Obituaries: Sept. 18, 2026
Our sympathies are with these local families.
Edwin Jay Bouws
April 17, 1943-September 16, 2026
Edwin Bouws of Holland, Michigan, passed away on Sep 16, 2026.
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William Donald Evenson
December 10, 1951-August 29, 2026
William Donald Evenson, age 74, of Holland, Michigan, died August 29, 2026.
He was born in Hudson, Michigan, to Melvin and Rosa, and was raised in the Hudson area as the youngest of four. He had fond memories of growing up in this small town and loved his family. William took a particular interest in sports from an early age, especially golf, baseball, and football.
He was part of a remarkable era of Hudson football, which eventually saw them win a record number of consecutive games between 1968 and 1975. William could often be found getting into trouble with his two older brothers and caddying for his father on the golf course. William graduated from Hudson High School in 1970.
William earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from Michigan State University in 1974 with high honors. During his time at Michigan State, he formed lifelong friendships and developed a moral compass dedicated to peace and justice. His love of MSU continued throughout his life.
He went on to Ohio Northern University, where he graduated with a Juris Doctorate in 1977. With that degree, William dedicated most of his career to Legal Aid of Western Michigan. Through his work, he helped many people. He found purpose in assisting low-income and vulnerable people to achieve justice and fairness. He was particularly driven to assist disabled individuals with their legal cases and to help them live with dignity. He believed that his life would be measured in what he gave back, and he gave generously, with care, dedication, and a kind heart.
While attending Ohio Northern, William met Elaine Gaiser. They were married in 1978 and soon moved to Holland, where they set down roots. Together they welcomed two daughters, Nora and Kassie. As a father, William was deeply involved and consistently present. He supported his daughters in all their endeavors. He spent countless hours at the pool, cheering and timing for Nora’s swim meets. He was a coach for Kassie’s softball for years and cheered from the sidelines for years afterward.
Nora and Kassie especially remember attending Michigan State University football games as a family, meeting up to tailgate and share time together before cheering on a team they all loved. In adulthood, William continued to enjoy sports and could often be found on the golf course or playing and coaching softball with his church. He and his wife were actively involved with the First Presbyterian Church in Holland. He maintained his commitment to social justice issues and standing up for the most vulnerable in his community through his giving and engagement. He passed on these values to his daughters. William also remained a devoted husband, caring for his wife Elaine until her death in 2020.
William was preceded in death by his wife of 40 years, Elaine Evenson; his mother, Rosa Evenson; his father, Melvin Evenson; his eldest brother, Brian Evenson and sister-in-law, Marsha.
He is survived by his daughters, Nora (Joe) Wachter and Kassie (Nathan Christensen) Evenson; his grandsons, Ethan and Clark Wachter; his brother, David (Debbie) Evenson; and his sister, Linda (Larry) Richards, and many nieces and nephews.
We remember William with love and gratitude — for the values he lived, the work he did, and the love and care he gave his friends and family.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the ACLU in his honor.
Duane "Duke" Hop
June 30, 1933-September 16, 2026
Duane "Duke" Hop, age 93, of Holland, died Wednesday, September 16, 2026.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, September 21, 2026, at Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E. 16th St., Holland.
Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be 4-6 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Hospice of Holland.
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Marie Johnson
December 2, 1931-September 17, 2026
Marie (Telgenhof) Johnson, age 94, passed away on Thursday, September 17, 2026.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Johnson.
She is survived by her children, Tim and Denise Telgenhof, Todd and Cathy Telgenhof, Sherri Wilson; grandchildren, Sonny Telgenhof, Sarah Telgenhof, Andy and Sondra Telgenhof, Jay Telgenhof, Elizabeth Telgenhof, Mark Wilson, Joe Wilson, Carrie Wilson; and several great-grandchildren.
Visitation with the family is 9-11 a.m. on Friday, September 25, 2026, at Langeland Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E. 16th St., Holland, MI 49423.
A committal service is planned for 11:15 a.m. also on Friday, September 25, 2026, at Pilgrim Home Cemetery.
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Charles "Chip" Murdoch
March 11, 1948-September 17, 2026
Charles Robert “Chip” Murdoch passed away on September 17, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of accomplishments, cherished relationships, and memories that will remain with all who knew and loved him.
