Obituaries: May 7, 2026
Katherine "Eileen" (Brinkman) Carter
August 25, 1947-April 24, 2026
Katherine "Eileen" Carter (nee Brinkman), age 78, of Grand Haven, Michigan, passed away on Friday, April 24, 2026, at Trinity Health Muskegon Hospital.
She was born on August 25, 1947, in Russellville, Arkansas, to the late Otto and Lavina (Hottinger) Brinkman. Eileen married David C. Carter on August 16, 1964, in Clarksville, Arkansas.
Eileen and David moved to Grand Haven in 1991 and were faithful members of St. Matthew Lutheran Church for many years. She worked as a Mortgage Underwriter for Fifth-Third Bank in Grand Haven, Michigan, until her retirement.
From her flourishing flower beds to her weekend antiquing trips, Eileen lived a life full of color. Her compassionate spirit shone through her lifelong devotion to animals and her active involvement in her church. She embraced the beauty of a slower pace, finding laughter in card games with her dear friends. Even as her years grew quieter, she remained an observant friend to the birds in her backyard and a generous soul to the local animal shelter.
Eileen is lovingly remembered and missed by her beloved husband of 61 years, David; and their two sons, Bret (Melissa) Carter of Elyria, Ohio, and Bart (Lisa) Carter of Mooresville, N.C.; her two granddaughters, Morgan and Mallory Carter; and her sister, Diana Brinkman of Russellville, Arkansas.
She was preceded in death by her mother and father.
A private family interment will take place at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Matthew Lutheran Church or Noah Project (a "no kill" animal shelter).
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Katherine "Eileen" (Brinkman) Carter, please visit our floral store.
Jennifer Ann Rhines
September 25, 1971-May 3, 2026
Jennifer Ann Rhines, age 54, of Nunica, passed away Sunday, May 3, 2026, at Trinity Health Muskegon Hospital.
She was born on September 25, 1971, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Nicholas Floyd and Linda Jean (Russell) Umlor. She married Kevin Rhines on August 14, 2014, after they met at West Michigan Molding.
Jennifer graduated from Coopersville High School and Grand Valley State University. She was the ultimate volunteer, helping out at Faithful to Felines, Kids Food Basket, NOAH Project, and Habitat for Humanity. She and Kevin adopted two cats from Faithful to Felines, Bug and Stevie. Jennifer loved outdoor activities and hiking.
Jennifer is lovingly remembered by her husband, Kevin Rhines; her parents, Nicholas “Nick” and Linda Umlor; her brother, Matt (Jessica) Umlor of Byron Center; her sister, Melissa Umlor of St. Kilda, Australia; niece, Bria; two nephews, Logan and Kellen; and numerous extended family and friends.
A memorial visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Monday, May 11, 2026, at The Spring Lake Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 213 E. Savidge St., Spring Lake. Memorials to Faithful to Felines are appreciated. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at sytsemafh.com.
Boyce Wayne Rodgers
September 25, 1942-May 1, 2026
Boyce Wayne Rodgers, age 83, of Robinson Township, passed away on Friday, May 1, 2026, at Resthaven Maple Woods-Holland.
He was born on September 25, 1942, in Beedeville, Arkansas, to the late Lester and Ruth (Bynum) Rodgers.
Boyce graduated from Grand Haven High School, Class of 1960. He then went on to earn his real estate license and worked as a real estate agent in Florida for many years. Prior to this, he worked at Oldberg's Manufacturing in Grand Haven.
Boyce traveled and lived in many places throughout various points in his life before settling back in the Grand Haven area, including New Smyrna Beach, Florida, New Mexico, and Louisiana. While living in Florida, he was a member of the Freemasons and Shriners International.
Boyce was part owner of Grand River Speedway, a motorcycle and snowmobile dealership in Robinson Township back in the early 1970s. He loved racing snowmobiles and was an an avid outdoorsman who also enjoyed hunting and fishing.
