Obituaries: Sept. 15, 2026
Our sympathies are with these local families.
Karen Jean Herman
October 10, 1942-September 11, 2026
Karen Jean Herman, age 83, peacefully entered into the presence of her Lord and savior on Friday, September 11, 2026, surrounded by loved ones.
She was preceded in death by her father, Jacob Smith; mother, Maxine Smith; and sister, Marlene Koetsier.
She is survived by her husband, Lynn Herman; daughter, Susan (Gordon)Toering; son, Robert (Lori) Herman; grandchildren, Stephanie Nichols (Tyler), Sarah Holey (Jon), Ryan Toering (Lauren), Zachary Toering, Stacie Toering, Kaylee Herman, Jordan Herman, Joshua Herman; great-grandchildren, Levi Nichols, Riley Nichols, Greyson Nichols, Aiden Holey, Micah Holey, Abram Toering.
Karen was a devoted wife and was married for over 63 years to her high school sweetheart, Lynn. She graduated from Ottawa Hills High School and received her teaching degree from Michigan State University. She enjoyed teaching first and second grade for many years at Northview. She absolutely loved working with children and building relationships with each of them and their families.
Karen found joy in making lifelong memories with family and friends. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought so much happiness and laughter to her life. She had a huge heart and was always committed to helping others by making them feel loved and cared for. She enjoyed traveling, camping, boating, horseback riding, sewing, flower arranging, and playing games. She also loved singing — she found comfort in hymns, especially during the last few years of her life.
It was important to Karen to be a part of her grandkids' childhood, including taking the time to create fun crafts, game nights, and holiday parties. The most memorable event she planned was the annual construction/decorating of gingerbread houses with her husband and grandkids, where they took over the dining room table for hours with creativity and laughter. Spending time with family and friends meant so much to her.
Visitation will be held from 4:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, September 17, 2026, at Cook Memorial Chapel (East Building), 4235 Prairie St. SW, Grandville, MI 49418. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, September 18, 2026, at Cook Memorial Chapel, with visitation from 10-11 a.m. prior to the service.
In honor of Karen and in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Northlawn United Methodist Church or a charity of your choice. The family welcomes memories and messages at cookcaresgrandville.com in their guestbook online.
Nancy Nell Lynema
December 3, 1939-September 13, 2026
Nancy Nell Lynema passed on September 13, 2026, at the age of 86.
She was born on December 3, 1939, and was a resident of Holland, Michigan.
No services are scheduled at this time.
Alnora Mast
June 29, 1937-September 14, 2026
Alnora (Engelsman) Mast, 89, of Zeeland, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 14, 2026.
Born June 29, 1937, Alnora grew up with a strong work ethic, working on the family farm in Oakland. It was there that she met the love of her life, Erwin "Erk" Mast. Together, they shared 63 wonderful years of marriage, filled with fond memories of winter days in Florida and cheering on the Detroit Tigers at spring training camp.
A faithful and devoted member of Drenthe Christian Reformed Church, Alnora attended regularly until the final weeks of her life. She treasured the simple, joyous moments, especially breakfast outings with family and friends and traditional Saturday night family pizza times. Alnora leaves behind a rich legacy of faith, hard work, quiet strength, kindness, and a love for people. While she will be missed and lovingly remembered by all whose lives she touched, her family finds comfort in the assurance that she is now home with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Alnora was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Erwin; her brothers, Warren and Allyn; and her son-in-law, Calvin Boeve.
She is survived by her children, Scott (Nancee) Mast, Pam Boeve, Sandra (Mike) North; her grandchildren, April and Pete VanVolkinburg, Dan Mast, Emilee and Joe Mally, Katie and Steven Kroll, Josh and Jessica DeJong, Kendra Kulier, Lexi and Mitch Schutter, and Braden North; her step-grandchildren, Meagan and Mark Hoffman and Tyler Boeve, 12 cherished great-grandchildren; siblings; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Hildreth Van Dyken, Sharon Engelsman, Jerold Engelsman, Janice Loew, Glenn Engelsman, Carol and Jim Timmer, Cindy Engelsman, and Myra Mast.
A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Friday, September 18, 2026, at the Drenthe Christian Reformed Church, 6344 Adams St., Zeeland, MI 49464. Visitation will be Thursday, 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at the Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St., Zeeland, MI 49464. Interment will be in West Drenthe Cemetery. Memorials may be made to The Bridge Youth Center or Faith Hospice-Trillium Woods.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Alnora Mast,you please visit our Sympathy Store.
Mary Lou Mehling
March 9, 1942-September 12, 2026
Mary Lou Mehling, age 84, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Saturday, September 12, 2026.
Mary Lou made every moment feel so special. Whether she was playing cards or taking a walk, she exuded such happiness and appreciation for the beauty around her.
