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Donald Lee Timlowski, 87, of Zeeland, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Thursday, April 16, 2026.

Donald Timlowski, 87

Donald Lee Timlowski, 87, of Zeeland, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Thursday, April 16, 2026.

Donald was a member of First Baptist Church in Zeeland and for 38 years was an active member of First Baptist Church in Otsego. He served in the U.S. Army, both active and reserve, for six years. 

Donald was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Maria Timlowski; in-laws, Rev. John and Susie Tillman; and a nephew.

Donald is survived by his wife of 62 years, Martha "Faye" Timlowski; Jocelyn Janis Riddle and Rev. John Tilden Cread Riddle, II and Donald Tibor "Tibby" Timlowski; grandchildren, Devin Riddle, Caleb Riddle, Samuel Riddle, Connor (Lizz) Timlowski, Aiden Timlowski and Madelyn "Maddie" Timlowski; sister, Shirley Selzer; and numerous special nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held Monday, April 20 at First Baptist Church, 246 W. Main St., Zeeland, with Revs. Paul Mann, John Riddle, and Tom Vanden Berg officiating. Burial was in Mountain Home Cemetery in Otsego.

Memorial contributions may be made to Upward Bound Ministries and Faith Promise Mission.

Leverne Baumann, 87

Leverne Baumann, 87, of Olive Center, passed away on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.

Born Sept. 23, 1938, in North Holland, he was the son of John and Grace (Weener) Baumann. He graduated from Holland Christian High School.

Leverne owned and operated North Holland Garage, serving others through practical skill, reliability, and the pride of work done well. He was a longtime member of South Olive Christian Reformed Church, where he served as an elder and deacon, before joining Victory Point Church, and eventually retiring in the Zeeland area.

Leverne is survived by his wife of 67 years, Yvonne; sons, Mark (Beverly) Baumann, Kelvin (Barbara) Baumann, Jeffrey (Kimberly) Baumann, and Daniel (Lori) Baumann; 11 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters, Bernard (Burdetta) Baumann, John (DeeAnn) Baumann, Nancy (Ronald) DeBoer, and Mary (David) Esther; brothers and sisters-in-law, Vern VandenBrink and Coral Swierenga; nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Grace Baumann; in-laws, Peter and Kate Dalman; and brothers and sisters in-law, Howard and Helen Dalman, Preston and Cylinda Dalman, Glenn and Clara Dalman, Cynthia and Ray Rouwhorst, Alaine and Dewey Knoll, Zella VandenBrink, and Lester Swierenga.

A celebration of life service will be Monday, April 27 at 2 p.m. at Victory Point Church, 11530 Ransom St., Holland, with visitation prior to the service from 1 to 2 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Victory Point in memory of Vern.

Susan Vesley, 71

Susan Lynn Vesely (Loetz) of Grand Rapids, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. 

Susan was born to Robert and Lois Loetz in 1954, and grew up in West Michigan, attending school in Zeeland and Grand Rapids. After graduating from Central Michigan University, Sue spent several years as a high school English teacher and theatre director.

In 1981, she was married to Eric Vesely, and together they shared 45 wonderful years, had three children and three grandchildren. Sue enjoyed theatre, Disney, Meijer Gardens, and trips to Lake Michigan. She also enjoyed supporting local performing arts organizations by volunteering.

Sue is survived by her husband, Eric; children, Ryan, Nathan and Sarah; grandchildren, Alex, Kylee and Jada; mother, Lois; and siblings Patricia, Eric and Paul.

A celebration of Sue’s life will be held on Saturday, May 2 at 11 a.m. at Fifth Reformed Church, 2012 Griggs St. SE, Grand Rapids.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Frederik Meijer Gardens at meijergardens.org.

David Beverwyk, 83

David “Dave” Allen Beverwyk, 83, of West Olive, passed away on Monday, April 13, 2026. 

Born on Dec. 25, 1942, in Holland, to Simon and Marian Beverwyk, Dave lived a life marked by steady devotion - to family, to community, and to the everyday work of doing things well. He graduated from Holland High School in 1961.

After graduation, Dave spent time in the National Guard, where he attained the rank of sergeant. He was also part of the American Legion. In his working life, Dave served as the parts manager for VerHage of Holland, a role he held with pride and consistency until retiring at the age of 57.

On Oct. 14, 1965, Dave married his lovely wife, Grace Ann Beverwyk. Dave and Ann had just celebrated 60 years of marriage  together.

Dave was an active member of Beechwood Church in Holland for many years before attending Community Reformed Church in his later years.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Simon and Marian Beverwyk; brothers, Rodger (Carol) Beverwyk and Don Beverwyk; son, Jeff Beverwyk; and grandchild, Jacob Merlino. He is survived by his wife, Ann Beverwyk; sister, Sandra (Chuck) Goulooze; sister-in-law, Marilyn Beverwyk; children, Julie (Wayne) Beverwyk, Chris (Rachel) Beverwyk and Brent (Lisa) Beverwyk; eight grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

A funeral service was held Friday, April 17 at Community Reformed Church, 10376 Felch St., Zeeland.

