Obituaries: May 12, 2026
Scott Bielby
May 1, 2026
Scott Allen Bielby, age 67, passed away on Friday, May 1, 2026.
He was preceded in death by his oldest son, Travis Bielby, and parents, Pat and Dale Bielby.
He is survived by his son, Cody Bielby, and brothers Steve (Gina) Bielby, Mark Bielby, and Curt (Laura) Bielby, along with nieces and nephews.
In his younger years, Scott found freedom and excitement on the open road. His motorcycle and Camaro were among his greatest treasures, and he often set off on road trips with friends — camping, fishing, and occasionally attending concerts along the way. Those adventures became stories that lasted a lifetime.
He dedicated many years of his career to Herman Miller, working in the Seating department before retiring.
Scott had a deep love for the outdoors, especially deer hunting in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, a tradition he looked forward to each year with family. Fishing was another of his greatest passions. He cherished time spent at Hutchins Lake with his sons, Travis and Cody, where laughter and connection mattered just as much as the catch.
He was known for his uncanny luck when it came to fishing — especially perch. One favorite story recalls a trip with his father-in-law when they caught 70 perch in a single outing, celebrating their success with joy. When they returned the next day and caught nothing at all, they laughed just as hard, turning it into a story that would be told for years.
Scott was a devoted father who cherished his sons as deeply as he had cherished his own father. He valued time with family and friends above all else and found joy simply in being together.
Even through his health challenges, Scott remained resilient, sustained by the love and support of those who cared for him — including the friends and family who stood by him and helped him continue pursuing the hobbies he loved. He was deeply grateful for their kindness, which meant more to him than words could express.
Though he will be missed beyond measure, there is comfort in knowing Scott is now at peace — reunited with his son Travis, his parents, and other loved ones.
Scott was a member of Beechwood Church. His life was one of love, faith, and enduring connection, and his memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, May 8, at Beechwood Church, 895 Ottawa Beach Road, Holland. Burial will be in Lakeshore Cemetery. Visitation will be 6-8 p.,m. on Thursday, May 7, at Dykstra Funeral Home-Northwood Chapel, 295 Douglas Ave., Holland.
Memorial contributions may be made to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) or to the Mary Free Bed Foundation.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Scott, please visit our floral store.
James Brownson
February 6, 1955-January 23, 2026
James (Jim) Brownson, 70, passed into the arms of his Creator on January 23, surrounded by his family.
Jim served as associate pastor at Faith Reformed Church in Traverse City, Michigan, taught at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, then served at Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Michigan, as the James and Jean Cook Professor of New Testament and academic dean. Jim touched many lives through his teaching, his service to the Reformed Church in America, and the four books he authored. He was a tireless advocate for the full inclusion of LGBTQ+ people in the church through his book, "Bible, Gender, Sexuality: Reframing the Church’s Debate on Same-Sex Relationships" and his work with The Reformation Project.
Jim was a thoughtful and loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend, a beloved teacher, and a wise counselor. His gentle spirit persisted even through dementia. He was deeply loved.
Jim is survived by his wife, Kathryn Mostrom Brownson; children, Rachel Brownson Brazier (LJ Brazier), Anna Brownson Prinz (Mark Prinz), Will Brownson (Michael Brownson); grandson, Wren Brownson Prinz, and brother, Jonathan Brownson.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Helen Brownson; brothers, Billy Brownson and David Brownson, and sister-in-law, Jeannette Shafer Brownson.
The memorial service to honor Jim’s life will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Hope Church 77 W. 11th St., Holland. Memorial contributions may be given to Hope Church.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of James Brownson, please visit our Sympathy Store.
Shirley Jean Cigler
March 13, 1943-May 8, 2026
Shirley J. (Black) Cigler passed away on May 8, 2026.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Andy Cigler; parents, Florus and Janis Black; and Florus “Skip” Black III.
She is survived by her brother, Trevor (Carol Council) Black; children, Diane (Andy) Cole, Andrew H. Cigler III, and Beth Timmer; and grandchildren, Leah and Ally Cole, Kyia, Eva, Elijah, and Micah Timmer.
Shirley was born in Chicago, Illinois. She would reminisce about the Western matinee double features on Saturday, riding buses, the L train, and the Jackson Park Yacht Club. As a teenager, the Black family moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan. She went to Portage Central High School and later graduated from Western Michigan University with a teaching degree. She taught at a Catholic middle school for a few years before she happily married Andy Cigler. Shirley loved being a wife and mother and especially being a grandmother. She worked as a cashier at Ace Hardware and Gemmen's Hardware for over 20 years.
