Columns

Kenneth Harper Jr., 79, of Holland, passed away Sunday, April 12, 2026.

Kenneth Harper Jr., 79

Kenneth Harper Jr., 79, of Holland, passed away Sunday, April 12, 2026.

Ken was preceded in death by his daughter, Stacey L. Harper on July 17, 2025; and his parents, Kenneth and Margaret Harper.

Ken graduated from West Ottawa High School in 1965. He went on to work at Chris-Craft, W.H. Porter, American Aerosol, Howard Miller for 13 years and Trendway for 28 years.

Ken was always willing and ready to help anyone, be it with anything electrical, body work on a car or welding. He enjoyed volunteering at car shows, specifically at the Burn Survivor Car Show, Graafschap Christian Reformed Church Car Show and the Trendway Car Show.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Sue; son, Mike and Elvira Harper; granddaughter and great-grandchildren, Cecilia Garcia (Victoria, Daniel, Adrian, and Romeo); siblings, Jim and Holly Harper, Jack and Sally Harper, Darla Harper, and Kelly and Gayle Harper; and sister-in-law, Sharon Sebasta.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. today at Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E. 16th St., Holland. Interment will be in North Holland Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions may be given to Gentiva Hospice.

Kay Van Der Kooi, 82

Kay Van Der Kooi, age 82, passed away on Thursday, April 9, 2026.

Kay was a faithful member of Faith Christian Center (now Shekinah Revival Ministries). She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was devoted to her faith and family. Kay was the youngest of 11 children and always wanted a big family of her own. 

She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, George Van Der Kooi, in 2017; siblings, Don (Francis) Veldheer, Larry (Wilma) Veldheer, Russell Veldheer and Elmer (Marlene) Veldheer; infant brother, Wayne; in-laws, Jack Millard and Esther Veldheer, Elaine Van Der Kooi, Harris Driesenga, Kenneth (Helen) Van Der Kooi, Vivian Van Der Kooi, James Van Der Kooi, and Gary Jaarsma.

She is survived by her children, Mary (Joe) Beelen, Lois Van Der Kooi (Larry Cleveringa), Daniel (Vicki) Van Der Kooi, Ruth (Kevin) Nagelkirk, Mark (Alicia) Van Der Kooi, Anna (Dave) Cook, and Phillip Van Der Kooi; 18 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; siblings, Vernon Veldheer, Esther Veldheer, June Veldheer and Glenn (Marcia) Veldheer; siblings-in-law, Lillian Veldheer, Kae (Dale) Moes, Bert Driesenga, Hazel (Norlin) Feenstra, Marie (Steve) Grassmid, Lawrence (Janice) Van Der Kooi, Marv (Maryjo) Van Der Kooi and Beverly Jaarsma; and many nieces and nephews and extended family.

Funeral services will be held Friday, April 17 at 12 noon at Ottawa Reformed Church, 11390 Stanton, West Olive, with Pastor Cliff White officiating. Burial will take place in Olive Township Cemetery.

Visitation with the family is tonight from 5 to 7 p.m., at Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St., Zeeland.

Memorial contributions in Kay’s honor may be given to Shekinah Revival Ministries, 1941 Washington Ave. Holland, MI 49423 or the Alzheimer’s Association at donorservices.alz.org.

JoAnn Dykstra, 87

JoAnn Dykstra, 87, of Zeeland, passed away on Saturday, April 4, 2026.

JoAnn was born Aug. 30, 1938 in Leesburg, Ga. and was the daughter of John and Cleo Hamby. She loved to go “out and about” visiting the shops in the area, reminiscing about growing up in Georgia and spending time with her southern relatives, and enjoyed chatting with those she met. JoAnn was very proud of going to nursing school and becoming a registered nurse. 

JoAnn was also a longtime member of Trinity Reformed Church. She loved her family, especially her husband, Henry, and had a strong, unwavering faith in God.

Survivors include her children, Craig (Mary) Dykstra of West Olive and Brenda Gugino of Holland; grandchildren, Tasha Polk, Stephanie Lindquist, Devon Kimball, Justina Kimball, Sarah and Joshua Dykstra, Danielle Gugino, Remy Lee, Tyler and Taryn Gugino; 10 great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Maureen Hamby-Small. 

