Obituaries: May 4, 2026
Margaret Ann Becksfort
November 21, 1946-April 28, 2026
Margaret Ann Becksfort, 79, of Holland, passed away on Monday, April 28, 2026.
Margaret was born on November 21, 1946, in Holland, Michigan, to Henry and Jeanette (Plockmeyer) Scholten. She graduated from Holland Christian High School in 1965 and later married Jim Becksfort. Margaret and Jim raised their three children together in Holland and were members of Central Wesleyan Church.
Margaret liked to have fun and laugh. She was sharp and quick-witted, which helped her make friends easily in every avenue of life. Margaret was also always game for a good car ride or some coffee at McDonald's.
Margaret faced adversity in life with a lot of determination. She was a purposeful mom, an advocate for her children. Margaret was a lifelong problem solver and extremely empathetic toward people with special needs. She was always helping and overcoming challenges, even to her last week on earth. Margaret and her son Steve's lives were very intertwined through Steve's challenges. Remarkably, as Margaret was physically failing and facing her own mortality, Steve became very ill over the weekend. They died within three hours of each other. It was an amazing providential gift to each of them. How could either of them live without the other?
She is survived by her daughter, Lauri and Kevin Achterhof; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Travis and Emily Achterhof (Lucy, Annie), Kelsey and Dakota Geurink (Trace), Tara Achterhof, Tyler Achterhof; in-laws, Jan Vander Zwaag, Lorraine Becksfort, Faye Scholten, David Minnaar, and many extended family members.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Julie Becksfort, in 1998, and her husband, Jim Becksfort, in 2021.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 5, 2026, in the Chapel at Central Wesleyan Church (Please use Entrance G), 446 W. 40th St., Holland. Visitation will be 3-6 p.m. Monday at the Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E. 16th St., Holland. Interment will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Faith Hospice-Trillium Woods.
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Steven James Becksfort
August 17, 1969-April 29, 2026
Steven James Becksfort, 56, of Holland, passed away on Tuesday, April 29, 2026.
Steve was born in Grand Rapids on August 17, 1969. He was the oldest of Jim and Margaret Becksfort's three children. Steve graduated from Holland High School in 1989 and worked for decades at Holland Hospital. Steve was the "unofficial mayor' of Holland Hospital and worked hard to contribute to a positive culture. He enjoyed his work and loved interacting with his co-workers and the families being served by Holland Hospital. He is a member of Central Wesleyan Church.
Steve enjoyed listening to '80s music, watching a good movie with friends, and just hanging out. He liked to be funny and make people laugh, especially his sister's children. Steve also never took one serious photograph, ever. Steve liked nice cars and always took pride in his vehicles.
Steve's sister Julie died in 1998, and his dad Jim died in 2021. Steve's mom, Margaret, was always very influential in his life and helped navigate many of his challenges. Remarkably, as Margaret was physically failing, Steve became very ill, and both died within three hours of each other. It was an amazing providential gift to each of them. How could either of them live without the other?
Steve is survived by his sister, Lauri and Kevin Achterhof; nieces/nephews and great-nieces/great-nephews, Travis and Emily Achterhof (Lucy, Annie), Kelsey and Dakota Geurink (Trace), Tara Achterhof, Tyler Achterhof; aunts and uncles, Jan Vander Zwaag, Lorraine Becksfort, Faye Scholten, David Minnaar, and many extended family members.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 5, 2026, in the Chapel at Central Wesleyan Church (Please use Entrance G), 446 W. 40th St., Holland. Visitation will be 3-6 p.m. Monday at the Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E. 16th St., Holland. Interment will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Giddings Adult Foster Care Home or Ottawa County Community Mental Health.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Steven James Becksfort, please visit our Sympathy Store.
Margaret Jeanne "Peggy" Berko
January 6, 1943-April 30, 2026
Margaret Jeanne Berko, known to everyone as Peggy, passed away on April 30, 2026, in Grand Haven, Michigan, after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer.
Born on January 6, 1943, in Los Angeles, California, Peggy grew up in Azusa and graduated in 1960 from Bonita High School, a place and a group of people that would remain close to her heart for the rest of her life.
After high school, Peggy attended Mt. San Antonio Community College before going to work at Aerojet Electrosystems in Azusa, where she served as a secretary. It was there that she met Russ Berko, and the two fell in love. They married on June 3, 1967, in Glendora, California, and settled in West Covina, where they would build their life together for more than five decades.