Shirley was a loving and kind woman whose faith guided her life every day. She was known for her goodness, faithfulness, and caring heart toward everyone she met. A devoted Catholic, Shirley found strength in prayer, Bible study, and helping others in her community.
As an active member of St. Pius X Catholic Church for 40 years, Shirley volunteered her time as a catechist, grief support minister, Eucharist minister, sang in the Resurrection Choir and was a ladies Bible study leader. Her compassion, gentle spirit, and strong faith touched the lives of family, friends, and all who knew her. She will be remembered for her love, kindness, laughter, smile, and beautiful singing voice.
Shirley's family and friends will deeply miss her and forever cherish the memories they shared with her. Her love and faith will continue to inspire those she leaves behind.
Visitation will take place from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at Cook Memorial Chapel – East Building, 4235 Prairie St. SW, Grandville, MI 49418. A Rosary will take place at 7 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 3937 Wilson Ave. SW, Grandville, MI 49418, with visitation one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Catholic Charities of West Michigan or West Michigan Hospice. The family welcomes memories and messages at cookcaresgrandville.com in their guestbook online.
Joan Clare Conway
October 11, 1935-April 30, 2026
Joan Clare Conway died peacefully in Holland, Michigan, on April 30, 2026, at the age of 90.
Joan was a chamber musician, soloist and collaborative pianist who performed nationally and was known as a two-piano and four-hands performer. She was a professor of piano at Hope College from 1969-2000. Her studio produced scores of excellent pianists, and her students were an integral part of her life for years after they left her studio. They literally were her extended family.
Joan was the only child of parents Dorothy Mildred (nee Neal) and Horace Shue Conway. She grew up in Dallastown, Pennsylvania, and graduated in 1953 from Dallastown Area Senior High School. She began studying piano as a child and in addition, displayed the fierce sense of competition that stayed with her throughout life as a member of her high school women’s basketball team.
Joan graduated with a degree in music education from Lebanon Valley College in 1957 and graduated in 1959 with a master’s degree in music (piano performance) from the Manhattan School of Music. She spent several years in New York City teaching and performing, and felt privileged to play concerts in Carnegie Recital Hall and Lincoln Center Library as well as the Corcoran Gallery in Washington, D.C. Before joining the faculty at Hope College in 1969, Joan taught at Brooklyn Conservatory of Music, Sarah Lawrence College and was a member of the New Marlboro Chamber Players in Massachusetts. She taught and performed at the Bay View Summer Music Festival for seven summers.
Joan was committed throughout her career to bringing outstanding classical music to the public. She performed and coordinated the Faculty Recital Series at Hope College. Joan and colleague Charles Aschbrenner became widely known as a dual piano team, “CONWAY & ASCHBRENNER,” performing together for 13 years. The duo was featured at the first Interlochen Piano Festival. For five years, the pair, joined by Joan’s longtime bestie Jill Christian, founded and ran the Hope College Two-Piano Camp. She founded and was artistic director of the Herrick Library Concert Series, which became Free@3, a well-regarded chamber music series at First Reformed Church that features outstanding regional talent, and thanks to the organizational talents of her other “bestie”’ in life, Que-Lan Engels, Joan was able to continue the series in her later years. Additionally, she was the artistic director of the Chamber Music Festival of Saugatuck for ten years. She was the past president of the Michigan Music Teachers Association.
Joan was a longtime member of First Reformed Church in Holland. She was a dearly loyal friend, a deep thinker, an incisive wit, devoted to her cats and her garden, a collector of fine art, and a tireless bargain shopper. She was a lover of gin martinis, dinner parties, couch naps, the beach at Port Sheldon, sunsets, all vegetables, the Boston Celtics, Hope College Women’s Basketball, good books and all classical music. She could not abide a student who did not practice before a lesson, and she herself easily rehearsed for six or more hours at a time, being a night owl with a 2 a.m. bedtime. She leaves behind many dear friends whom she cherished and who cherished their time with her.
She was a true original with a heart for compassion, social justice, equality and excellence. She was also devoted to the idea that everyone, including herself, should get a color analysis done to identify their best palette for a harmonious attire with one’s skin undertones, hair and eye color. She always dressed in her “colors.” She was similarly devoted to using the intricate system of nicknames she co-created in the 1980s over a meal at a Chinese restaurant, henceforth called “Egg Roll” names. Hers was Ethel Meredith.