JoAnn was preceded in death by her husband, Henry; daughter, Beth Kimball; son-in-law, Tod Gugino; and brother, Frank Hamby.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 22 at Trinity Reformed Church, 712 Apple Ave., Holland. Burial will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 21 at Dykstra Funeral Home-Northwood Chapel, 295 Douglas Ave., Holland.

Leola J. Oonk, 95

Leola Jeane (Van Koevering) Oonk, 95, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 in Zeeland.

Born on March 19, 1931, in Zeeland, Leola was a woman of great faith and quiet resilience who moved through life with a smile on her face and a song in her heart. A graduate of Zeeland High School and the Grand Rapids Junior College School of Nursing, she devoted many years to caring for patients at Zeeland Community Hospital. 

Leola helped bring hundreds of babies into the world as the lead RN of the OB Department. After retirement, she provided home care nursing for infants and also volunteered as a flight nurse for Wings of Mercy.

Leola was unapologetically devoted to the people in her life. She was the kind of woman who would not hear a bad word spoken about anyone she loved — and she loved widely and without reservation. 

Leola’s faith was not ornamental; it was the foundation of everything. A member of Second Reformed Church in Zeeland, she lived her beliefs through daily acts of grace, protection, and welcome.

She is survived by her son, Tom (Deb) Oonk of Zeeland; grandchildren, Holly (Rob) Corrigan, Logan (Lindsey) Oonk, Spencer Oonk, Matthew Oonk, and Isaac Oonk; great-grandchildren, Harper Corrigan and Colin and Marin Oonk; brother, David Van Koevering of Eaton Rapids; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Her husband Jack, to whom she was married for 56 years, preceded her in death in 2007, followed by her beloved son, Timothy Oonk, in 2015. She was also preceded in death by her parents, George and Dorothy Van Koevering, and her brothers, George and Barry.

A celebration of life service was held Tuesday, April 14 at Second Reformed Church, 225 E. Central Ave., Zeeland. Burial was in Zeeland Cemetery. 

Contributions may be made to Wings of Mercy. 

Robert Terpstra, 92

Pastor Robert Dale (Bob) Terpstra, 92, passed away peacefully and into the presence of his Savior on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 after a week-long struggle following a stroke. 

Bob was born in Holland on July 8, 1933 to Henry and Hester Terpstra. He attended Holland High School, Moody Bible Institute and Bryan (Tenn.) College. 

After serving as youth pastor at First Baptist Church in Lincoln Park, he became senior pastor in McBain, then Wyoming Park, then again at the church in Lincoln Park, and then Immanuel (Baptist) Church in Holland - his home church - for 17 years, during which time he also served as Holland Police chaplain for many years. 

Following retirement from the pastorate, he became the transportation supervisor for Holland Public Schools for more than 12 years. 

Being a born-and-raised Holland native, he was the perfect Tulip Time trolley tour guide – in full Dutch costume with wooden shoes. Another of his favorite roles was as funeral home attendant at Lakeshore Memorial Services which he did for 25 years. 

Bob married Barbara Elgersma in 1956 and they shared 50 years of marriage and ministry, prior to her passing in 2007.

They were blessed to adopt two girls, Beth Roe and Brenda (Terry) Bosch. The girls have since blessed him with six grandchildren: Michelle (Jenna) Ezinga, Michael (Faith) Ezinga, Mitchell (Bridget) Ezinga, Mackenzie (Dana) Baumgardner, Jessica (Mike) Bowman and Rebecca (Brenen) Louwerse; great-grandchildren, Malakai Van Volkinburg, Lauryn Baumgardner, Phillip James Dawe, Lincoln Baumgardner, Carmen Ezinga, Adeline Louwerse, and baby boy Ezinga on the way. Other family members include Jan’s children and grandchild, Jared (Jen) Boyd and Jodi Boyd; Taylor Andrews; Bob’s siblings, Ken (Bonnie) Terpstra and Elaine (Rev. Monty) Ledford; and many in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.