When their son Kevin was born in 1970, followed by their daughter Debbie in 1973, Peggy devoted herself fully to them as a stay-at-home mom. She poured everything into her family, creating a warm and loving home that, true to Peggy's style, always sparkled with her beloved crystal collections. Once the children were older, she returned to work, first at Community Health Projects Inc. and later at Charter Oak Unified School District, where she remained until her retirement in 2005.
Peggy always made everyone feel welcome. She was kind, organized, giving, and endlessly supportive. Some of her passions include reading and baking, especially around the holidays. She also loved working on jigsaw puzzles, crocheting, crafting, and telling stories about her younger years. She stayed connected to her Bonita High School friends through a monthly lunch group where they shared memories and laughter, a tradition she treasured deeply.
Peggy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Russell; her father, Roy Needs; her mother, Marbeth Hartman; and her brother, Thomas Needs.
She is survived by her son, Kevin (Barbara) Berko; her daughter, Deborah (Jeremy Jeffreys); her sister, Shirley Doerfler; and five grandchildren, Caleb, Camille, Carson, and Canaan Berko and Emma Jeffreys, all of whom were the light of her life.
Peggy devoted everything to her family, and their lives were richer because of her love. May she rest in the peace and the light that she so generously shared with others. A private memorial for family will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Harbor Hospice in Muskegon, or a local hospice facility near you. Arrangements entrusted to the VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 620 Washington Ave., Grand Haven. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at sytsemafh.com.
Christopher "Chris" Todd Blake
May 7, 1983-April 27, 2026
Christopher “Chris” Todd Blake, age 42, passed away on April 27, 2026.
Born May 7, 1983, in Saginaw, Michigan, Chris spent much of his life rooted in the Vassar area, carrying forward a steady devotion to home, family, and the work that shaped him. He was a resident of Holland, Michigan, at the time of his passing.
Chris was born to Kathy Laski (Bob Laski) and the late Darwin D Blake, their only child. He attended Vassar High School, graduating in 2002. After high school graduation, he went on to Northern Michigan University, earning his bachelor’s degree in 2007 — an achievement reflecting the determination and follow-through that marked so many parts of his life. Even later on in life, Chris was able to obtain an associate's degree in agriculture in 2021 from Michigan State University.
From an early age, Chris understood the value of effort and responsibility. As a child, he learned the satisfaction of hard work while helping his grandmother and grandfather on their farm — time that brought him genuine joy and helped form the dependable, grounded spirit he carried into adulthood. That same joy for farm life remained with him, often leading him into roles within the agricultural industry, where persistence and practicality are not just appreciated but required.
Chris found happiness in both the outdoors and the everyday comforts of the things he loved. He enjoyed fishing with his dad, and he cherished time spent with family — never losing sight of the people who mattered most. He was also a devoted fan of Star Trek, NASCAR (especially Dale Earnhardt), and farming simulation games, interests that reflected both his imagination and his appreciation for the rhythms of rural life.
When he wasn’t outdoors, Chris could often be found behind the wheel. During his early career, he became a semi-truck driver — something he had talked about wanting to do since he was young — and he went on to spend time on the road. Driving became so natural to him that it was woven into his daily outlook, and he was known to joke about how poorly some people drove, offering his observations with the dry humor of someone who had truly seen many highways and bad drivers up close. He was employed by Keystone Cooperative in Hamilton, Michigan, as a driver/operations at the time of his passing. One of Chris' other passions was his favorite band, The Mavericks, and he attended their concerts quite a few times, something that brought him great joy.
Chris is survived by his mother, Kathy Laski (Bob Laski); uncles, Birt McKendree (Polly McKendree), Craig McKendree (Cindy McKendree), and Eric McKendree; and aunts, Karen McKendree (Tony Fields), Darlene McNeal (Jerry McNeal), and Kathy Dwyer. Chris is also survived by his many friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Darwin D Blake; grandmothers, Norma Blake and Janet McKendree; and grandfathers, Darwin G Blake and Charles McKendree.
A celebration of life is being planned for a later date.
Mary Ann Judson
March 1, 1937-April 28, 2026
Mary Ann Judson, age 89, passed away peacefully on April 28, 2026, in Holland, Michigan.
Mary Ann, lovingly known as “Mimi, Mama J, or Momma J,” was joyful, optimistic, and devoted to God, family, and friends. She was a steady light in the lives of those who knew her. Her life reflected a “bloom where you’re planted” outlook, marked by resilience, warmth, and a smile that brightened every room.