Anyone who spent time with Mary Lou has endless memories full of joy. Being around her meant smiles, laughter, and reminiscing on her favorite moments. With a heart of gold, she made friends anywhere she went. Mary Lou was the rare type of person to appreciate life as it was happening. Her unapologetically nostalgic and sentimental spirit will carry on through those who were lucky to know and love her.
In true Mary Lou fashion, she would love to know that her memories are being shared not just after her passing, but forevermore. Her hugs will remain in the fabric of our clothes, her laughter will ring fresh in our ears, and her love will continue to show in the lives she touched.
She will be lovingly missed by her husband of 61 years, Daniel Mehling; children, Denise (Todd) Mehling-Smith, Mark (Sally) Mehling; grandchildren, Madison, Travis, Maya, Cane, and Malia; sister, Judy Teichert; sisters-in-law, Susan Grosjean and Jo Mehling; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
In lieu of flowers and in honor of Mary Lou, memorial contributions may be made to Faith Hospice or the Alzheimer’s Association. The family welcomes memories and messages at cookcaresgrandville.com in their guestbook online.
Judith Jean Nolan
September 21, 1938-September 10, 2026
Judith Jean Nolan (Lee) known to her friends and family as Judy, passed away on September 10, 2026, at the age of 87.
She was born in Detroit, Michigan, on September 21, 1938. Judy lived most of her adult life in Milwaukee after being raised in Grand Rapids by her parents, Jean and Gordon, and attending Catholic Central and Aquinas College. Judy was the oldest sibling and had three brothers, Tim (Cathy deceased), Dan (deceased) (Carol) and Bruce (Kathy deceased) and (Pam). Judy had many nieces and nephews, including Andrea Lee, John Hanson, Steven and Quinn, Cassie Lee, Moira Lee and Andy Quathamer, Megan Mackety, Erin and Paul Anderton, Adam and Amanda Cosgrove, KC Lee, and Grant and Kate Sowerby.
After college, Judy became a flight attendant for TWA and subsequently went into the travel business where she co-owned a travel agency in Milwaukee. She made many friends before she retired to Holland, Michigan. Judy loved traveling and claimed to have visited over 52 countries.
Judy was a lifelong bridge player and stayed active with the PEO a professional women’s organization. She was a life-of-the-party people person with a winning smile and an overwhelming personality. For many years, she was a volunteer docent for the Holland Tulip Festival.
As a devout Catholic, Judy attended Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, where she attended bible study.
Judy had a long, exciting life full of adventure. She will be missed by her many friends and family.
A visitation will take place on4-6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, at Dykstra Funeral Home - Northwood Chapel in Holland. A memorial mass will take place at 10 a.m. Monday, September 21, at Our Lady of the Lake Church in Holland.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Judith, please visit our floral store.
Beth Ann Smith
October 20, 1949-September 5, 2026
Beth A. Smith, of Muskegon, passed away on September 5, 2026.
She was born on October 20, 1949, in Holland, Michigan, to Clarence and Jane (DeFouw) Johnson. Beth graduated in 1967 from Zeeland High School and in 1971 from Central Michigan University, where she earned her bachelor's and master's degrees in education. She was a member of the Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority.
After graduation, she coached and taught physical Education at Vassar Public Schools from 1971 to 1975. During that time, the girls' volleyball team never lost a 15-point game in three consecutive years. The varsity cheerleaders won 5 state competitions.
In 1975, she joined the staff at Muskegon Community College until her retirement in 2011. While at MCC, she was a physical education and recreation instructor. She coached volleyball, developed a recreation curriculum, redesigned the gym, fitness center, dance studio, athletic training center and added classrooms. She was voted outstanding faculty member and served as Faculty Association President.
In 1980, Beth was elected president of the Board of Directors for the Michigan Special Olympics. She also managed the University Park Golf Course. While there, she set up golf for Special Olympics Athletes and worked with MCC for cross-country events. She loved all sports as well as sailing and boating. In November 1979, she married the love of her life, Don Smith of Muskegon. They shared 16 beautiful years together until Don's death in 1995.
Beth is survived by her brothers, Robert (Cathy) Johnson, and Steven (Pat) Johnson; sister-in-law, Carole (Smiley) Johnson; nieces, Aimee (Jim) Dekker and Casey (Jason) Byrd; nephew, Kyle (Shannon) Johnson; stepson, Dean Smith; stepdaughter, Kristine VanderHoek; step-grandsons, Zak and Carl; step-niece, Kari Suffel; and several other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Don Smith; parents, Clarence and Jane (DeFouw) Johnson; and brother, Charles Johnson. Beth will be greatly missed by her beloved dogs Buddy and Dally, family, friends and neighbors.
A private celebration of life will be planned at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Michigan Special Olympics.
To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit our flower store.