Boyce had a unique sense of humor and if he teased you, it meant he liked you. And if you told him to be nice, he was always quick to say, "I'm always nice!" He liked to go dancing, and he especially loved the music of Elvis Presley and outlaw country artists such as Johnny Cash and Loretta Lynn.
Boyce was an avid reader who loved to read westerns and watch them on t.v. as well, especially "Gunsmoke." He was also a big NASCAR fan and had fond memories of traveling to Daytona to catch a race with Dale Earnheardt, Sr. behind the wheel; his favorite driver of all time. Most important to Boyce were his grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom he loved dearly and loved making memories with.
Boyce will be forever remembered and missed by his two sons, Wayne (Lisa) Rodgers and Rick Rodgers, all of Grand Haven; five grandchildren, Allyson (Joe) Redmon, Amanda (Jake) Dalziel, Brenden and Noah Rodgers (Diamond Bisacky), and Holly Rodgers (Cole Hofstra); five great-grandchildren, Stella and Amelia Rodgers, Nova White, Huck and Kolson Hofstra; his sister, Mary (Richard) Hattox of Texas; two brothers, LeRoy (Paula) Rodgers of Ferrysburg and Charlie (Asma) Rodgers of Orlando, Florida; and brothers-in-law, Mack Baumgarner and Don Castner.
He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter-in-law, April Rodgers (2021); three sisters: Opal Baumgarner, Ruth (J.D.) Stowe, and Jean Castner; and brother, Jim (Karen) Rodgers.
Private family services will be held. Interment will be at Robinson Township Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Senior Resources of West Michigan or the Dementia Society of America.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Boyce Wayne Rodgers, please visit our floral store.
Terry Lee Schamper
March 9, 1943-May 5, 2026
Terry Lee Schamper, age 83, of Holland, passed away on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
A full obituary is being written. Services are being planned for later this month.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Terry Lee Schamper, please visit our Sympathy Store.
Linda Sue van Hartesveldt
June 14, 1946-May 4, 2026
Linda van Hartesveldt, age 79, passed away on Monday, May 4, 2026.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Frederick and Marjorie van Hartesveldt Jr., and her brother, Eric van Hartesveldt.
She is survived by her siblings, Marcia van Hartesveldt and Fred (Diane) van Hartesveldt; nieces and nephews, Nate, Christopher, Kyna, Noah, and Catalina.
Linda had a great interest in all things fashion. She loved to read both fiction and non-fiction books. Linda had a genuine interest in everyone she met. She will be dearly missed.
Visitation will be held from 9-11 a.m. Friday, May 22, 2026, at Cook Memorial Chapel (East Building), 4235 Prairie St. SW, Grandville. A private family graveside will follow. A celebration of life gathering will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 23, 2026, at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 3334 Breton Road SE, Grand Rapids. Refreshments will be served following the service. In lieu of flowers, consider a memorial contribution to Meals on Wheels. The family welcomes memories and messages at cookcaresgrandville.com in their guestbook online.
Cailen Thomas Vela
September 15, 2018-May 5, 2026
Cailen Thomas Vela, age 7, of Fruitport, Michigan, gained his Angel wings on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous three-year long battle with cancer.
He was born on September 15, 2018, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Cody and Aly (Howe) Vela.
Cailen showed everyone he met that he was so much more than cancer. Cancer never defined him; his joy, strength, and light are how he will be remembered. No matter what Cailen was facing, he showed up smiling. Running around, laughing loudly, loving deeply, and living every single moment to the absolute fullest. Cailen loved adventure, including a whale watching trip to California, countless camping trips, multiple kid-camps, hanging out with his many friends, always wanting to go on a bear hunt, and always wanting his “crazy sister” by his side.
Cailen was a beloved member of Connection Point Church in Muskegon, where his bright spirit touched many. He had a deep love for the Detroit Tigers and especially cherished his friendship with pitcher Sawyer Gipson-Long. Cailen found joy in the worlds of Spider-Man, Minecraft and Roblox. Cailen’s favorite color, orange, seemed to reflect his vibrant and energetic personality. Cailen loved spending time playing with his close friends and sharing laughter wherever he went. God placed Cailen and his special friend Harrison on a collision course at a time they both needed each other, during radiation treatment, which turned into a lifelong brotherhood.