In 2011, Joan, her friends and her former students created the Joan Conway Piano Scholarship Fund at Hope College. This, as well as the Harbor Humane Society, is a suggested cause for donations to honor her legacy in lieu of flowers. Joan will be cremated and her remains buried with her parents in Dallastown Union Cemetery, Dallastown, York, Penn. A service to celebrate Joan’s life will be at 10 a.m. May 30 at First Reformed Church, 630 State St., Holland, Michigan. Light refreshments will follow the memorial.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joan, please visit our floral store.
Donnes Eugene Deters
November 21, 1938-May 9, 2026
Donnes Eugene Deters passed on May 9, 2026, at the age of 87, born on November 21, 1938, and was a resident of Hudsonville, Michigan.
No services are scheduled at this time.
Marilyn Jane Fisher
January 18, 1931-February 3, 2026
Marilyn Jane Fisher peacefully joined Walt, the love of her life, on February 3, 2026, following a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's dementia.
The last year of her life, she received excellent, loving care from the staff at Resthaven Care Center and Maple Woods sites, and Hospice of Holland.
Born on January 18, 1931, in Howell, Michigan, to Cornell and Jeannette Dexter, Marilyn (known as Janie to family) grew up in the Fenton area. On September 11, 1948, she married Walter Acton Fisher, and together they built a loving family and a life filled with creativity and teaching.
While raising four children with Walt, Marilyn earned her Bachelor's and Master’s Degrees from Western Michigan University and devoted herself to inspiring others through the arts. She taught everything from home economics and arts and crafts to history and even chemistry in the Plainwell, Rose City and West Ottawa Public Schools in the 1960s and 70s. Many former students still cherish the projects they created in her classroom and fondly remember her warmth and encouragement. She also opened a ceramic studio in her home, teaching classes to the community. After leaving Holland, Marilyn and Walt owned “The Sewing Basket,” a cherished fabric and sewing machine store in Coldwater, Michigan, specializing in quilting. There, and in many venues across the United States, she shared her passion for quilting. After Walt’s passing in 1992, Marilyn returned to Holland, where she continued to live independently, teaching quilting and for 25 years she hosted a quilting retreat at the Kettunen Center in northern Michigan.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband, Walter Acton Fisher; her parents, Cornell and Jeannette Dexter; and her siblings, Harold (Kitty) Dexter, Larry (Mary Nell) Dexter, and Diane (Sam) Jackson.
She is survived by her four children, Diana D’Emeraude, Leah (RT) Williams, Dawn Fisher, and Jim (Michelle) Fisher; her grandchildren, Karsten Sethre, Caitlin Ryan, Nick McAndrew, Brennan Fisher, and Emily Fisher; great-grandchildren, James and Charlie; her sister, Connie (Harry) Thomas; nieces, nephews, cousins and many cherished friends and former students whose lives she touched.
Marilyn’s legacy is one of creativity, kindness, and quiet strength. She will be deeply missed and joyfully remembered.
There will be a celebration of life on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at the Holland Midtown Center, 96 W. 15th St., Holland, Michigan. Visitation with the family is from 2-3 p.m. There will be a brief service at 3 p.m. followed by a light luncheon. After the luncheon, anyone may join the family for a short committal service at the cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, you may send donations in her name to:
Alzheimer's Association
Hospice of Holland
West Michigan Quilter's Guild
The Fisher family is being served by Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home. To leave condolences online, please visit langelandsterenberg.com.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Marilyn Jane Fisher, please visit our Sympathy Store.
Roberta Mae Guy
March 5, 1940-May 3, 2026
Roberta Mae Guy, beloved mother, grandmother, and wife, passed away peacefully on May 3, 2026, at the age of 86.
Born on March 5, 1940, in Portland, Oregon, Bobbie was a cherished daughter of Charles and Eileen Freeman. She grew up moving a lot because her father was a civil engineer who built the interstate highways; however, Duluth, Minnesota, was her favorite home growing up because she was close to family.
Bobbie married William Guy in 1983, and together they built a life filled with traveling, golf, friends, and grandkids. She was the proud mother of Duke, Kimberly, and Laura, who will remember her for her generosity and loving kindness. Bobbie was an excellent knitter and golfer. She loved birds and cultivating her perennials in her yard. She enjoyed traveling with Bill and friends; they traveled in the U.S. and abroad.
