Columns

Vernin Veldheer, 100, of North Holland, passed away on Monday, July 20, 2026, at his home.

Vernin Veldheer, 100

Vernin Veldheer, 100, of North Holland, passed away on Monday, July 20, 2026, at his home.

Vern was born Sept. 25, 1925, in Holland to George and Jeanette (Brower) Veldheer. He went to school through the eighth grade and started working to assist the family through the Great Depression. 

Then World War II arrived and Vern served his country in the U.S. Army. When he returned home he married Esther Hossink. Vern started their family business, Veldheer Tulip Farm, and worked at the Ottawa County Road Commission. 

In 1950 the Tulip Farm became an official full-time endeavor. Vern and Esther were also members of the North Holland Reformed Church. Esther preceded him in death in 2004.

He was also preceded in death by his parents; son, Paul Veldheer; great-granddaughter, Maya Lynn Walters; great-grandson, Bodie James Walters; siblings and their spouses, Don and Fran Veldheer, Elmer and Marlene Veldheer, Ruth and Randy Marlink, Kay and George Vander Kooi, Wayne Veldheer, Russ Veldheer, Larry and Wilma Veldheer, and Jack Millard; in-laws, Vern Woudwyk, Mary Hossink, Edna Hossink, Floyd and Maria Hossink.

Vern is survived by his son. Jim and Jodi Veldheer; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Jenna and Luke Walters (Nakita), and Jacob and Megan Veldheer (Garritt, Eleanor); siblings, Glenn and Marcia Veldheer, Esther Veldheer, June Veldheer; in-laws, Lil Veldheer, Betty Woudwyk, and special family friends Chuck and Jane Zuverink, and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service with military honors will be held on Saturday, July 25 at 12 noon at North Holland Reformed Church, 12050 New Holland St., Holland. Visitation will be from 10 to 11:45 a.m. on Saturday prior to the funeral service. Private interment will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions may be made to North Holland Reformed Church (to benefit children’s ministries).

Arrangements are by the Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St., Zeeland.

Pamela Den Bleyker, 71

Pamela S. Den Bleyker age 71, of Holland, died Sunday, July 19, 2026 at her home.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, James Den Bleyker, and her parents.

Pam was the daughter of Edwin and Natalie Ver Hage and graduated from Zeeland High School. She was a proud wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great grandmother and loved singing in the church choir and volunteering. She made those around her feel welcome.

She is survived by her children, Brian (Tina) Den Bleyker and Katie (Ryan) Wurm; grandchildren, Logan, Gwynever, Ryleigh, Alex and Troy; great-granddaughter, Phoebe; sister, Peggy Bennett; in-laws, Robert (Carol) Den Bleyker, Donald (Myrna) Den Bleyker, Judy Den Bleyker and Thomas (Nancy) Den Bleyker; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services will be Friday, July 24 at 11 a.m. at Niekerk Christian Reformed Church, 545 Country Club Rd., Holland. Burial will be in East Holland Cemetery. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. today at Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E. 16th St., Holland. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Hospice of Holland, 270 Hoover Blvd., Holland, MI 49423 or Eagle Crest Alaska Mission, O-11248 Linden Dr. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49535.

Joyce VandenBosch, 86

Joyce Elaine VandenBosch, 86, peacefully passed away on Thursday, July 16, 2026.

Born on Sept. 14, 1939, in Holland, she was a remarkable woman whose greatest accomplishment was not measured by wealth or recognition, but by the lives she shaped through unconditional love, sacrifice, strength, and unwavering determination.

Joyce was, above all else, a mother. Raising six children as a single parent during times of tremendous financial hardship, she carried responsibilities that would have overwhelmed many. She never complained about the burdens she carried because, to her, her children always came first. Every decision she made, every extra shift she worked, every sacrifice she endured was driven by one purpose — to ensure that her children were safe, loved, and given every opportunity to succeed.

Determined to build a better future for her family, Joyce attended Davenport College while working, raising six children, and caring for her sister’s children so her sister could work. She demonstrated by example that education, perseverance, and sacrifice were investments worth making, no matter how difficult the journey.

Joyce spent her life working tirelessly to provide for her family. Throughout the years, she worked for John Thomas Batts, the Michigan Department of Social Services, Holland Hitch, and several local restaurants as a waitress before finishing her career at Haworth, where she retired in 2001. 