Through his courage and determination, Cailen participated in Kids Kicking Cancer, where he was presented with his black belt by Sensei Michael —an inspiring testament to his strength and resilience. Cailen was loved by so many community organizations that there are too many to list, but especially Kids Kicking Cancer, Shields of Hope of Western Michigan, Gilda’s Club of Metro Detroit, Benefit4Kids, Special Days, Jenna Kast Believe in Miracles, and Make-a-Wish.
Cailen will be deeply missed by his loving parents, Cody and Aly Vela; his sister, Alyssa Vela; grandparents, Scott (Joni) Westfield and Greg (Sue) Howe; great-grandparents: Thomas (Janet) Joiner, Janice Joiner, and Doug (Linda) Redman; his aunts Emily (David) McCrary and Seana Vela; and uncle, Trevor Vela; his cousins, Adelaide, Ameila, and Oliver; as well as many other family members. He will also be greatly missed by his teachers and friends at Fruitport Community Schools and his Fruitport Football Team.
Cailen was preceded in death by his great-grandparents, Bob and Elaine Howe; great-uncle, Thomas Joiner; and cousin, Alyssa Harper.
The family would like to thank C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital for the compassionate and loving care that they provided for Cailen for the last three years.
The Funeral Service for Cailen will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Covenant Life Church in Grand Haven, with Pastor Holly Hazekamp officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Additional visitations will be 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. on Friday, May 15, 2026, at Connection Point Church in Muskegon. Interment will be at Spring Lake Township Cemetery with family at a later date.
Memorial Contributions may be made to “Cailen Loves Everybody,” a fund that he personally named and said that he wants to help children whenever they need it.
Cody and Aly encourage everyone to come dressed in Cailen’s favorite things, including the Tigers, orange and yellow, Spiderman, Minecraft, Super Mario, How to Train Your Dragon and Disney.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Cailen Thomas Vela, please visit our floral store.
Jeffrey Lee Wesseldyk
August 9, 1959-May 2, 2026
Jeffrey Lee Wesseldyk, age 66, passed away on May 2, 2026, surrounded by family.
Born in Zeeland, Michigan, on August 9, 1959. Jeffrey spent much of his life in Holland. He will be remembered by family and friends for the experiences he shared and the connections that remained important throughout the years.
Jeffrey attended Holland High School, where he played in the Holland High Dutchman marching band and wrestled for Holland High School. He later served in the United States Army, carrying forward a sense of duty and commitment that remained evident throughout his life.
In his working years, Jeffrey was a roofer and a semi-truck driver — roles that reflected a willingness to work hard, meet responsibilities head-on, and provide through honest labor. In quieter hours, he enjoyed watching Nascar races, as well as University of Michigan and Detroit Lions football, finding simple enjoyment in the familiar traditions of the sports he followed. Jeffrey will be missed by his family and friends.
Jeffrey is survived by his mother, Eileen Wesseldyk; brothers, Michael (Sue) Wesseldyk and Timothy (Sally) Wesseldyk; sister, Vonnie (Gordon) Diemer; 11 nieces and nephews; 25 great-nieces and nephews; and one great-great-nephew.
Jeffrey was preceded in death by his father, Albert Wesseldyk; and grandparents, Joe (Dena) Wesseldyk and John (Bertha) Johnson.
A special thanks to Hospice of Holland staff for their care and concern for Jeff, family friend Karyn Rice, and his aide, Danni Weatherwax.
A funeral service will be noon on May 11, 2026, at Lakeshore Memorial Services, 11939 James St., Holland. A committal service will follow at 1 p.m. May 11 at Restlawn Memorial Gardens, 994 Paw Paw Drive, Holland.