Bobbie is survived by her children, Wellington Relyea IV, Kim (Brent) Madigan, and Laura (Ken) Coatsworth; her stepchildren, Gail (Bob) Feskorn, Terri McDowell, Timothy (Lori) Guy, and James Guy; her sister, Charlotte (Russ) McClintock; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her husband, William Guy, and her parents, Charles and Eileen Freeman.
A service celebrating her life will be at Dykstra Funeral Home - Mulder Chapel, 188 W. 32nd St., Holland, on Saturday, May 9, 2026, with a visitation at noon and a funeral service at 1 p.m.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Roberta, please visit our floral store.
Mary Louise Jones
February 2, 1935-May 3, 2026
Mary Louise (Hamilton) Jones, age 91, passed away May 3, 2026.
Mary was born on February 2, 1935, the only child of Louis and Dorothy Hamilton. She graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School and Western Michigan University with a BS degree.
Mary was involved in teaching her entire life. She taught in Kalamazoo, Michigan; Elkhart, Indiana; Flint, Michigan; Burnips, Michigan; and Holland, Michigan. She retired from West Ottawa after spending 32 years in education. She was an active member of Beechwood Church. Serving as an Elder, Teacher, facilitator and many leadership roles.
She is survived by her husband Stanley and children, Karen and Ronald Postema of Gun Lake, Michigan, and Maricopa, Arizona, Mark and Cindy Jones of Holland, Michigan, and Maricopa, Arizona, Sharen Rembelski (deceased) and Ken Rembelski of Tempe, Arizona, Kevin and Cheryl Jones of Holland, Michigan; grandchildren, Bryan and Leeann Postema of Miami Beach, Florida, Daniel and Jenny Postema of Revena, Michigan, Chad and Brittnye Postema of Nashville, Tennessee, Alicia and Shawn McAndrews of Jacksonville, Florida, Aaron and Patty Jones of Holland, Michigan, Michael and Hannah Jones of Holland, Michigan, Arek Rembelski of Tempe, Arizona, Mara Rembelski of Tempe, Arizona, Allison and Jeff Rahman of South Haven, Michigan, Mitchell Jones of Chicago, Illinois; great-grandchildren, Aiden Postema of Miami Beach, Florida, Jackson and Kinsley Postema of Revena, Michigan, Parson Wyatt and Hannah Jones of Holland, Michigan, Anna and Brooke Postema of Nashville, Tennessee, Ellinana and Ezra McAndrews of Jacksonville, Florida, and Brooklyn and Simeon Jones of Holland, Michigan.
She was predeceased by her great-granddaughter, Bree Postema, as well as seven nieces and three nephews.
Mary was so blessed to be a cancer survivor (thank you, Lord).
Mary loved playing the piano, which her dad purchased for her when she was 8 years old. He purchased the piano from the Estey Piano Company in his hometown of Bluffton, Indiana. She played for her classrooms, Sunday school, church, and often for children’s groups.
Mary enjoyed having many friends. She especially enjoyed her wonderful “Branches friends.” They met one day a week for many years. She loved entertaining — always had fun games and fun prizes.
Sadly, she was preceded in death by her best friend, Lolly.
Stan and Mary were able to purchase an old cottage on Lake Macatawa in 1969, which they renovated into their year-round home. They lived on the lake for over 50 years, where their children grew up on the water with boats and lake activities.
Stan and Mary owned a Company called Oshtemo Hill. It began on a hill in Oshtemo. There were offices in Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, and Lansing. They sold the company in 2000 and took a retirement trip to the Holy Land in 2001.
A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Beechwood Church, 895 Ottawa Beach Road in Holland. The Rev. Dave Lantz will be officiating. Burial will be in Lakewood Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Friday, May 15, at Beechwood Church. Memorial contributions may be given to Beechwood Church. Arrangements are by Dykstra Funeral Homes – Northwood Chapel.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary, please visit our floral store.
Barry L. McAlpine
June 20, 1945-May 8, 2026
Barry Lyn McAlpine, age 80, of Holland, Michigan, passed away peacefully on May 8, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on June 20, 1945, in Cass City, Michigan, to Jack and Dorothy McAlpine, Barry answered his call to serve his country at the age of 20 by enlisting in the United States Army. He served with extraordinary courage during the Vietnam War and was highly decorated for his bravery and heroism, receiving two Silver Stars, one Bronze Star, and three Purple Hearts. His military service reflected a lifelong commitment to duty, sacrifice, and patriotism.
