Obituaries: Sept. 4, 2026
Our sympathies are with these local families.
William Horton Bedford, Sr.
May 28, 1936-August 26, 2026
William Horton Bedford, Sr. passed away on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at the age of 90, surrounded by his wife and loving family.
Bill was born on May 28, 1936, in Jamestown, N.Y., to the late Elizabeth (Horton) Bedford and Buell Hardy Bedford Sr. He grew up along the shores of Lake Erie in Dunkirk, N.Y., with his younger brother, Hardy.
Bill graduated from Dunkirk High School, where he met his devoted wife, Carol (Haas), in the Athletic Director's office. The inseparable pair were together for 73 years, including their time at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, where Bill earned a degree in Business Administration with a major in Marketing. He was a naval ROTC cadet, going on to serve aboard the destroyer USS Lloyd Thomas, and married Carol on December 27, 1958, while Bill was on holiday shore leave.
Bill was as industrious as they come, known for his energy, stamina, ready smile, and lifelong commitment to health and wellness. Along with Hardy, he owned The Wharf Marina in Grand Haven for 27 years, taking it from a small gas dock to a full-service marina. Always forward-thinking, he and his brother introduced In/Out Service, which enhanced the convenience of boating to a larger community. After selling the marina in 1992, Bill worked closely with the Lakeshore Lung Society for five years, a cause he was passionate about as his father passed away from a lung-related illness.
Bill was civically minded and volunteered throughout his life in areas close to his heart. He belonged to the Rotary Club and was among those who championed the building of the Grand Haven YMCA, where he loved to play racquetball. He was a long-time volleyball, soccer, and basketball referee and a huge local sports fan.
Bill was a history buff with a deep appreciation for the natural world, which began during two ranger camp trips along northern and southern national park routes. He especially fell in love with Yellowstone and the Tetons during the northern trip. As a college student, he worked a summer as a fry cook at Old Faithful Lodge. He loved to drive, so he and Carol took their kids and grandchildren on epic, cross-country western trips.
Next to Yellowstone, Bill's favorite place on earth was his family cottage on Crystal Lake, built by his grandfather in 1909. While there, he enjoyed visiting Sleeping Bear Dunes, whipping up corn fritters and spending time with family.
Grandy, as he was known to his nine grandchildren, had an insatiable curiosity and an encyclopedic memory for family genealogy, history, and just about everything. He loved daily exercise, reading military/spy thrillers, and watching sports and educational programs.
Bill was extremely hard-working, determined, generous, humble, and friendly toward everyone. He lived for his beloved wife, Carol, whom he doted on endlessly and called his best friend. Together, they routinely showed up for their grandchildren's countless sporting events, dance recitals, and musical performances, always holding hands and providing an example of true love.
Bill will be forever remembered and missed by his loving wife of 67 years, Carol; his two daughters, Laura Bedford and Tracey (Colin) Kihnke; two sons, Wil Bedford (wife, Dr. Christine Homik) and Brian (Katelyn Brennan) Bedford; nine grandchildren: (Brian) Emily, Josh, Alex and Bela; (Wil) Rhys and Kelyn; (Tracey) Myles, Kate and Keesen; sisters-in-law, Sharon Bedford and Doris Szczerbacki; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Buell Hardy Bedford Jr.; son, Michael Bedford; and daughter-in-law, Sandy (Simitz) Bedford.
Please join Bill's family for a time of visitation and light fare 9-11 a.m. on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church in Grand Haven, with a memorial service to follow at 11 a.m. at the church, with Rev. Dr. Troy Hauser Brydon officiating. Full military honors will be provided by the American Legion, Charles A. Conklin Post 28. Interment will be at Spring Lake Township Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Tri-Cities Family Y.M.C.A. or the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William Horton Bedford Sr., please visit our floral store.
Joyce Marie Gabrys
March 11, 1953-August 28, 2026
Joyce Marie Gabrys passed on August 28, 2026, at the age of 73.
She was born on March 11, 1953, and lived in Holland, Michigan.
No services are scheduled at this time.
