Obituaries

Obituaries: Oct. 12, 2026

Our sympathies are with these local families.

by ONN Staff

Updated October 12, 2026

Obituaries: Oct. 12, 2026 — [Stock image]

Helen M. De Vries

Passed away on October 7, 2026

Helen M. De Vries, age 90, formerly of Holland, passed away on October 7, 2026.

Helen was the youngest of nine children born to Conrad and Anna (Buist) Haveman. She grew up in Allegan County and graduated from Martin High School. Between 1955 and 1962, Helen was employed as a telephone switchboard operator. Her brother Larry introduced her to Ray, and they married in 1959. While raising four children, the family repeatedly relocated between West Michigan and South Holland, Illinois, plus Towanda, Pennsylvania.

Helen was an avid reader and a former member and president (1977-’78) of the Hudsonville Friends of the Library. In 1979, she resumed working part-time at The Old School House restaurant in Borculo, followed by Russ’ in South Holland/Lansing, IL. After relocating back to Holland, Helen was hired in 1995 by Creative Dining Services, where she hosted and served at Hope’s Cook Dining Hall, plus did catering. After 25 yrs there, she retired in August 2020.

Helen especially enjoyed painting with different media. She was a highly accomplished porcelain china artist (40 yrs) and a member of the Lakeshore World Organization of China Painters. As a member of Holland Friends of Art, she participated for over 20 years in Holland’s Art in the Park, including her last show in 2019. As a member of the Saugatuck Douglas Art Club, she participated in the annual Clothesline Art Show.

Helen is survived by her children, Renee De Vries of Columbia, Maryland, Lisa (Bill) Aukeman of Hudsonville, Tim De Vries of Holland, and Tamara (Chris) Tuinstra of Cedar Lake, Indiana; her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; many cousins, nephews, and nieces, especially Lou Ann K., and friends, especially Bernice V. and Shirley D.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Raymond; her parents; her sisters, Evelyn, Ruth, Bernice, Marjorie, Crystal, and Laura; and brothers, Carl and Lawrence.

Relatives and friends may visit the family 1-3 p.m. Wednesday, October 14, at Lakeshore Memorial Services in Holland, Michigan. A private service and interment will take place at Pilgrim Home Cemetery in Holland.

David Hoezee

September 26, 1947-October 8, 2026

David Hoezee, age 79, of Holland, passed away on Thursday, October 8, 2026.

David was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was an all-around outdoorsman; in his younger years, he enjoyed trapping and has always loved hunting and fishing. David worked at Hart and Cooley for many years; after his retirement from there, he went full time at his underground sprinkling business.

David was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Elizabeth; his parents, Elmer and Fayne Hoezee; his sisters, Sue Jacobs and Mary Seekman; and his brother-in-law, Clifford Van Fleeren.

David is survived by his daughters, April Hoezee and Rich Beak, and Terry Ann and Daniel Clements; grandchildren, Shawnee Beak and Dale McWilliams, Dallas Beak; great-grandson, Marshall Dillon McWilliams; his siblings, Jackie Morrow, Michael and Ruth Hoezee, and Betty Thack; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Penny Krammin, Bonnie Van Fleeren, Ted and Thea Van Fleeren, Betty Van Fleeren and Rod Jacobs; as well as many nieces, nephews, in-laws and friends.

A memorial visitation will be 3-5 p.m. Friday, October 16, 2026, at Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E. 16th St., Holland.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of David Hoezee, please visit our Sympathy Store.

Sandra "Sandy" Sue (Jones) Johnson

November 10, 1959-September 29, 2026

On the afternoon of Tuesday, September 29, 2026, Sandra "Sandy" Jones Johnson passed away peacefully at home with her family at her bedside and a house full of love in Norton Shores, Michigan, at the early age of 66.

She was born on November 10, 1959, in Muskegon, Michigan, to the late Madison Jones and is survived by her mother, Sharlene (Gustafson) Jones.

Sandy grew up with her four siblings in Ferrysburg, Michigan, and graduated from Grand Haven High School in 1978. After marrying Bruce E. Johnson on January 10, 1987, Sandy spent her early years of motherhood in Utah, skiing with friends and going on outdoor adventures with her family.

Sandy returned to Michigan with Bruce to continue to raise their children on the shores of Spring Lake. Years filled with so many adventures! Trips to Boyne Mountain - a place that brought her so much joy and laughter; skiing with friends, watching her daughter get married at Disciples Ridge, and seeing her grandkids enjoy the winter months. An international traveler — from Canada, Switzerland, France, Germany, London, China, and Jamaica; memorable vacations with her closest girlfriends in New Orleans and Florida.

Music always held great interest for Sandy. From concerts to living room dance parties, to being Todd Rundgren's No. 1 fan, she always had a tune to set the tone. The lake also held great memories for her. Watching Wednesday races on Lake Michigan while her husband crewed the C.C. Rider, serving as treasurer for the Spring Lake Yacht Club in the early '90s and taking family boat rides to watch sunsets and catch the Musical Fountain — with the occasional pit stop to the Tip-a-Few.

Sandy had a resilience like no other; she effortlessly supported her family through numerous bouts with cancer and remained a selfless supporter to so many battling their own struggles in life. You could count on Sandy to listen, love, and lead, regardless of circumstance. This loss will be felt by so many who knew and loved her. She will be devotedly remembered in every wave on the shore, every flower that blooms with the sun, and all of the memories we'll continue to share in her spirit.