Chip was born in Sharon, Pennsylvania, on March 11, 1948, to the late Charles E. Murdoch and Bess Murdoch. He graduated from Northwood University in Midland, Michigan, with a degree in Automotive Business, beginning a career that would become an important part of his life.
Chip’s career in the automotive business began alongside his father at Chuck Murdoch Ford in Sharon, Pennsylvania. From there, his career took him and his beloved wife, Deborah, on an adventure through Cleveland, Fort Lauderdale, Delaware, Fargo, North Dakota and Scottsdale, Arizona, before they ultimately landed in Michigan, where they decided to put down roots.
Throughout his career, Chip became a successful owner and manager of car dealerships. His entrepreneurial spirit, determination, and ability to connect with people served him well. One of his greatest professional accomplishments—and a source of tremendous pride — was owning his own dealership, College Chevrolet/Buick in Albion, Michigan. After many years in the automotive business, Chip retired in 2020.
Chip was also deeply proud of his 39 years of sobriety, an accomplishment that reflected his strength, commitment, and perseverance.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Chip’s greatest pride and joy was his family. He was the beloved husband and best friend of Deborah Murdoch, with whom he shared 45 wonderful years of marriage. Together, they built a life filled with family, love, laughter, travel, friendships, and countless cherished memories.
Chip especially loved his life on Spring Lake. Some of his happiest times were spent on the water, riding in his boat with his family and enjoying the simple pleasure of being together. Whether on the lake or surrounded by the people he loved, Chip treasured those moments and created memories his family will carry with them forever.
Chip was known for his quick wit and dry sense of humor. He had a way of making people laugh with a perfectly timed comment or understated observation. He never took himself too seriously and could find humor in the everyday moments of life. And, in keeping with his name, there was perhaps no greater treat than a good chocolate chip cookie — one of his favorite indulgences.
He was the devoted father of Anne E. Bianchini and the late Katie Murdoch, and a proud grandfather of Matteo Bianchini, Isabella Bianchini, Eva Bianchini, Jack Warner, and Ellie Warner. His grandchildren brought him immense happiness, and he treasured watching them grow and being part of their lives.
Chip was predeceased by his parents, Charles E. and Bess Murdoch; his brother, David A. Murdoch; and his beloved daughter, Katie Murdoch.
He is survived by his wife and best friend of 45 years, Deborah A. Murdoch; his daughter, Anne E. Bianchini; and his five grandchildren, Matteo Bianchini, Isabella Bianchini, Eva Bianchini, Jack Warner, and Ellie Warner.
Chip will be remembered for his love of family, his quick wit, dry humor, entrepreneurial spirit, perseverance, and the joy he found in life on Spring Lake. His life was one of hard work, resilience, adventure, laughter, and, most importantly, love. He leaves behind a lasting legacy in the family he cherished and the many lives he touched along the way.
He will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and forever loved. And there will always be a place at the table for a chocolate chip cookie in his memory.
A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Friday, September 25, 2026, at The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 620 Washington Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417.
Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions in memory of Chip may be given to the Harbor Humane Society, The Harbor Hospice Foundation or Alcoholics Anonymous.
Please sign the family’s online guestbook at Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services.
Linda D. Rozema
October 16, 1956-September 16, 2026
Linda D. Rozema, age 69, of Hudsonville, passed away Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at Holland Hospital.
Linda retired from Magna Donnelly Corporation after 40 years of service.
She enjoyed traveling, going to destinations to spend time with family and always had a good book to read.
Linda loved to cook for family and friends. She always had extra food to share with her neighbors. She was very caring and generous.
Linda was a member of Sweet Adelines International (women who sing four-part harmony). She sang with three different choruses, performing at concerts, community events, competitions, and special occasions.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Wayne and Helen (Robertson) Rozema; and a sister, Sandy Kessler.
She is survived by her brother, Gary (Diane) Rozema of Washington, Utah, and Kellie (Alan) VanderKooi of Fennville, Michigan; niece and nephews, Tim VanderKooi, Chad VanderKooi, Melissa VanderKooi-Brody, Jeremy Anderson and Jason (Cary) Anderson; and many cousins.
No services are planned. Cremation will take place and burial will be in Lakewood Cemetery in Park Township, Michigan.
Arrangements are by Dykstra Funeral Homes – Mulder Chapel.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Linda, please visit our floral store.