Immediately following his service, Barry pursued his education at Palmer College of Chiropractic, graduating in 1971. He went on to build a long, successful, and respected career as a chiropractor, serving the Holland community with dedication and care for nearly fifty years. His patients knew him not only as a skilled practitioner but as a trusted and compassionate presence in their lives.
Barry was a devoted husband to his wife of 47 years, Kim McAlpine, and a loving father to his six children, Matt McAlpine (Julie Rowan), Brad (Abby) McAlpine, Hillery McAlpine, Elizabeth (Andrew) Lesperance, Ann McAlpine (Phillip Maletta), and Sarah (Ashton) Pienaar. He was a proud and deeply involved grandfather to eleven grandchildren, Callum, Carson, Annalise, Genevieve, Lake, Palmer, Micah, Lucas, Emery, Phillip, and Maximus. His family was a central focus of his life, and he consistently invested his time and energy in their well-being and success.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Dorothy McAlpine, and his sister, Gloria McAlpine. He is survived by his siblings, Fred (Linda) McAlpine, Ed (Lil) McAlpine, Karen (Joe) Kata, and Jack McAlpine.
Barry’s commitment to service extended far beyond his military and professional life. He served as a Trustee of the Board at Palmer College of Chiropractic for over fifteen years, was Chairman of the Ottawa County Red Cross, an active member of the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association, and a dedicated member of Rotary. Through these roles, he made a lasting impact on both his profession and his community.
Outside of his work and service, Barry enjoyed cheering on University of Michigan sports, traveling, making wine, and spending time with his family, often with a sense of humor and a "strong guiding presence."
A visitation will be 4-7 p.m. on Friday, May 15, at Dykstra Funeral Home - Mulder Chapel, 188 W. 32nd St. in Holland. A funeral service will take place on Saturday, May 16, at 11:30 a.m. at Christ Memorial Church in Holland. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his honor to the McAlpine Scholarship Endowment Fund at Palmer College of Chiropractic.
Barry will be remembered for his generosity, integrity, patriotism, and unwavering devotion to his family and community. His legacy of leadership and service will live on in all who knew him.
For a little bit more about Barry and a song that was recently written about his life, please click here.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Barry L. McAlpine, please visit our floral store.
Heather Jean Ann McCann
April 5, 1945-May 7, 2026
Heather Jean Ann (Teevens) McCann, beloved wife, mother, nurse, and faithful servant, passed away on May 7, 2026, at the age of 81.
Jean Ann was born on April 5, 1945, in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada, to Dr. and Mrs. William Peter Teevens. Raised in Grafton, North Dakota, she was the oldest of five children and is survived by her sisters, Mary Borkhuis and Margaret Elkin, and brothers Bill and Michael Teevens.
Jean Ann attended The College of St. Scholastica in Duluth and graduated from the University of North Dakota School of Nursing with her RN, BSN degree.
Jean Ann and Robert Charles McCann shared 58 years of marriage. They met while Bob was a busboy at her Delta Zeta sorority house, and they were married upon her graduation in 1968. Upon Bob's graduation later that year, he was commissioned in the U.S. Army. Jean Ann spent the next 25 years as an Army wife. Only those who have been there understand that life.
Her move to Spring Lake in 1994 was her 23rd move during their life together. They lived in 12 states, two countries, and traveled to or through all 50 states and 16 countries. Through every assignment, relocation, and deployment, Jean Ann provided unwavering devotion, friendship, faithfulness, and family leadership.
Her daughters were her pride and greatest achievement. Tess Marie graduated from Duke University, retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Air Force, and currently engineers and deploys 911 systems across the United States. Heather Renee graduated from George Washington University and New York Law School and currently serves as a Managing Director for Bank of America.
As an Army wife, Jean Ann became an expert at performing both Mother and Father roles during deployments, relinquishing roles when Bob returned. Despite her love of nursing, she put her career on hold until both girls were in school. Her family always came first.
Nursing was not simply a profession to her, but a calling rooted in compassion, dedication, and service. Though her profession was important to her, she always placed the family first. Following her husband's assignments, she worked in hospitals, clinics, and nursing positions throughout the United States and Germany. She described herself as “a Jack of all trades and Master of none.” As head nurse, she ran clinics at Selfridge Air National Guard Base and at the U.S. Embassy in Bonn. Her final and favorite position was 10 years covering the western shore of Michigan for Hospice of Michigan. Regrettably, she had to retire in 2010 as her health declined.