Bruce Harkema
June 20, 1949-August 31, 2026
Bruce Alan Harkema, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, friend, and faithful servant of God, passed away surrounded by the love of his family.
Bruce was born to Justin and Beverly Harkema in Muskegon, Michigan, on June 20, 1949. When he was 6 years old, his family relocated to Holland, Michigan, where he would build the life and legacy that meant so much to him.
Bruce graduated from Holland Christian and attended Calvin University before ultimately following the family plumbing trade. Plumbing was more than a profession for Bruce — it was a family tradition and a craft he took great pride in. He made his professional home at Nick Unema Plumbing and Heating, where he devoted over 40 years to doing what he loved with people he loved.
Bruce’s faith was the foundation of his life. He loved the Lord and sought to honor Him through a life of humble service — to his family, his church, his work, and his community. Service was simply part of who Bruce was. He was the kind of man who showed his love through his presence, his willingness to help, and his steady commitment to others. He was a family man through and through, a quiet and humble leader whose life spoke through the way he served.
Bruce found joy in the simple and lasting things in life. He loved fishing, woodworking, mission trips, watching sports, and spending time outdoors with family and friends. He especially loved water — whether water skiing at the cottage, the Florida beaches, or the lakes of the U.P. He loved watching his children and grandchildren do what they loved and took great pride in cheering them on.
Bruce was preceded in death by his mother, Beverly; his father, Justin; his brother, Tom; his sister, Patricia; and his brother-in-law, Dick Valk.
Bruce is survived by his wife of 56 years, Susan. He is also survived by his daughters, Erin (Gary) Howe, Jill (Ryan) Tanis, and Laura (Matt) Meiste; his nine grandchildren, Abe (Kate) Howe, Evan (Jamie) Howe, Brady (Morgan) Howe, Trygve, Graham, and Drew Tanis, Cole, Addi and Brook Meiste; and great-grandchildren, Kieran and Josie Howe.
Bruce is survived by his brothers and sisters-in-law, Judy Valk-Kraker and Steve Kraker, Cal and Margo Mulder, Lucy Harkema, Stepmother Mary Harkema, Stepsiblings Benjamin Harkema, Joseph and Trish Harkema; and many fond cousins, nieces and nephews.
Bruce leaves behind a legacy that reaches far beyond his years — a legacy of faith, hard work, service, quiet strength, kindness and love for his family.
He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his family, friends, church, and all those whose lives he touched. His hands were often busy serving others, and his heart was always pointed toward God. His family finds comfort knowing he is home with his Lord.
On behalf of his family, a special thanks to Meijer Heart Center and the Transplant Team; Corewell Oncology and Lemmen-Holton; and all the caregivers, nurses, physicians and support staff who cared for him with such compassion and dedication these past six years. We are forever grateful for the gift of your care and kindness to him and our family.
Memorial contributions may be given to Gift of Life and Holland Christian Schools.
Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Thursday, September 3, 2026, at Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E. 16th St., Holland. The funeral service to honor the life of Bruce will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, September 4, 2026, at Faith Christian Reformed Church, 85 W. 26th St., Holland. Interment will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Bruce Harkema, please visit our Sympathy Store.
Berdena LePoire
August 27, 1934-August 31, 2026
Berdena Le Poire (ne Vanderslik)
Berdena LePoire, age 92, of Zeeland, Michigan, passed away peacefully at Butterworth Hospital on August 31, 2026.
She had battled kidney and heart failure for many years, but faced each challenge with resiliency and a strong will that all who knew her could attest was her strength.
She was born and raised in Zeeland, Michigan, the daughter of Grace and John Vander Silk, on August 27, 1934. She had three brothers, Preston, Jerome and Gerald, and one sister, Hazel.
She married Rodger LePoire in 1950, and they had three children, Robert, Brenda (LePoire) Redner, and Beth (LePoire) Molineux. When she wasn't fully occupied in her role as wife and mother, Brenda worked several jobs, from Nursing Home Assistant in Zeeland to working alongside Beth at a local McDonald's in Ontario, California. She has lived several places, first in Southern California and later Northern California, each time to be closer to family. Eventually, they returned to Zeeland.