In 2008 God brought Jan (DeRidder) Boyd into his life. He would say God had this union planned “before the foundation of the world.” And both enjoyed the “best years of our lives” together for close to 18 years. Pastor Bob & Jan became known as PB&J and many friends enjoyed following their adventures all over the world.

A memorial celebration of life will be held Friday, April 17 at 11 a.m. at Immanuel Church, 325 104th Ave., Holland. Visitation will be prior to the service on April 17 from 10 to 11 a.m. at the church.

Memorial contributions may be given to One for Israel, oneforisrael.org or Make a Difference Ministries, PO Box 5334, N. Muskegon, MI 49445; madministries. net.

Darwin Boerman, 67

Darwin “Darby” Boerman, 67, met his Savior and reunited with his son, Ryan in heaven on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Darby was firmly planted on the Boerman farm in Bentheim.

He was preceded in death by his son, Ryan; parents, Jerald and Harriet Boerman; father-in-law, John Betten; and sister-in-law, Kim Betten.

Darby worked at Hamilton Farm Bureau for 43 years. He loved serving the farming community and building relationships at the pit with his fellow farmers.

Darby loved his community and had a passion for investing in the next generation. He enjoyed being a youth group leader through the years, going to the students’ event and cheering for them throughout their lives. Mr. Darby enjoyed mentoring his Kids Hope student and saying hello to all the students and teachers at Bentheim Elementary School. 

The core of his life was his deep faith is Jesus. As a farmer, faith and trusting God for His provision were central to his everyday life. Around the dining room table, Darby taught his children to pray for God’s provision (rain) and to thank him for his goodness when He provided (a light, steady one-inch rain in July). 

Darby is survived by “his girls”: his wife of 42 years, Diane, and daughters, Emily Boerman and Marissa Boerman; and his sister Dawn and Brian VanderHulst. He is also survived by mother-in-law, Jan Betten; sisters-in-law, Judy Betten, Kris and Don Swackhammer, and Jodi and Dave Heneveld; nieces and nephews, Josh Swackhammer, Nate and Monica Swackhammer, Rachael and Aaron Walters, and Matthew and Megan VanderHulst, Leah, Seth, and Micah Heneveld; great-nieces and great-nephews; and many dear friends.

A service in honor of Darby was held Tuesday, April 14, at Community Church of Douglas, 6874 Wiley Rd. Interment was in Bentheim Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Ryan Boerman Legacy Fund C/O Holland/Zeeland Community Foundation.

Brad Kolean, 62

Brad Preston Kolean, 62, passed away on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. 

Born June 23, 1963, Brad will be remembered with deep respect and gratitude by all who knew him. He was a dedicated husband, married to Kim Kolean for 22 years. He graduated from Grand Valley State University and built his career in the banking industry, where he worked throughout his professional life.

Brad is survived by his wife, Kim Kolean; children, Jennavieve Kolean and Jaxon Kolean; stepson, Justin Geerlings; siblings, Keith (Dawn) Overway of Holland, Beth (Greg) Bloemers of Holland, and Mike (Jann) Kolean of Holland; in-laws, Robert (Carole) Lampen of Hudsonville and Joy (James) Michmerhuizen of Zeeland.

Brad was preceded in death by his parents, Preston and Donna Kolean of Holland.

A celebration of Brad’s life will be Sunday, April 26 at 2 p.m. at Ridge Point Church, 340 104th Ave. Holland. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Lakeshore Memorial Services to help the family with final funeral arrangements. Please call 616-395-3630 or send a check made payable to Lakeshore Memorial Services, 11939 James St. Holland, MI 49424.

Have you ever had a conversation, and thought of the perfect thing that you wished that you had said hours after the conversation had ended? This happens to me frequently, but a particular instance still crosses my mind. 

Read: 2 Corinthians 4:1-6
“For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’s sake.” (v. 5 NIV)

By South Asia Ministry Leader, Words of Hope

Read: 2 Corinthians 4:1-6
“For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’s sake.” (v. 5 NIV)

More than 30 years ago, I attended the funeral of a family friend. He was a difficult man. An alcoholic, he never participated in church and was outspoken against what he saw as its hypocrisy. But his wife and daughters were believers and faithful in church attendance. They invited their pastor to lead the service, which only included friends and family. 