Jean Ann and her family were avid campers. The family started with a tent in the mountains of Georgia when the girls were 2 years and 6 months old, respectively. The tent lasted until the move to Alaska, when Jean Ann decided there would be no more sleeping on the ground, and the family upgraded to a pop-up camper. Five upgrades later, they enjoyed a 45-foot Holiday Rambler motorhome, with “more square feet than our daughter’s home in Hong Kong.” Winter trips to the Southwest and frequent outings during Michigan summers kept them busy after retirement.
Diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in 2007, the disease was aggressive and debilitating. Despite treatments, her joints quickly succumbed. Since 2010, Jean Ann has had 26 surgeries. Knees, shoulders, and hips were replaced, and her spine was completely fused. Over the same timeframe, she had 28 shoulder and hip dislocations requiring emergency room visits. Throughout, family and friends found her ability to bounce back and her positive attitude an inspiration. All who knew her stated she had “earned her wings.”
Jean Ann’s life was defined by love, faith, service, strength, and sacrifice. Whether caring for patients, supporting a military family through decades of moves and deployments, or facing her own health battles with courage and grace, she left a lasting influence on everyone fortunate enough to know her.
A memorial mass for Jean Ann will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 16, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 406 E. Savidge St., Spring Lake. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will take place at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.
Jean Ann served on the Agewell Board for many years, and it was one of her favorite charities. Memorial contributions in Jean Ann’s honor may be made to AgeWell Services of West Michigan, 560 Seminole Road, Muskegon, MI 49444.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Spring Lake Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 213 East Savidge St., Spring Lake, MI 49456.
Nancy J. Oja-Tebbe
June 11, 1964-May 5, 2026
Nancy Jo Oja-Tebbe, age 61, passed away in Muskegon, Michigan, on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
She was born in Pontiac, Michigan, on June 11, 1964, to Calvin and Dorothy (Bednarski) Oja. She graduated from Ferndale High School and went on to receive her bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan, leading to a career as a statistician at Henry Ford Hospital.
Nancy was quite artistic, enjoying drawing, coloring and painting, and she also loved listening to music. She had many fond childhood memories of staying at their family cottage in Lac La Belle, and throughout her life she enjoyed many camping trips all over Michigan with her family. Nancy was a proud, strong woman who liked to have things done a certain way. More than anything she enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, all of whom will remember her dearly.
Nancy is survived by her two children, Calvin (Stacy) Tebbe and Katie Tebbe; two grandchildren, Charlotte and Savannah; two sisters, Faye (Bob) Stoewsand and Jill (Mandi) Wright; and brother-in-law, Jim Jackson.
She was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Lee Jackson and Debbie Milligan.
Details regarding a service for Nancy will be announced at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 620 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, MI, 49417.
Juella H. Schrotenboer
July 17, 1928-April 12, 2026
Juella H. Schrotenboer, age 97, of Holland, died Sunday, April 12, 2026, at an area care center.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd; sons, Lloyd, Jr. and Jack; daughter, Laurie Strowenjans, and a grandson, Kevin Schrotenboer.
Juella was a lifelong member of Overisel Reformed Church. She loved her family and was always there to help. She especially enjoyed attending the sporting events of her grandchildren. Another joy was to fish and camp with her husband and their close friends.
Juella is survived by her sons, Cal and Ardale Schrotenboer, Doug and Jan Schrotenboer; daughters-in-law, Gale Schrotenboer, Carolyn Schrotenboer; 11 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; in-laws, Tom and Marilyn Bratt, Shirley Schrotenboer; several nieces and nephews.
Juella’s family would like to thank the staff of Resthaven Care Center and Hospice of Holland for the loving care she received these past few months.
A memorial service for Juella will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Overisel Reformed Church, 4706 142nd Ave., Holland. Interment will be in Overisel Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorial contributions may be given to Hospice of Holland or the American Cancer Society.
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Bill Sparks
September 27, 1935-May 6, 2026
Bill Sparks Jr., age 90, passed away peacefully on May 6, 2026, in Holland, Michigan.
Born on September 27, 1935, in Amonate, Virginia, Bill lived a full and vibrant life marked by dedication to his family, career, and passions.