She was born in 1937 in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Raymond and Anna Hartung. She grew up on Robison Road with her brother Frank and their Boston terriers.
After attending Wittenberg College for two years, Mary Ann transferred to Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. She was a member of Gamma Phi Beta Sorority and was introduced to Franklin Judson at a fraternal party. She graduated on June 15, 1959, with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, followed by her job in downtown Chicago at Harris Bank after graduation.
Mary Ann and Franklin were married on December 10, 1960, and first resided on Judson Street in Evanston. She was actively involved as an election judge in their community and devoted time volunteering for her brother’s political campaigns in Texas.
Mary Ann had an adventurous spirit and was quick to say yes to opportunities:
- Competing as a swimmer in a relay team for three Chicago Sun Times Triathlons
- Swimming the length of the English Channel (350 miles) twice in one summer
- Traveling to Europe with her daughter, Linda, to meet relatives in Munich, Germany
- Exploring Alaska and New Zealand with Franklin and friends
She was an avid quilter who delighted in creating personalized baby quilts as treasured gifts. An exceptional cook and gracious host, she found great joy in gathering others around her table. She also loved owning, breeding, and raising Boston terriers, faithfully caring for the same line from the late 1960s through 2007.
She deeply valued her friendships and often shared the words, “Make new friends, but keep the old — one is silver and the other is gold.”
Mary Ann spent many years as a discussion leader in Bible Study Fellowship and Community Bible Study, where she invested in the lives of others. She modeled the love of Jesus not only in what she said, but also in what she chose not to say.
Her very best days were those spent raising her children and delighting in time with her granddaughters, who were the joy of her life. Mary Ann will be deeply missed, and her memory will be treasured by all who knew her.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Anna Hartung, and her brother, Frank Hartung.
She is survived by her two daughters, Linda Creviston and Sandy (Mark) Kemink, along with her beloved grandchildren, Sarah (Evan) Dieleman, Marissa Creviston, Molly (Aaron) Huizenga and Lucy Kemink.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers who supported Mary Ann with unwavering love and compassion during her final days.
A visitation will be at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 6, followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. celebrating Mary Ann’s life at Dykstra Funeral Home - Northwood Chapel, 295 Douglas Ave., Holland, the with Rev. James Karsten officiating.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary, please visit our floral store.
Lorena "Peach" Kay (Yonker) Laman
June 11, 1944-April 30, 2026
Lorena Kay "Peach" Laman, age 81, of Grand Haven, passed away on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at Harbor Terrace Senior Living.
She was born on June 11, 1944, in Muskegon, Michigan, to the late John and Martha (Baker) Yonker. Lorena married Russell Laman on April 22, 1967, in Grand Haven, Michigan. He preceded her in death on July 27, 2015, after 48 years of marriage.
Lorena, affectionately known as "Peach," was a dedicated and hardworking woman who took pride in her roles within the community. Peach and Russ spent many years delivering papers for the Grand Haven Tribune, and she served faithfully doing maintenance at Trinity Reformed Church. Later, she became a member of the Second Reformed Church, where she also shared her love of music as a choir member. In her free time, Lorena enjoyed simple pleasures like completing puzzles, painting, doing diamond art, and spending many happy years camping with family and friends. Above all, she cherished time with her children and grandchildren, who were the true center of her life.
Peach is survived by her children, Sue (Ron) Wallish and Jeff (Donna) Laman; grandchildren, Alex Laman, Madison Laman, Adam Wallish, Isaac Wallish, Briana (Craig) Knoll, Amber (Logan) Green, Jessica Garwood, and Levi Garwood; sister, Judy Arbogast; sisters-in-law, Jill Yonker and Sharon Yonker; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Russell; brothers, Wally and Ted Yonker; and sisters, Ruth Ellen Yonker and Marge (Elwood) Rycenga.
The family would like to thank the staff of Harbor Terrace for their kind and loving care of Peach.
The funeral service for Peach will be at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at Klaassen Family Funeral Home, with the Rev. Lary Jackson officiating. The visitation will be 3-5 p.m. Monday, May 4, at the funeral home. Interment will be at Grand Haven Township Lakeshore Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Gentiva Hospice.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lorena "Peach" Kay (Yonker) Laman, please visit our floral store.
Cornelia Ann Land
November 8, 1935-April 25, 2026
Cornelia Ann Land, age 90, went to be with her Lord on Saturday, April 25, 2026.