Unfortunately, instead of comforting the grieving family, the pastor took the opportunity to speak harsh words of judgment over the man. As a result, the family left the church. The pastor spoke truth, but without love.

You may not preach from a pulpit at the front of a church, but in today’s reading, Paul is speaking about the way all of us proclaim the gospel in our lives and in our words. Speaking the truth and living in a way that reveals the light of God’s glory, especially to unbelievers, is our aim (v. 6). 

Proclaiming the gospel can be full of dangers. In his book “Between Two Worlds,” John Stott warned against preaching that was rooted in arrogance - whether through intellectual superiority, self-promotion, or manipulation. It has no place in Christian ministry.

Preaching must conform to the whole counsel of God, revealed in the whole Bible. Jesus himself taught a balance of both law and order, mercy and forgiveness (Matt. 18:15-22). In your life and in your words, consider whether you are speaking the truth in love (1 Cor. 13:1).

As you pray, ask God for wisdom in speaking the truth.

—————

Words of Hope’s South Asia Ministry field leader is based in India and works with more than 70 team members sharing the hope of the gospel in more than 20 languages. Because of security concerns, Words of Hope has chosen not to share his name.

I’m pretty bummed right now. Turkey season remains closed in my home area for another week. 

By Gary Miller

I’m pretty bummed right now. Turkey season remains closed in my home area for another week. 

That’s two weeks later than it used to be just a few years ago. For some reason, I thought it had only been pushed back one week, and I was already looking forward to a pre-Easter turkey meal. Now it feels like I’ll be rushed just to enjoy what’s left of the season. 

If I had known, I would’ve headed south and gotten started earlier. I’ll remember that next year. Or maybe I’ll just take advantage of the delay and do some early fishing before the season opens. 

But for now, my outdoor life has been reduced to mowing grass and taking a few bike rides. And honestly … I feel cooped up. 

There’s no doubt in my mind I was made for something beyond my present existence. I know it because of its absence. I feel it in the pull. In the yearning that wells up inside me. 

It reminds me of those little sea turtles that are born up in the weeds along the beach. The moment they break through the egg, they run towards the ocean. They have never been there, never seen it, and no one shows them the way to go. And yet they go. 

There are a thousand illustrations like that in nature. And then there’s you and me. C.S Lewis described it this way in “Mere Christianity”:

“Creatures are not born with desires unless satisfaction for those desires exists. A baby feels hunger: well, there is such a thing as food.

A duckling wants to swim: well, there is such a thing as water.

Men feel sexual desire: well, there is such a thing as sex.

If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.

If none of my earthly pleasures satisfy it, that does not prove that the universe is a fraud. Probably earthly pleasures were never meant to satisfy it, but only to arouse it, to suggest the real thing.

If that is so, I must take care, on the one hand, never to despise, or be unthankful for, these earthly blessings, and on the other, never to mistake them for the something else of which they are only a kind of copy, or echo, or mirage.”

Lately, I have felt these urges in far more important things than turkey hunting. I watch the news. I scroll through social media posts. I see anger, vitriol, and contempt for anything good or Godly. Or worse, I see an apathy for anything spiritual. I see a world that increasingly looks foreign to the one I know exists. 

And yet the one I know exists, I have never seen. But I long for it. Not because I want to leave this world. But because this world no longer feels like home. Maybe that’s because home isn’t a place. It’s a Person and a people.

—————

Gary Miller has written Outdoor Truths articles for 23 years. He has also written five books which include compilations of his articles and a father/son devotional. He also speaks at wild-game dinners and men’s events for churches and associations. Write to him at gary@outdoor truths.org.

Gary Allen De Boer, 67, of Zeeland, passed away on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

Gary was born Jan. 22, 1959, in Grand Rapids, to William and Joyce De Boer. He went to Jenison Schools and graduated in 1978. Gary then went to trade school and became a machine repair journeyman for his work career. 