Sandy will be greatly missed by her husband of 39 years, Bruce Johnson; two daughters, Chantal Johnson (Jourdon Gullett) and Klare Barron (Tyler Barron); her son, Maxwell Johnson (Sarah Johnson); seven grandchildren: Vann, Goldie, Kennedy, Carter, Oaklee, Ollie, and Finlee; her mother, Sharlene Jones; three sisters: Janice (John) Batka, Jill (Dale) Kinkema, and Julie Jones; brother, Steve Jones (Connie LaFrance); sister-in-law, Gale (Dave Munson); brother-in-law, Erick (Holly) Johnson; several nieces and nephews; and her two beloved Party Poodles, Evening Star and Mae West.

She was preceded in death by her father, Madison Jones; father-in-law, Donald Johnson; and mother-in-law, Sarah Johnson.

A celebration of life for Sandy will take place 3-6 p.m. on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the Spring Lake Yacht Club, with memorial programming beginning at 4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in Sandy's honor. Help fund the Children's STEM Program at the Lakeshore Museum Center in Muskegon, Michigan, by visiting lakeshoremuseum.org/donate.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Sandra "Sandy" Sue (Jones) Johnson, please visit our floral store.

Edward James Jousma

March 19, 1936-October 9, 2026

Edward J. Jousma, age 90, of Holland, passed away Friday, October 9, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his family.

Ed was born on March 19, 1936, to John and Marie Jousma in Holland, Michigan. He graduated from Holland Christian High School in 1954 and went to work for his father at Main Auto Supply. He married Maxine Stephenson in 1962, and they had two children, David and Lynn.

Ed had a passion for outdoor sports including hunting, fishing, boating, waterskiing, cross-country skiing and especially downhill skiing. He also obtained his private pilot's license and flew a Piper Cherokee as a member of the Holland Flying Club.

Ed was the owner of Main Sport and Marine and the Shuss-In Ski Shop in downtown Holland for over 50 years. He purchased the business with his brother Melvin in 1958 from their father, and soon began adding recreational boating and fishing products. The Shuss-In Ski Shop opened in 1960 with clothing and ski equipment for "the particular skier." From 1970 to 1988, they also operated a separate boat sales and service location as well. In 1982, Ed became the sole owner and in 1988 the store began focusing more on the sportswear clothing market.

The Shuss-In Ski Shop became the hub for a community of skiing enthusiasts with its sponsored bus trips to Michigan ski resorts, ski fashion shows for all the latest in ski gear, and annual Colorado ski trips. Even with the closing of the downtown shops in 2009, Ed continued to operate the Shuss-In Ski Shop until 2026 in another location.

Ed was a strong advocate for downtown businesses and served many years on the Main Street Downtown Development Authority board.

Ed and Maxine intentionally developed their family's lifelong love for the outdoors with Sunday afternoon hikes and picnics, camping trips, road trips to Colorado with stays in an old mountain cabin, an appreciation for the history and beauty of America, and of course, downhill skiing! Ed's grandchildren and great-grandchildren were his greatest joy and he made sure they had plenty of opportunities for boating, fishing, hunting and skiing as well.

Ed lived out his faith with a commitment to integrity, generosity, keeping his word and lending a helping hand when he saw the need. He was known to take neighborhood kids fishing who might not otherwise get a chance and always had a big heart for the underdog. He had many cherished lifelong friendships who shared his love for fishing, boating and skiing.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, John and Marie Jousma; and siblings, Melvin Jousma, Ronald Jousma, Lois De Vries, and Leon Jousma.

Ed is survived by his wife of 64 years, Maxine Jousma; children, David (Melisa) Jousma and Lynn (Joel) Schumacher; grandchildren, Brittany (Curt) Mann,
Taylor (Daniel Quesada Mora) Quesada Jousma, Abigail (Cameron) Nally, Luke (Laura) Schumacher, and Peter Schumacher; nine great-grandchildren, siblings, Rose Mannes, Phyllis (Scott) Reyburn, Irwin (Karena) Jousma, and Patricia (Daniel) Vos; in-laws, Donna Jousma and Susan Jousma.

Visitation is planned for 4-6 p.m. Thursday, October 15, at Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E. 16th St., Holland. Burial will be in Graafschap Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Holland Christian Schools. Condolences may be left online at langelandsterenberg.com.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Edward James Jousma, please visit our Sympathy Store.

Andrew Machiela

January 31, 1936-October 9, 2026

Andrew Machiela, age 90, of Borculo, went to heaven to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, October 9, 2026.

Andrew was a lifelong farmer in Borculo as well as a lifelong member of Borculo Christian Reformed Church.

Andrew is survived by his wife of 67 years, Eileen Machiela; children, Ter (Doug) Sterk, Jeff (Anna) Machiela, Rod (Lynn) Machiela, and Maria Mendez; grandchildren, Tom (Sarah) Machiela, Jill (Marc) Boeve, Michael Muirhead Jr., Rebecca Machiela, Jack (Jenna) Machiela, Lee (Amberley) Machiela, Angela Machiela, Juan (Bridgett) Sarmiento, Erasmo Sarmiento, and Xiomara Sarmiento; great-grandchildren, Kaylee Boeve, Holly Boeve, Lucas Boeve, Marigold Machiela, Sophia Buonodono, and Shiah Machiela; sister, Geneva Diemer; and sister-in-law,
Mary Koning.

Funeral services are planned for 11 a.m. Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at Borculo Christian Reformed Church, 6464 96th St., Zeeland, with Rev. Rylan Brue and Rev. Allen Petroelje officiating. Burial will be in Borculo Cemetery. Visitation is scheduled for 5-7 p.m. on Monday, October 12, at Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St., Zeeland.

Please no flowers, but contributions in Andrew's memory are encouraged to Faith Hospice (8214 Pfeiffer Farms Drive SW, Ste. 200, Byron Center, MI 49315) and Crossroads Prison Ministries (P.O. Box 900, Grand Rapids, MI, 49509-0900).

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Andrew Machiela, please visit our Sympathy Store.

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