She is preceded in death by her brothers, Preston, Jerome and Gerald; and her sister, Hazel Koning; her husband, Rodger (Pete) Le Poire; and her youngest daughter's first husband, Graham Molineux.
She is survived by her three children, Robert (Bob) Allen LePoire, and his spouse Debbie, Brenda Kay (Le Poire) Redner and her spouse Richard Redner, and Beth Ann (Le Poire) Molineux and her spouse Andrew DeLaTorre. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Matthew Robert Le Poire and his wife, Amanda, Ashley Elizabeth (Le Poire) Williams, and her husband Casey Williams, Ryan Nathaniel Redner and his wife Kathryn, Andrew Russell Redner and his wife Ali, Christopher Bradley Redner and his wife Breanna, Katherine Brianna (Redner) Anderson and her husband, Ryan, Huw Molineux, Jake Molineux, and Rachel Molineux; and her great-grandchildren, Benjamin Matthew Le Poire, Samuel Robert Le Poire, Henry James Williams, Cody Andrew Williams, Adelyn Elisabeth Redner, Caleb Harrison Redner, Ellie Jade Redner, Ezrie Maeve Redner, Raelie Autumn Redner, and Storie Lynnix Redner.
The family wishes to express its tremendous gratitude for the wonderful support and care Berdena received from Royal Atrium Inn in Zeeland and the Oaks at Jamestown in Hudsonville. We also wish to thank several health care workers who lived nearby and would visit Berdena regularly and even bring their children, Andrew, Andy, Robilynn, Anders and Dr. Dirk Schrotenboer.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, September 5, 2026, at First Reformed Church, 148 E. Central Ave., Zeeland. Burial will be in Zeeland Cemetery. Visiting will be from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to the service at church.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Berdena LePoire, please visit our Sympathy Store.
Marsha Sanford
September 16, 1952-September 1, 2026
Marsha Sanford, age 73, passed away Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at Robbinswood Assisted Living in Grand Haven, Michigan.
She was born on September 16, 1952, in Shelby, Michigan, to Justus Grenfall and Doris E. (Hale) Babcock. Marsha married Marlin Sanford on November 7, 1970, in Muskegon, Michigan.
Marsha graduated from Whitehall High School and went on to graduate from Davenport College with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. She worked at numerous businesses as an accountant/bookkeeper. Her favorite hobby was flower gardening, in all of the seasons.
She is lovingly remembered by her husband, Marlin Sanford; three sons, Jeff (Jessica) Sanford, Christopher (Jenny) Sanford, and Daniel (Megan) Sanford; five grandchildren, Madelyn, Morgan, Katelyn, Jacob, and Samuel; her sister, Jan Hill; and two brothers, Phil (Jackie) Babcock and Gary (Susan) Babcock.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
A private family service will be held at Springdale Cemetery. Memorials in Marsha’s name may be given to the Alzheimer’s Association. Arrangements entrusted to The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 620 Washington Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at sytsemafh.com.
Carol Ann Veenema
June 27, 1944-September 1, 2026
Carol Ann Veenema, age 82, passed away on September 1, 2026.
She was born on June 27, 1944, in Drenthe, Michigan, to James and Beatrice Franken.
Carol was one of three children and grew up in the Jamestown area. She graduated from Hudsonville High School in 1962. Carol worked in the medical and health services industry for many years.
Carol was preceded in death by her parents, James and Beatrice Franken; her brother, Roger Franken; and her husband of 44 years, Andrew Veenema Jr.
She is survived by her children, Dawn Veenema, Julie DeBoer, and John (Linda) Veenema; her grandchildren, Emily (Kyle) Kline, Lindsey DeBoer, Phillip DeBoer, Daniel (Katelyn) Veenema, Melissa (Sheldon) Walcott, Kelsie Veenema, and Matthew Veenema; and her great-grandchildren, Quinn Kline, Easton Veenema, Maverick Veenema, Ellory Walcott, and Lennyn Walcott. She is also survived by her sister, Ruth (Tom) Ysseldyke, as well as many nieces and nephews.
A private family gathering has been scheduled.
Donations can be made in Carol's honor to Meals on Wheels of West Michigan.