In 1985, Gary married Cindy Ellsworth and they raised their daughters in Zeeland. Gary and Cindy are members of Foundry Church in Zeeland. Gary loved the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, walking with his buddy Clyde in the Allegan woods. Gary also enjoyed spending time in the Upper Peninsula and working on his garden at home.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Cindy; their children and grandchildren, Emily and Donovan Bursma (Ryker), and Elizabeth and Mike Mennes (Macey, Raiden, William); siblings, Cheryl and Gary Bigoness, William and Julie De Boer, and Roger and Shawn De Boer; brother-in-law, Jay Ellsworth; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Joyce De Boer, and his parents-in-law, Grant and Barbara Ellsworth.

A memorial service in Gary's honor will be held at Monday, April 20, at 11 a.m. at Foundry Church, 425 100th Ave., Zeeland. Visitation will be prior to the service from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. Interment will be in Beaverdam Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Foundry Church. Arrangements are by the Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St., Zeeland.

Ted Smallegan, 62

Ted Allen Smallegan, 62, passed away on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

Ted was a “Jack of all trades” and worked for a variety of places over the years. He was a dedicated hard worker who sometimes had a short fuse. His brothers were the benefactors of him being the older brother and learned a ton from his trials and errors through life. 

He was preceded in death by his son, Joshua Allen Smallegan; and his parents, Peter Martin and Arloa Jean Smallegan.

He is survived by his son, Kaleb Smallegan (Harper); daughter, Daniele and Logan Estepp (Wyatt); brothers, Dave and Lori Smallegan and Mark and Melinda Smallegan; nieces and nephews, Heather Smallegan, Kellie Smallegan (fiancé, Colt Engelsman), John and Nicole Smallegan, Jacob and Jolyn Smallegan (Jolie, Jocelyn, Jaxton, Jalaina, Jadalyn, Jeorgia), Jace Smallegan, Jenna Smallegan; and special friend of Marty - Lavonne Walters.

Funeral services were held on Monday, April 6 at Forest Grove Reformed Church, 1630 32nd Ave., Hudsonville, with Pastor Doug Hoeve officiating. Burial took place in Forest Grove Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Ted's honor may be given to Hudsonville County Fair at P.O. Box 189, Hudsonville, MI 49426.

Brad Kolean, 62

Brad Preston Kolean, 62, of Zeeland, passed away on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

No services were scheduled.

Steve Kraai, 72, of Zeeland passed away Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

Steve lived a life of service to his community and country. He proudly served his country in the Army National Guard where he was a MP. He served as a chaplain at the Willard G. Leenhouts American Legion Post, and he served on the honor guard at Henry Walters VFW Post 2144. Steve also had his own ministry of visiting shut-ins and veterans. 

Steve was a volunteer firefighter at the Blendon/Olive Township fire department and served as the assistant fire chief. He was a member of Foundry Church. He was a former choir director at his church and the director of the Heritage Singing Men. He went on a mission trip to China to distribute Bibles, a mission trip to Mississippi to help rebuild after Hurricane Katrina and he went three times on a mission trip to Guatemala.

Steve retired from SEMCO Energy where he worked for 45 years, 37 of those years as a supervisor.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Elaine; children Aaron Kraai and Amber Ter Haar, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Savannah and Brian Klokkert (Kinsley, Kollyns, and Caroline), Selena and Brandon Blauwkamp (Baker and Brodie), Sage and Rylee Kraai, Trevor and Anna Ter Haar, Elyse and Kainan Bayn, and AJ Ter Haar; siblings, Mike and Linda Kraai, and Lynn Kraai, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Erwin and Linda South, Delwyn and Jan South, and Bette and Robert Schrotenboer.

A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 25 at Foundry Church, 425 100th Ave., Zeeland. A time of visitation will precede the service from 9 to 11 a.m. at the church.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Keith Ronald Lindquist, 54, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 31, 2026, surrounded by his family, after a heart-breaking journey with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.

Keith was born April 6, 1971, in Melrose, Mass. His childhood summers were spent camping by the ocean in Maine and at his grandparents’ camp on Welch Island on Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire. There, he swam, fished, boated, and explored the island endlessly. 