Ann was preceded in death by her parents, William and Cornelia Barnett, and was reunited in Heaven with her loving husband, Jack, who preceded her in death in 2022.
She is lovingly remembered by her children and their families, Angela (Dale) Flowers; and their children, Brittany (Peter) Fashho (Emery, Gracie, and Mylo) and Caitlyn (Peter) Yasso (Jack); Tom (Camille) Land, and their children Joshua (Kimberly) Land (Calvin), Abbie (Shane) Savage (Teegan), Kristina (Nick) Ostrander (James and Freddie), Amanda (Adam) Chismar, and Ethan, Dominic, and Juliette; and Randy (Lynelle) Land, and their children Celise, Elicia, Haegan, and Stratton. She will also be greatly missed by her brother and sister-in-law, Tom and Judy Barnett; her brother- and sister-in-law, Harold and Joanne Voorhees; as well as many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
Born in Oxford, Mississippi, in 1935, Ann graduated from Sardis High School and later attended Memphis State. It was during Jack’s time serving in the U.S. Navy, when his ship docked in Pensacola, Florida, that their story began. While attending a dance for service members on leave, Ann met the man who would become the love of her life. They stayed in touch and, in time, she traveled to Grand Rapids, Michigan, to be with Jack and meet his family. Their relationship deepened, as did their faith, which led to a Christ-centered marriage of nearly 63 years.
Ann was completely devoted to creating a home where love, care, and Christ were prioritized in everyday life. She was a skilled homemaker while also working in the insurance and retail fields once her children were older. When grandchildren arrived, her love for family grew and expanded as she became a constant, steady presence in all their lives. Ann was a grandmother who made each of her grandchildren feel deeply loved and known. Her sense of humor and quick wit will be lovingly remembered.
In their later years, Ann and Jack moved to Sunset Manor, where she spent the remainder of her life. Though she longed for her eternity with her Heavenly Father and with Jack, she remained a steady source of strength, humor, and devotion to those around her, even in the throes of dementia. Ann’s family is very grateful for the care given to her through the Sunset Manor staff during these last challenging years of her life.
Ann’s legacy is one of quiet faithfulness, unconditional love, and a life poured out for others. She did not seek recognition, but her impact is seen in the family she nurtured and the home she and Jack built in Christ. The seeds of faith, love, and devotion she planted continue to grow in the lives of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She lived out the truth of Proverbs 31:28: “Her children arise and call her blessed.” Her family rejoices in knowing she is now at peace in the presence of her Savior, reunited with Jack, and hearing the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:23). Per Ann's wishes, a private family graveside service will take place. The family welcomes memories and messages at cookcaresgrandville.com in their guestbook online.
Loretta Ann Miller
June 26, 1932-May 1, 2026
Loretta Ann Miller, 93, of Holland, Michigan, passed away on May 1, 2026.
Born June 26, 1932, in Wheeling, West Virginia, Loretta’s life was shaped early by faith, family, and the steady movement that came with her father's pastoral calling — an upbringing that carried her from West Virginia to Mississippi, and later to Missouri, where she graduated from high school in 1950. A committed student with a lifelong readiness to learn, she continued on to William Jewel College, earning her bachelor’s degree in 1954. She then pursued her master's degree in social work at the University of Louisville.
While attending school at the university, Loretta met her late husband, Richard Fahrner Sr., and the two were married in 1955. After the two were married, they settled in Ann Arbor, where Richard Sr. was an attorney. Together they welcomed their first child, Nancy Kotman, and their son, Richard Fahrner Jr. In 1964, Richard passed away — an immense loss that marked a difficult chapter in Loretta’s life. Yet even in sorrow, she carried herself with quiet resolve. Through a blind date arranged by a friend, Loretta met John Miller in 1965. John, an engineer at Ford, soon became her partner in the next season of life; they married and welcomed their son, Jim Miller. Though Loretta maintained her love of travel and moved often through the years, by 1992 the family had settled in the Holland area, where they spent the rest of their lives together until John passed in 2012.
In Holland, Loretta devoted 25 years of work to Freedom Village, serving others with steady patience and a genuine tenderness that made people feel seen. In time, she became a resident there herself, a full-circle reflection of a life spent showing up for others. Loretta was easy to talk to, and she had a natural way of offering guidance when it was needed—practical, clear, and rooted in care. She loved gardening and growing her own flowers, and her sons fondly remember being called upon to help create the new garden beds that made her visions possible. She cherished time with her daughter, Nancy, especially their “girl time,” shopping for new school clothes and stopping at J.L. Hudson's for a salad afterward — simple traditions that became lasting memories.