Bill retired from Ford Motor Company after more than 30 years of service. His commitment and hard work during his tenure left a lasting impression on those who worked alongside him. Outside of his professional life, Bill was an avid bowler and golfer. These hobbies brought him great joy and camaraderie over the years.
He is survived by his beloved wife Nancy of Holland, Michigan; his children, Rosa and Doug Bryson of Green, Ohio; Bill Sparks (Brooklyn) of Tampa, Florida; two grandsons, Jason and Marla Murdick of Lima, Ohio; Matthew Murdick of Sacramento, California; and four great-grandchildren, Eliza, Julia, Parker Murdick, and Rema Sparks.
Additionally, Bill leaves behind four stepdaughters, eight step-grandchildren, four step-great-grandchildren, his sister Juanita Sparks of Raysal, West Virginia, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Bill was predeceased by four brothers and one stepsister.
His memory will be cherished by all who knew him.
May the legacy of Bill Sparks bring comfort to those who loved him. He will be deeply missed.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Bill, please visit our floral store.
Mae Alice Van Ark
May 17, 1933-May 4, 2026
Mae Alice (Naber) Van Ark, age 92, passed away on Monday, May 4, 2026, at Warm Friend in Holland, Michigan.
She was a woman of deep faith, sure of where she was going. She was born on May 17, 1933, on the family farm outside of Zeeland, Michigan, the youngest of seven siblings. Mae’s mother died when she was five. She was raised in the homes of two brothers.
She will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 70 years, Myron (Mike) D. Van Ark; son, Jonathan (Gwen) Van Ark; daughter, Elizabeth (Alexie Robbert) Van Ark; grandson, Daniel Van Ark, and nieces and nephews.
Mae was an active member of Trinity Reformed Church: singing in the choir, playing first base on the softball team (she played with the boys in her one-room schoolhouse), and participating in countless activities, giving of her many gifts. Mae walked the walk of her faith each day, especially in the years she ran a backyard ministry for underprivileged children after school. At Christ Memorial Reformed Church, she served as a Care Elder, a Compassionate Friend, sewed Chemo Caps, and, as a member of the Arts Committee, designed the inscriptions for The Rock.
Mae and Mike traveled extensively, in a pop-up trailer with their children. Later, they traveled in every state and province, as well as many countries on every continent, such as through Machu Picchu in Peru, Silk Road cities in Uzbekistan, and South Africa, where their “eyes were opened” to the effects of apartheid during the AIDs epidemic. (EncompassKids, is a recommended charity in South Africa.)
Mae was her one-room schoolhouse's “artist,” but growing up during the Great Depression didn’t offer opportunities for artistic development. She was exposed to fine art, while Mike was the business manager of Oxbow Summer School of Painting. She took art classes at Hope College. Mae painted from Mike’s travel slides for decades as an accomplished watercolorist, showing at Castle Park Gallery and displaying in many venues, painting over 500 framed pieces. She was part of the “Four M’s” painting group, many arts organizations, and documented the need for the Holland Area Arts Council. Later, Mae taught watercolor, “Art for All” (each week for twenty years), handmade paper, and adults’ and children’s classes at the Arts Council. She also created Handmade Paper (even in the bathtub). Mae was successful in whatever media or craft she turned her creative eye to, such as sewing, embroidery, knitting, crocheting, macramé, quilting, and the list goes on.
Mae loved interacting with all kinds of people in every place she worshiped, worked, created, traveled, and lived. Childhood difficulties created a great deal of compassion. Mae gave freely of her strengths, gifts, playful spirit, and possessions. A fine cook and baker, she entertained friends, family, visitors from Holland, and all over the world. She acted through and with her faith, as she warmly embraced people in many relationships during the almost ninety-three years of her very rich and full life.
Mae had cancer of the esophagus for over a year, eventually not being able to eat. Friends, including the community of Warm Friend, surrounded her, especially: Anne G., Dave and Judy T., Chad from Hospice of Holland, the loving care of Atrio, and Reverend Judy Nelson and Caroline A. of Christ Memorial.
A memorial service will be held at 11 am on Saturday (May 30) in the Chapel at Christ Memorial Church, 595 Graafschap Road. Burial will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery. A memorial visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Please use entrance D or E.
Memorial contributions may be made to encompassKids (mentioned above).
Arrangements are by the Dykstra Funeral Home-Downtown Chapel.
