Obituaries: May 16, 2026
Majorie Victoria Anderson
October 4, 1927-April 17, 2026
Majorie Victoria Anderson passed on April 17, 2026, at the age of 98.
She was born on October 4, 1927.
No services are scheduled at this time.
Jazmine Estrella Ayala-Mozeake
May 6, 2026-May 6, 2026
Jazmine Estrella Ayala-Mozeake passed on May 6, 2026.
She was born on May 6, 2026.
No services are scheduled at this time.
Theodore "Ted" Michael Bruckbauer
July 18, 1970-May 14, 2026
Theodore "Ted" Michael Bruckbauer, age 55, of Grand Haven, passed away on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at Trinity Health Muskegon Hospital.
He was born on July 18, 1970, in Grand Haven, Michigan, to Robert and Rebecca (Prys) Bruckbauer.
Ted graduated from Grand Haven High School in 1989 and went on to work as a carpenter, where his talent and craftsmanship were evident in his exceptional woodworking skills. He also had a lifelong passion for motorcycles, enjoying both riding and working on them, and was known by many as a skilled mechanic. Ted had a special love for cats, especially his beloved companion, "Hawkins."
Ted is forever remembered and missed by his daughter, Aaliah (Zack) Haase; grandson, Dallas; mother, Becky Simon; sister, Jenny (Edward) Shockey; half-brother, Jack Bruckbauer; and several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Bruckbauer; and brother, Luke Bruckbauer.
Private family services will be held.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Theodore "Ted" Michael Bruckbauer, please visit our floral store.
Stella Mae Campbell
February 6, 1948-May 14, 2026
Stella Mae Campbell passed away on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at the age of 78.
She will be remembered for her love, strength, and devotion to family. She is survived by her five children Karen, Gwiendolyn, Josef, Brian, and Kevin, along with 18 cherished grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren who will continue her legacy with love and remembrance.
Her kindness, warmth, and presence will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
The family welcomes memories and messages at cookcaresgrandville.com in their online guestbook.
Maxson Kruz Gonzalez
July 31, 2012-May 12, 2026
Maxson Kruz Gonzalez, age 13, of Zeeland, passed away on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
Maxson is survived by his parents, Homar and Shaina Gonzalez, and his sisters, Liberty Mae Gonzalez and Emilia Rae Gonzalez.
Visitation is 2-5 p.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St., Zeeland, MI 49464. To leave condolences online, please visit yntemafh.com.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Maxson Kruz Gonzalez, please visit our Sympathy Store.
Jason Stanley Kukla
July 14, 1972-May 12, 2026
Jason Stanley Kukla, beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 12 at the age of 53 after a brief illness.
He was surrounded by family and friends who shared “Jason stories,” keeping the room filled with laughter and love as they celebrated his life all the way to his final farewell.
Jason was born on July 14, 1972, in Grimsby, Ontario, and he was always proud to tell people he was born in Canada, just like Michael J. “Marty McFly” Fox. Born with Down syndrome, Jason never let anything hold him back. He taught himself to be an impressive Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson impersonator, mastering their moves and choreography, including the Moonwalk.
A longtime resident of Holland, Michigan, Jason graduated from CBI in 1998, where he was crowned Prom King — an honor that suited him perfectly. He later took classes at Bella Vita and worked as a records microfiche assistant at Community Mental Health. One of his proudest moments was successfully negotiating a raise not only for himself, but for his coworkers, too.
Jason loved all holidays, but Halloween and Christmas were his favorites. His birthday was a big deal — so big, in fact, that he celebrated it for an entire month (and sometimes longer). Fiercely independent, Jason dreamed of living on his own and made that happen when he moved into a MOKA House group home in 2005. In 2016, he joined Benjamin’s Hope in Park Township, a residential community for individuals with developmental differences, where he lived with his “Homies.” At Ben’s Hope, Jason took classes, greeted everyone during daily devotions, and occasionally played the drums during services.
Movies were another big love of Jason’s. He was especially fond of "Ghostbusters," "Back to the Future," "Night of the Living Dead," "Annie," and all seven "Rocky" movies. He also enjoyed watching "Full House," "The X Files," and "The Simpsons." When he wasn’t watching something, Jason liked drawing and making art, reading books, learning about history, and studying maps.
Jason was truly a local celebrity. He loved meeting new people and had a special way of turning strangers into friends — and friends into family. Anyone who knew Jason got to share in his joyful spirit. And for those who didn’t, Jason had a characteristically honest response: “Too bad for you.”
Jason is survived by his parents, Madeline and Myron “Mom and Dad” Kukla; his brother, Nathan and sister-in-law, Kyla (King) Kukla of Grand Rapids, Michigan; and his brother, Matthew and sister-in-law, Shannon (Bass) Kukla of Huntsville, Alabama. He also leaves behind his nieces and nephew, Zoe and Zachary, Kiki and Ella Kukla — his “little munchkins.”
Jason is lovingly remembered by a large extended family, many close friends, and a devoted community of caregivers.
Jason’s joy changed all of us, and his memory will continue to do so.
A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Friday, May 22, 2026, at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, 480 152nd St. in Holland. Father Michael Burt will be officiating. Burial will be in Lakeshore – Holland Cemetery.
Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Thursday, May 21, at Dykstra Funeral Homes – Northwood Chapel, 295 Douglas Ave., in Holland, and from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to the service at the church.
Donations in lieu of flowers can be made below to Camp Sunshine, Benjamin's Hope, and the Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jason, please visit our floral store.
