Obituaries: Oct. 23, 2026

John Russell Allen

January 23, 1951-October 20, 2026

John Russell Allen passed away peacefully on October 20, 2026, in Holland, Michigan

He was born on January 23, 1951, in Ludington, Michigan.

John was an all-around handyman. He made beautiful furniture and quilts. He enjoyed cooking and baking and made the best Dutch Banket. John fulfilled his love of traveling by driving trucks across the country while working for various companies. John served his Country in the Army during the Vietnam era. He faced his battle with Parkinson’s disease with courage and stayed positive throughout.

John was preceded in death by his father, LaValle Allen; his brother, Gary Lance Allen; and his sister, Toni Jeminez.

He is survived by his dear wife, Judy, of 42 years; sons, Edward and Joshua; sisters and brothers, Kathie Olsen, Sharon (Tim) Heidema, Nancy Hannah, Stanley (Linda) Luspin, Linda Dworkin; stepmother, Diane Allen; in-laws, Jim and Carole McCluskey, Jerry and Betty Carpenter, and Peter and Connie Guillony. He will also be deeply missed by many nieces and nephews.

Cremation will take place, and a gathering of family and friends to celebrate John’s life will be held at a later date.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John, please visit our floral store.

Phyllis Jean Anderson

September 1, 1932-October 19, 2026

Phyllis Jean Anderson passed on October 19, 2026, at the age of 94.

Phyllis was born on September 1, 1932, and was a resident of Grand Rapids, Michigan.

No services are scheduled at this time. 

Daniel Buchan

September 5, 1985-October 16, 2026

In loving memory of Daniel Buchan, who peacefully passed away at home in Zeeland on October 16, 2026, a bright star has dimmed, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and cherished memories.

Born on September 5, 1985, in the beautiful town of Traverse City, Michigan, Dan was a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend whose gentle spirit touched the lives of all who knew him.

Dan was the treasured son of Linda Huizen of Zeeland and Patrick and Susan Buchan of Traverse City. He is deeply mourned by his brother, Sam Buchan and Sara; his sister and brother-in-law, Jennifer and Pete St. John; and step-siblings Ryan and Rachel. His loving grandmother, Shirley Wehr, along with uncle Gary and aunt Bonnie Huizen, uncles Michael Tremain and Tim Buchan, and a special Aunt Dixie Tremont, will forever hold him in their hearts. Dan's legacy also lives on through the countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and the many friends he made along his journey, including Geoff, Tom, Chris, and David, who were special companions in his life.

Preceded in death by his grandfather, Gerald Huizen, Dan's passing leaves a void that only cherished memories can fill.

He was a graduate of Holland High School, class of 2004, and embarked on a career that included working for oil drilling companies in Colorado and West Virginia, where his work took him to numerous states. Upon returning to Michigan, Dan found fulfillment working at Huizen's Locksmith Service in Hudsonville.

A passionate sports enthusiast, Dan's love for baseball, football, and hockey was well-known among his family and friends. His devotion to the game of baseball, especially to the Chicago Cubs, was unwavering. Whether traveling to major league stadiums or watching multiple games at home, his enthusiasm was infectious. Dan also found joy in the digital world, participating in group gaming online and forming meaningful friendships with fellow gamers from around the globe.

Dan's sensitivity to the feelings and needs of others was one of his most endearing qualities. While he was steadfast in his habits, he possessed the grace to adapt when necessary, always striving to make others feel valued and understood.

In honor of Dan's memory, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Hospice of Holland, an organization that provided comfort and support in his final days. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the Cancer & Hematology Center in Holland and the Lemmen-Holton Cancer Pavilion of Grand Rapids. They are especially thankful to Dr. Kelly Lynch and the entire team of doctors who accompanied Dan on his journey with great understanding and grace.

Though Dan's presence will be deeply missed, his spirit will continue to inspire kindness, loyalty, and love in all who knew him. May he rest in peace, forever cherished in our hearts.

A celebration of life will be 1-4 p.m. on Nov. 15 at Homewood by Hilton Holland, Michigan, where friends and family can share special memories and moments. The address is 625 South Point Hotel Drive, Holland. If unable to attend because of scheduling, notes with your personal memory of Dan would be read and cherished.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Daniel, please visit our floral store.

Larry De Kraker

June 21, 1938-October 17, 2026

Larry DeKraker, age 88, of Holland, met his Lord and savior in the early morning hours of October 17, 2026.

Larry lived a life filled with love for his Lord Jesus, his family, his friends, and fishing! He was a lifelong member of Beechwood Church in Holland, Michigan, where, on many weekends, you could find him volunteering his time.

Larry retired from Steelcase Corporation after a long career as a product engineer and inventor. Throughout his career, he contributed to more than twenty patents for seating and chair mechanisms.

Larry was happiest outdoors, preferably on a body of water and surrounded by family and friends. He created many wonderful memories by driving his family to Florida each spring to tent camp on Sunshine Key. The many seashells and sea bean souvenirs collected over the years bring to mind those long-ago days of shell hunting, walking the bridge and beaches, lobster hunting, and, his favorite pastime, fishing. Larry was an accomplished fisherman, and the many photographs and trophies he left behind serve as reminders of his lifelong love for the sport.

Most importantly, Larry made sure his family went to church and, in his quiet way, taught them how to live a life of faith. And now, he has heard his Savior say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Larry was preceded in death by his daughters, Deborah and Pamela; his brother, Rodney DeKraker; and his parents, Louis and Ruth DeKraker.

He is survived by his wife, Judith of 67 years; children, Tim and Shellie VanMalsen of Holland and Brian and Jayne DeKraker of Allegan; his grandchildren, Kyle and Amanda VanMalsen, Phillip and Kendra Deimer, Jennifer Kleis, Adam and Liz Kleis, Alex and Christy Kleis, Zachary DeKraker, Sierra and Jake Esposito, Mariah Bawden, and Raquel Bawden; and twelve great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by his brothers, Dennis and Alyse DeKraker of Washington and Keith and Vicki DeKraker of Holland, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, October 22, at Beechwood Church, 895 Ottawa Beach Road, with the Revs. Dave Lantz and Aaron Westhouse officiating. A memorial visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, October 21, at the Dykstra Funeral Home-Northwood Chapel, 295 Douglas Ave.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Holland.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Larry, please visit our floral store.

Willard Vanderbie

August 26, 1936-October 22, 2026

Willard Vanderbie passed on October 22, 2026, at the age of 90.

Born on August 26, 1936, Willard is remembered in a personal and intimate way.

No services are being planned at this time.