Above all, Loretta’s life was anchored in faith. She loved her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and she shared that love through her long involvement with Christ Memorial Church, where she worshiped as a congregation member, served, and encouraged others for many years.
Loretta was preceded in death by her father, Rev. James E McDonald; her mother, Loretta McDonald; her husbands, Richard Fahrner Sr. and John Miller; her sister, Patricia McDonald; her brother, Ed McDonald; and her grandchild, Danielle Fahrner.
She is survived by her daughter, Nancy (David) Kotman; her sons, Rick (Cheryl) Fahrner Jr. and Jim (Amy) Miller; her brother, Keith McDonald; and also by 10 grandkids, 13 great-grandkids, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be 10 a.m.-noon on May 7, 2026, at Lakeshore Memorial Services, 11939 James St. A funeral service will follow, noon-1 p.m., on May 7, 2026.
Memorial donations may be made to Christ Memorial Church, 595 Graafschap Road, Holland, MI 49422, US, or online at christmemorial.org.
Liandro Morin
September 7, 1954-April 15, 2026
Liandro Morin passed on April 15, 2026, at the age of 71.
Born September 7, 1954, Liandro was a resident of Holland, Michigan.
No public services are being held at this time.
Elisha Mulcahey & Daniel Baez
April 29, 2026
Elisha Marie Mulcahey, age 42, and Daniel Baez, age 11, of Fennville, passed away on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Elisha grew up in West Michigan. After graduating from Hamilton High School, she served three tours of duty in the United States Air Force in New Mexico. Elisha was always willing to help a friend in need.
Daniel was extremely intelligent and very inquisitive. He enjoyed figuring out how different things worked. He attended Fennville Elementary School prior to shifting to homeschool.
Elisha and Daniel are survived by her mother and step-father (grandparents), Janice and George Flokstra; niece and nephew (cousins), Audrey Mulcahey and David Mulcahey; stepsisters (aunts and uncles), Jolyn & Paul Yonker, Heidi and Evan Lynema, Angela and Joe Carron, Elizabeth and Blair Hozee; as well as several (great)aunts, uncles and extended family and friends.
A memorial service will be at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 8, 2026, at Cultivate Community Church, 4872 136th Ave., Hamilton. Memorial contributions may be given to Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Service.
Arrangements are through Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E. 16th St., Holland. To leave condolences online, please visit langelandsterenberg.com.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Elisha Mulcahey and Daniel Baez, please visit our Sympathy Store.
Martha J. Myers
August 21, 1927-October 8, 2025
Ronald Arthur Leutscher, age 84, passed away unexpectedly on November 25, 2025, leaving behind a legacy woven with love, kindness, and dedication.
Born on January 18, 1941, in Muskegon, Michigan, Ron was the cherished son of Arthur and Florence (Johnson) Leutscher. He embraced life with a spirited heart, earning his Bachelor's Degree after graduating from West Michigan Christian High School, Muskegon Community College, and Western Michigan University.
In 1964, he married Janice Proctor, and together they embarked on a beautiful journey filled with love, laughter, and adventure. The couple created countless memories traveling, camping, and enjoying weekends at their cabin on the serene Pere Marquette River. Ron's dedication to his community was evident in his more than 20 years of service as the Director of Juvenile Court in Muskegon County, where he made a lasting impact on the lives of many.
As an active member of Bethany Christian Reformed Church, Ron found not only spiritual solace but also a supportive community. He cherished his fellowship at the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge and relished Wednesday night basketball games with friends. He also loved taking regular swims in Twin Lake at the FOP Lodge. Known for his culinary talents, he loved grilling and delighted family and friends with his famous fried fish, onion rings, and French fries.
After the passing of his beloved wife, Jan, in 2014, Ron remained a vibrant part of his North Muskegon community, often seen strolling through the neighborhood or relishing visits to Whispering Pines Amish Store in Fremont. His warm smile and genuine interest in the lives of others made him a treasured friend and neighbor.
Ron is survived by his son, Todd (Gina Kniat) Leutscher; grandchildren, Samantha Houston and Spencer Kniat; great-grandchildren, Merlin and Milena Houston; brother, William (Sandra) Leutscher; brother-in-law, Jon (Beth) Proctor; and dear friend, Dan Stout. He was preceded in death by his parents, his second mother, Edith (Kinsey) Leutscher, his wife, Janice Leutscher, and his son, Trevor Leutscher in 2025.