From a young age, Keith was a “car guy” at heart. Growing up in New Hampshire, a neighborhood mentor named Arnie encouraged his curiosity by letting Keith help drive, repair, and maintain snowmobiles, tractors, and equipment. That early encouragement sparked a lifelong passion that continued after moving to Spring Lake at age 16. He earned an associate degree from Universal Technical Institute (UTI) in Arizona and went on to become a certified master mechanic. Always generous with his time and skills, he was ready and willing to help anyone who needed a hand with their vehicle.

For many years, Keith worked at Gentex Corporation in Holland, where he thrived in a role that allowed him to solve problems, make repairs, and build creative solutions. His work brought him a strong sense of purpose, and he took great pride in supporting his coworkers. Keith was especially proud to have completed Gentex’s journeyman electrician program.

Tragically, as the earliest signs of Alzheimer’s quietly emerged - long before a diagnosis - he was unable to begin that new career path, a loss that weighed heavily on him.

Keith is survived by his wife, Amy Lindquist; stepchildren, Sara Meaney (Andrew Meaney), Derek DeWitt (Chase Witt), and Reymond DeWitt; grandchildren, Ava and Ivy Meaney; mother, Diane Lindquist; sister, Heidi Lindquist Blake (Tim Blake) and his brother, Mark Lindquist (Johnni Louise Geldersma); father-in-law, Fred Staat; sisters-in-law, Jill Staat and Katie Staat; nieces, Aisling Carnahan-Zadow (Haley Carnahan-Zadow) and Andrea Carnahan MacLeod (Evan MacLeod); nephews, Travis Watters (Kiri Watters), Jasper Blake, and Liam Blake; uncle, David McBride; aunt Judy Masson (Dennis Masson); and many cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ronald Lindquist, and his mother-in-law, JoAnn Staat.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Lakeshore Memorial Services, 11939 James St., Holland.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Holland and Harbor Humane Society of West Olive.

Karen Marie Hirdes, 79, passed away peacefully on March 30, 2026 after a fall in her home. 

Karen loved to garden, read, sew and feed many birds. She enjoyed being outside with her flowers and spending time playing with her beloved dog Cooper.

Karen was born to James and Catherine (Geurink) Smith in Borculo, and called Borculo home until retirement. Karen married Russ Hirdes in 1966, and they raised their family in Borculo. 

Karen’s entrepreneurial spirit was well known in the community, from collectibles and gifts, to flowers and wreaths, her creative spark came through in all she did. 

In retirement, Karen and Russ left Borculo for their home on the lake in Rothbury, continuing to operate the BBT Bass R Us fishing tournament until Russ’ passing in 2019. 

Karen was preceded in death by her husband Russell, whom she spent 52 wonderful years with; her son, Rodney, who passed away in 2022; her parents, James and Catherine (Geurink) Smith; several brothers- and sisters-in-law, and her older brother, Larry Smith.

Karen is survived by her daughters, Cathy (Lew) Verburg and Laurel (Steve) von Dobschutz; grandchildren, Zachary Verburg, Allie (Derek) Lampen, Gideon von Dobschutz and Cole von Dobschutz; great-grandsons Will and Charlie Lampen; brothers, Rick (Kathy) Smith, Randy (Diane) Smith and Donald Smith; sisters, Joanne (Eloy) Gonzales and Linda (Jan) Foreman; sister-in-law, Shirley Bordewyk; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial visitation will be held Sunday, April 12 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Lakeshore Memorial Services, 11939 James St., Holland.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Faith Hospice or The Saint Mary’s Foundation.

Luke Dopson, 31

Luke Stephen Dopson, 31, of Zeeland, passed away at home, suddenly and unexpectedly, on Monday, March 25, 2026.

Luke was born and raised in Kalamazoo. He graduated from Portage Central High School and completed a few years of college at Lake Superior State University. He spent most of his young adult life in the greater Grand Rapids area, ultimately residing in Zeeland. 

Luke had many hobbies including hunting, fishing, generally being outdoors and was an avid dart player. He was extremely involved in the dart community and was a member of the West Walker Sportsman's Club along with the American Legion. 