LaVerne Doris Lievense
December 17, 1924-May 13, 2026
With gratitude for her love, we announce the peaceful passing of LaVerne Doris (Huyser) Lievense on May 13, 2026, at the remarkable age of 101.
LaVerne was a beloved daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and woman of strong Christian faith who unselfishly served others throughout her personal and professional life.
LaVerne was born on December 17, 1924, to Russell and Marie Huyser in Holland, Michigan, where she grew up with her four siblings on East 24th Street. She received her elementary education in a rural one-room schoolhouse, graduated from high school and went on to earn her registered nursing degree from Butterworth Nursing School in 1945.
She began her nursing career working for a local physician, Dr. Harms, where she met the love of her life and husband of 65 years, Donald Lievense, whom she married in 1949. While raising their three boys, she also worked as a public health nurse for the Ottawa County Health Department. Thereafter, she kept her nursing license active well into her 80s, working as a volunteer at health clinics, administering vaccinations.
LaVerne was the first woman appointed to the Holland Hospital Board of Directors, where she served for several years. LaVerne also supported and served on the boards of multiple charitable organizations addressing the needs of underserved communities in the greater Holland area. A woman of strong faith, she was a lifelong member of Third Reformed Church, where she served in several capacities, including Elder at the church. LaVerne and her sister
Esther Van Slooten was instrumental in the charitable donation of the Huyser Farm property to Laketown Township in memory of their late aunt and uncle, Lilah and Manual Huyser.
LaVerne believed deeply in caring for people and finding joy in simple moments shared with loved ones. She poured everything she had into her family, from raising her children to hosting family gatherings and always being the last one to sit down to eat. She relished the opportunity to play cards or board games with family and used that time to teach valuable life lessons. Though she will be deeply missed, her life serves as a reminder of the good that caring people can pass on.
LaVerne was preceded in death by her husband, Donald J. Lievense; brothers, Warren and Ivan Huyser; brothers-in-law, Louis Van Slooten and Kenneth Van Haitsma; and grandson, Mason Lievense.
LaVerne is survived and deeply loved by her sisters, Esther Van Slooten and Norma Van Haitsma; sons, James Lievense, William (Jane) Lievense, and Robert Lievense; five grandchildren, Andrew (Alison) Lievense, Molly (Jonathan) Howell, Elizabeth (Andrew) Atkins-VanLieshout, Laura (Erik) Williams and Ethan (Bre) Lievense and 10 great-grandchildren.
A service will be held to honor and celebrate her life at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 21, at the Dykstra Funeral Home - Mulder Chapel, 188 W. 32nd St., Holland. Visitation will be 10-10:45 a.m. with a lunch reception at Noon. A graveside service will follow at 1:30 p.m. at Pilgrim Home Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to a charity or organization of your choice.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of LaVerne, please visit our floral store.
Edward Charles Spencer
August 23, 1955-May 15, 2026
Edward Charles Spencer passed on May 15, 2026, at the age of 70.
Born on August 23, 1955, Edward was a resident of Holland, Michigan.
No services are scheduled at this time.
James Edward VanDyke
February 22, 1948-May 14, 2026
Jim VanDyke, age 78, went to be with his Lord and savior on Thursday, May 14, 2026.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Linda Earhart.
He is survived by his wife, Roxann Ellis VanDyke; children, Karman (Ladd) Houtstra, Kirk (Stacy) Kambestad, and Tammy Beckert; grandchildren, Kennedy (Peyton) Montgomery, Madelyn (Ian) Smith, Rylie VanderStel, Kobe Kambestad, Lucy Kambestad, Jesse (Cederick) VanDyke, Jimmy Beckert, Jeremy Beckert; great-grandson, Noah VanDyke; siblings, Dan (Sue) VanDyke, Sharon (Arniel) DeWitt, Harvey (Shelly) VanDyke, Kevin (Sandra) VanDyke, and Tom Earhart; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Jim will be remembered as a devoted husband, proud veteran, and successful businessman. Jim honorably served in the United States Navy and fought during the Vietnam War, carrying with him a sense of patriotism and strength throughout his life. He began his career in the trucking industry, where his hard work and determination laid the foundation for future success. Later, he purchased EdgeWater Villa Resort on Table Rock Lake, which became his pride and joy. There, Jim cherished caring for and improving the resort while spending treasured time with family, boating and fishing on the lake.
Jim deeply loved his wife and treasured the adventures they shared together, including trips to Alaska, visits to their timeshares in Mexico, camping trips, and exploring the beauty of the national parks. He also volunteered through his church’s Grief Share ministry, walking alongside those who had experienced the loss of a loved one. Known for his generous spirit, Jim was always willing to help friends and family members whenever they were in need, often giving freely of both his time and finances. Jim’s legacy is one of dedication, adventure, generosity, and a hard work ethic.
A special thanks to the Veterans Affairs Department, University of Michigan West Hospital, MediLodge of Holland, and Gentiva Hospice for their care and support.
Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at Cook Memorial Chapel, 4235 Prairie St. SW, Grandville, Michigan, with visitation prior to the service beginning at noon. The family welcomes memories and messages at cookcaresgrandville.com in their guestbook online.
Jane Walton
April 20, 1940-May 13, 2026
Jane Walton, age 86, passed away on Wednesday, May 13, 2026.
A time of visitation will be 11 a.m. Saturday, May 23, 2026, and her funeral service will follow at noon at Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E. 16th St., Holland.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Jane Walton, please visit our Sympathy Store.