Joyce Earle, 94

Joyce Elaine Earle, 94, passed away at home on Sunday, April 12, 2026, while under the care of Heartland Hospice in Portage. 

Joyce was born on March 27, 1932, in Prairieville Township, the daughter of Earl and Coral Anson (Teerpenning). She graduated from Plainwell High School in 1949. 

Joyce met Kenneth Earle at PHS, and they married after she attended Western Michigan University for one year. They built a home on M-89 where they lived for 30 years, later moving to Zeeland in the early 1990’s. Soon after, they settled back on Joyce’s woodland property near Pine Lake, living there for an additional 30 years. They were married 54 years until Ken’s passing in 2006. 

Also preceding her in death was her daughter, Brenda Jo; brother, Marvin Anson; and beloved pet, Tucker. She is survived by her daughter, Vicky Earle of  Vancouver, B.C., Canada; and son Kevin (Bonnie Truax) Earle of Brown’s Summit, N.C.

Funeral services were held Monday, April 20, at the Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego, with Pastor Dan Minor officiating. A committal service followed at Hillside Cemetery, Plainwell.

Florence Lampen, 95

Florence Lampen, 95, passed away on Thursday, April 9, 2026, in The Villages, Fla.

Florence was born July 22, 1930, in Grant to Martha and Gerrit Plaisier. She worked in the floral business for 40 years, and she was also an avid golfer. Florence was a member of Third Christian Reformed Church in Zeeland.

Florence was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 50 years, James Lampen; first husband, Kenneth Krikke; daughter, Karen Vogel; granddaughter, Lisa Vander Zwaag; and siblings, Webb Plaisier, Angie Vogel, Polly Hoeckman and Henrietta Plaisier.

Florence is survived by her children, Roger (Terry) Krikke and Debbie (Mark) Wheeler; son-in-law, Bob Vogel; stepchildren, Jim (Donna) Lampen, Jeff (Kathy) Lampen, Tami (Dan) Bolhuis and brother Jerry (Karen) Plaisier; 12 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.

A private funeral for Florence was held on Friday, April 17, at Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St., Zeeland. Interment was at Zeeland Cemetery. 

Memorials may be given to Zeeland Christian Schools.

A local event tied to the National Day of Prayer for our country will take place next Tuesday at the Holland Civic Center Place.

By Greg Chandler
Zeeland Record

A local event tied to the National Day of Prayer for our country will take place next Tuesday at the Holland Civic Center Place.

The event will begin at 6:30 p.m., and will feature speakers as well as special music, said Ann Henriksen, a Zeeland resident who is one of the event organizers.

“We want Holland, Zeeland, everyone to come together and pray for our nation, our state and our city,” Henriksen said.

The theme verse for the event is 1 Chronicles 16:24: “Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among the peoples.” (NIV)

The National Day of Prayer was established in 1952 as a joint resolution of Congress and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman. In the U.S. it is typically held the first Thursday of May, but the local event is being held in late April because the Civic Center is unavailable for rental because of the Tulip Time Festival, Henriksen said.

A time of intercessory prayer will be held at 5:30 p.m., and the doors will open to the general public at 6 p.m. Free concession stand food will be available, Henriksen said.

The keynote speakers for the National Day of Prayer event are Winning at Home founder Dan Seaborn and Pastor Massey Campos, founder and chief executive officer of Self-Evident Ministries, a Florida-based ministry that seeks to educate “Americans about the Biblical heritage of our nation, of government, and preaching the gospel to all who will hear,” according to the ministry’s website. A former pastor at Holland’s Central Wesleyan Church, Seaborn has written 16 books, and his commentaries on faith and family can be heard on more than 350 radio stations across the country.

Music will be provided by a local worship band, the Evergreen Chorale singing group from the Evergreen Commons senior center in Holland, and a children’s choir from Calvary Schools of Holland.

About 400 people attended last year’s National Day of Prayer event, Henriksen said.

Holland Mayor Nathan Bocks issued a proclamation at the April 15 City Council meeting recognizing National Day of Prayer. In his proclamation, Bocks cited the settlers of our area seeking to practice their faith as integral to their settling in the region.

“We acknowledge our local history is closely bound to the privilege granted by our Constitution as early settlers in Holland, Michigan under the leadership of Albertus Van Raalte came to Holland to find the freedom to express their faith according to their conscience,” Bocks wrote in the proclamation.

An informal outdoor prayer gathering will take place on May 7 at 12 noon at Centennial Park in Holland. That gathering will take a couple of hours before the Tulip Time Kinderparade.

For more information, email hollandnationaldayofprayer@gmail.com.