A memorial service celebrating the lives of both Ron and his son Trevor will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Bethany Church with the Rev. John DeBoer officiating, where loved ones will gather to honor Ronald and Trevor's remarkable life and legacy. They will then be buried in Oakwood Cemetery next to Janice.
His spirit will continue to shine in the hearts of all who knew him, and he will be deeply missed.
Friends and family are encouraged to visit clockfuneralhome.com to leave memories or sign the online guestbook.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ronald Arthur Leutscher, please visit our flower store.
James "Jim" M. Van Dyke
December 2, 1944-May 1, 2026
James “Jim” Monte Van Dyke, age 81, of Grand Haven, passed away on May 1, 2026, surrounded by the love of family and the faith that guided his life.
Jim was a man whose presence made people feel at ease. He will be remembered for his compassion, deep faith, gentleness, humor, and patience. He had an artistic flair, a love for order (with a distinctly Dutch focus on cleanliness), and an appreciation for new experiences that led to travel in later years with his wife and dear friends.
Rooted his entire life in the lakeshore town he called home, Jim invested deeply in the people and community of Grand Haven. In his work as a funeral director and business leader, he served others with integrity. He was a co-founder of Hospice of North Ottawa Community, helping families receive compassionate care at the end of life. An active member and past president of the Grand Haven Rotary Club, Jim championed clean water initiatives that brought safe water to communities in Honduras and the Dominican Republic.
Yet of all the roles Jim held, his deepest identity was as a child of God and a committed follower of Jesus Christ. His faith was steady, sincere, and central to the way he lived. His service and love for others flowed out of deep gratitude for all God had done for him.
Jim was the devoted husband of Sharon Van Dyke, with whom he shared nearly 60 wonderful years of marriage beginning in August 1966. Together they built a life marked by generosity, faithfulness, hospitality, laughter, and enduring love.
He was a loving father to David (Tara) Van Dyke and Nathan Van Dyke, and to his daughter Kimberly, who preceded him in death. Jim treasured his grandchildren, Jacob (Rachel), Zach (Abigail), Ryan, and Annika, and was delighted to become a great-grandfather to Florence.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Fran Van Dyke; his brother, John Van Dyke; and his daughter, Kimberly.
Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6, at The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 620 Washington Ave., Grand Haven, Michigan.
A celebration of life service will take place at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 7, at Covenant Life Church, 101 Columbus Ave., Grand Haven, Michigan.
In lieu of flowers, Jim’s family requests memorial donations be made to ministries close to his heart: Bair Lake Bible Camp in Jones, Michigan, or the work of Jillann DV, working with refugees in the Middle East at crossworld.org, give to account #40263 (or send contributions to Covenant Life Church).
Share memories of Jim with the family online at SytsemaFH.com.
Marjorie L. (King) Westerhouse
June 23, 1940-April 30, 2026
Marjorie "Marge" L. Westerhouse, age 85, of Grand Haven, passed away on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at Harbor Hospice - Leila and Cyrus Poppen House Residence.
She was born on June 23, 1940, in Grand Haven, Michigan, to the late Robert and Verda (Myers) King. Marge married Ronald Westerhouse on May 18, 1957, in Grand Haven, Michigan. He preceded her in death on July 19, 2017, after 60 years of marriage.
Marge graduated from Grand Haven High School and lived in Grand Haven for her whole life. She spent several years working for Grand Haven Public Schools in the cafeteria, following in her mother's footsteps. Then she began a career working for the Grand Haven Tribune in sales and marketing.
Marge's faith was very important to her, and she was an active member at Hope Church in Grand Haven, where she served on the lunch committee and volunteered for the food trucks and blood drives. Marge loved to read, garden, knit, and make homemade cards. Most of all, she loved being a grandmother and cherished time spent with her beloved children and grandchildren.
Marge is survived by her three children, Dan Westerhouse, Barbara (Robert) Wolf, and D.J. (Linda) Westerhouse; seven grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; her sister, Charlene McKee; and sisters-in-law, Amanda King, Joyce Daane, and Shirley Westerhouse.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ron; one great-grandchild; and her brother, Robert King.
A memorial service for Marge will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Hope Church, with Pastor Tim Taylor officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at Lake Forest Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Marjorie L. (King) Westerhouse, please visit our floral store.
