped mentor many people around him.
At home, Allan and his wife expanded their already growing family by fostering mentally and physically disabled children. He enjoyed all types of technology, and became a HAM radio operator, had a collection of computers, Legos, and any new gadget that came out.
Allan will forever be remembered and missed by his loving wife, Bobbie True, whom he married in Clinton Michigan in 1973; their three children: Jeremy True, Jacob (Mary) True, and Joseph True, all of Grand Haven; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; brothers, Steve (Space) True and Terry True; and sisters-in-law, Donna Logerquist and Sharon (Daniel) Roberts.
The funeral service for Allan will take place at 1:30 p.m. March 17, 2026, at Klaassen Family Funeral Home. Visitation will be held two hours prior to the service, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the funeral home. Interment will be at Lake Forest Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the family to help with Allan's final expenses. Please make checks out to Jeremy True and mail to: 1150 Washington Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Allan Carlton True, please visit our floral store.
Michelle Zahrt
July 19, 1967-March 8, 2026
Michelle “Shelly” Zahrt, age 58, of Holland, passed away Sunday, March 8, 2026.
Michelle was born in Holland, Michigan, on July 19, 1967, to Darwin and Mary Fuglseth. She married Scott Zahrt on June 8, 1996.
She loved her job and coworkers at Holland Hospital, where she spent the last 18 years helping patients. Her favorite things included moped rides, watching Hope College basketball games, and taking her dog, Lucy, for walks.
She is survived by her husband, Scott; brothers Kevin (Kathy) Fuglseth and Curt (Laura) Fuglseth; sister-in-law Nancy Zahrt; nieces and nephews; great nieces and nephews; aunts and uncles; cousins; and her beloved golden retriever, Lucy.
A service celebrating Michelle’s life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 14, at Fellowship Reformed Church in Holland, in the East Room. Please park on the northeast side of the church.