Are you involved in Christian ministry?
Have you found it challenging?
Recently, I read a book written by a woman involved in gospel work. She helps plant churches as a husband-and-wife team, and her book is about the joys and challenges that go along with that.

By Ruthie Alekseeva

Are you involved in Christian ministry?

Have you found it challenging?

Recently, I read a book written by a woman involved in gospel work. She helps plant churches as a husband-and-wife team, and her book is about the joys and challenges that go along with that.

One of those challenges surprised me. She details the pain she and her husband feel when congregants they have really enjoyed ministering with leave their church. Not only do they leave but they do so without saying they are leaving and without stating why.

That’s something I had never thought of. I didn’t realize pastors and their wives cared so deeply about the people who attend their church, but I can think of one reason why a congregant might leave without saying they are doing so.

It can be because of the way some church leadership teams react when it starts teaching things you disagree with. If you choose to speak up, some will say, “Touch not the Lord’s anointed.” 

But if you feel your church is saying things that vastly deviate from what the Bible is teaching, things you feel could put the listeners’ eternal salvation in jeopardy, what else can you do but say it?

The only solution I can see is for gospel workers to have the grace to listen to congregant’s concerns, reflect on what they themselves are teaching and, if the leaving congregant’s concerns turn out to be valid, repent.

—————

You can read more of Ruthie Alekseeva’s articles online at faithwriters.com/member-profile.php?id=71930.

The Oxford English Dictionary defines weariness as “extreme tiredness; fatigue; reluctance to see or experience anymore of something.” The Cambridge Dictionary gives us some additional characteristics: “bored because you’ve experienced too much, unhappy, uninterested, tedium, dreariness.” Taken together, these definitions certainly describe “the Preacher” of Ecclesiastes.

By Laura N. Sweet

Read: Ecclesiastes 1:1-11
“All things are full of weariness; a man cannot utter it.” (v. 8)

The Oxford English Dictionary defines weariness as “extreme tiredness; fatigue; reluctance to see or experience anymore of something.” The Cambridge Dictionary gives us some additional characteristics: “bored because you’ve experienced too much, unhappy, uninterested, tedium, dreariness.” Taken together, these definitions certainly describe “the Preacher” of Ecclesiastes.

Ecclesiastes opens with the Preacher’s great exclamation of frustration and weariness. “Vanity of vanities,” he proclaims; “all is vanity” (v. 2). He laments that nothing changes on the earth; the sun rises and sets, the wind blows in its circuits, the rivers and streams return to the sea. Nothing brings satisfaction to a man, and nothing new is done “under the sun” (v. 9). 

Living life has become a weariness to the Preacher; generations come and go, and no one remembers the former things. Fatigue, boredom, disinterest, tedium, dreariness — we see all the characteristics of weariness in the Preacher’s introductory words. He is a man weighed down by the weariness of his soul.

This overwhelming sense of pointlessness has robbed the Preacher of his perspective on his life and his work. He is not seeing the bigger picture at this point in the story. Weariness can do the same to us; bogged down by frustration and disillusionment, we can feel as if our efforts for God’s kingdom are futile. Sometimes we need a fresh perspective to refresh our spirits and our attitudes!

As you pray, ask God for eyes to see from the right perspective.

—————

Laura N. Sweet is a wife, mother, grandmother, and former Christian school teacher from Midland. She writes devotional material for both adults and children.

There’s nothing like barreling down the lake in the spring or summer at 5 in the morning. The cool mist will wake up anyone. 

By Gary Miller

There’s nothing like barreling down the lake in the spring or summer at 5 in the morning. The cool mist will wake up anyone. 

But it’s not really the air that is alarming, it’s the possibility of a big bass that is ready for breakfast – buzz-bait style. To see the calm water come to life with a massive explosion is fishing at its finest. 

There is, however, a technique for this type of fishing. Most people set the hook when they see the bass strike. That is a big mistake. You just missed another one. The art of catching bass on a buzz bait is not to set the hook when you see the bass strike but to wait until you feel the tug. 

The time between the two may only be a second, but it’s the difference between success and failure. It is a hard discipline for some because we are so used to responding immediately to sight. It looks like a strike. It looks like I’ve got him. It looks like he’s on. But he’s not. Not until you feel the tug. 

This is a great lesson for life. Most of the time, we live our lives according to what we see. And we react accordingly. 

We think whatever the circumstances look like, that is what they must be. If it looks hopeless, it must be. If it looks like the end, it must be. If it looks like there is no way out, there must not be. And we react accordingly. 

There is, however, a mechanism that God has placed within us. It’s a tug. It’s the voice of God saying, “don’t walk by sight, but by faith.”  It is him saying don’t ever count the situation hopeless until I have been added to the equation. It is him saying, no matter how bleak the circumstance is, I will have the last word. 

Friend, don’t set the hook on your circumstances at the first sight of trouble. Wait on the tug of God and he will turn every situation into one that is worth keeping.

—————

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.

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.