Luke is survived by his fiancé, Stephany; future stepchildren, Ramiro and Ezekiel; father and stepmother, Peter and Lori; mother, Nicole; siblings, Ryan (Jaci), Emily, Ricky (Angel), Kolby and Elaina; grandparents, Renee (Finn) and Ken (Sandy); and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Barbara and Reg Dopson, and aunt, Lesley Fitzgerald.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Luke's name to the DNR Nongame Fish and Wildlife fund. Arrangements were by Grand Rapids Cremation Services.

More than 100 writers, musicians, artists and other creative people are expected to gather at Zeeland’s Community Reformed Church later this spring for a three-day conference designed to encourage their creative energies as well as their spiritual growth.

By Greg Chandler
Zeeland Record

More than 100 writers, musicians, artists and other creative people are expected to gather at Zeeland’s Community Reformed Church later this spring for a three-day conference designed to encourage their creative energies as well as their spiritual growth.

The Well Conference will take place April 30-May 2, featuring speakers, times of worship, breakout sessions and a celebration of the arts where conference participants will have the opportunity to share their creative gifts.

“We believe that we are all made in the image of God, who is the great Creator. We all have creativity in us,” conference director Victoria Chapin said. “The Well serves to equip and refresh creatives while they network and collaborate with others in the community.”

The conference offers five different creative tracks for participants – writing, speaking, art, music, and theatre/film. It also offers opportunities for participants to learn how to market their creative work, Chapin said.

In addition, attendees can grow in their personal lives and their faith.

“We have worship sets every day,” Chapin said. “We have two chaplains on staff who pray for people all year round, whether they’re coming to the conference or not. We take prayer requests on our website. There’s always a prayer chaplain in the prayer room at the conference.”

The Well Conference grew out of a 2018 retreat organized by local author and speaker Kathy Bruins that took place at the Geneva Camp & Retreat Center on Lake Michigan. Chapin was one of the attendees at that retreat, and offered to help Bruins organize future events. She is in her second year as the sole director of the conference.

The first Well Conference was to have been held in 2020, but was cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it has been held every year since. This year marks the first year the conference has been held at Community Reformed Church, after it had been held the past four years at Fair Haven Church in Hudsonville.

“The administrative people (at Community Reformed) have been over-the-top helpful. The facilities gal that I met with and the tech director … they have been over and above helpful, making us feel so welcome, this being our first year (there),” Chapin said.

Among the featured speakers at this year’s conference include Karen Porter, a Texas-based author, speaker and coach, and Bruce Martin, an Alabama-based speaker, author and outdoor adventure guide. 

Porter is a former marketing executive for a major food company, owns two Christian publishing companies with her husband and has written 10 books. Martin is the founder of Born 2 Be Wild, an outdoor adventure company that takes people on transformational treks in the backcountry, leads a coaching and counseling practice with more than 300 clients, and is the author of the book “Desperate For Hope.”

Friday night, May 1, is the conference’s Celebration of Arts.

“Attendees sign up for it ahead of time, and we put almost a little variety show together. They get to, sometimes for the very first time, get up on stage and share the gift that God has entrusted them with,” Chapin said. 
“Sometimes people sing, sometimes they act, sometimes they read poetry … whatever their gifting is,” she added.

Chapin said that one of the best parts of The Well Conference is the collaboration that takes place across creative disciplines.

“We have seen poems turned into songs, because a poet and a songwriter get together, and they make songs out of their two creative gifts,” Chapin said. “We have seen books turned into movies, because a writer meets up with a producer or screenplay writer. The collaboration piece is just beautiful, to see what God can do.”

Chapin sees a need for wholesome entertainment, and sees the conference as a launching pad for creatives to come together to meet that need. 

“We are trying to create an awareness that God has given these gifts to people, and you can actually bring people to Jesus through your gifts ... Artists are starting to understand that they’re creating an experience where people can come into the presence of God through their creativity and through their art,” Chapin said.

Registration remains open for the Well Conference. Cost for the conference is $525. For more information about the conference and to register, visit seeyouatthewell.net.