Her faith was the foundation of her life. Joyce was a devoted member of Rose Park Reformed Church for many years before later becoming a faithful member of South Olive Christian Reformed Church. She faithfully attended worship, volunteered whenever she could, and twice answered the call to serve on Christian mission trips to the Dominican Republic. She found purpose in serving others and quietly lived out her faith through acts of kindness, compassion, and generosity.

Joyce was preceded in death by her sister, Phila Essenburg; beloved children, Wayne VandenBosch and Liza VandenBosch; her son-in-law, Kevin Riemersma; and granddaughter, Kayla Rusticus, whose memories she carried in her heart every day.

Joyce is survived by her loving children, Jill VandenBosch (Scott, partner), Bryan VandenBosch (Pam), Merry Jo Riemersma (Kevin), Kelly VandenBosch (Maureen “Micki”), and Bob VandenBosch (Stacy); sisters, Beth Day, Jean Puegh, and Gretchen Potts; grandchildren, Derek, Paige, Mitchell, Josh, Cory, Cole, Morgan, Aaron, Ally, Adam, Nickolas, Sean and Annabelle; great-grandchildren, Isla Marie, Ivy Jo, Lucy, Wayne, Walker, and Addison.

She also leaves behind countless relatives, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and members of her church family who will deeply miss her phone calls, her laughter, her quick wit, the smell of fresh coffee, the sound of country music playing throughout her home, and the comforting presence she so generously shared.

Funeral services will be held at noon today at South Olive Christian Reformed Church, 6425 120th Ave. Visitation will take place before the service, from 10 a.m. to noon, at South Olive CRC.

Elizabeth Walters, 88

Elizabeth R. Walters (Betty), 88, of Rockford, formerly of Zeeland, passed away on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, in Grand Rapids.

Betty was born and raised in Zeeland by Dr. Dirk and Lillian Bloemendaal. Her dad’s family practice would include the whole family helping with emergencies as patients would often show up at their home on Main Street. She was extremely proud of her father and loved to help him patch up patients.

After graduation, she went on to pursue a bachelor of arts degree from Hope College with a degree in music education with emphasis in piano. She married her high school sweetheart, John J. Walters, in May 1958 and began teaching elementary aged students. The family grew the following spring when the first of five natural children was born.  

In August 1969, Betty and John purchased their forever home in Rockford when John became stationed at the Rockford State Police Post. With her piano expertise (as well as the organ), she became well known in Rockford and would play for many church services – starting out at the Rockford Reformed Church, then the Rockford United Methodist Church, and later Trinity Congregational Church. 

Betty would play for weddings, funerals, and school functions, and later began teaching piano lessons in her home. She was known to challenge her students as she knew what her students were capable of all the while teaching them to love music. With her gift of modulation, she could make any singer feel ready to go on tour. She would substitute teach in and around Rockford and especially loved when she could fill in for a music teacher.

It was in Rockford that her husband, John, experienced troubled homes while on patrol. He would tell Betty, “Mum, we need to do something to help these young children.” Together, they became foster parents through Bethany Christian Services. They helped many children and even added to their roster when they adopted three of their fosters.

Competitive by nature, Betty enjoyed softball, bowling, and golf. There were even occasions where she upset the apple cart by beating her husband, John. She loved card games of all sorts, with the greatest being bridge.

Most of all she loved her family and her many pets she has had throughout the years. She relished in family gatherings and loved food, fellowship, and fun. Many card games were played at the table in her small kitchen. 

Betty loved making homemade things and her house often smelled of fresh bread baking in the oven. She was always so excited to give away gifts made from knitting, sewing, wood working, etc. as they were made with love. Her latest gift to her family was of a framed puzzle as she always had a puzzle going on the card table. If you stopped by to visit, you were not allowed to leave without putting in just one more piece, right Ann and Molly?

Betty will be deeply missed by her family and friends. She is survived by her children, John (MaryLou) Walters, Lisa Knapp, Suzanne Walters (Kirby), Mary (Steve) VanDyke, Joe (Tiffany) Walters, Andrea (Matt) Walter and Mike Walters; many grandchildren and great grandchildren, many relatives and foster children.

Betty has been reunited with her husband, John; her parents and all of her siblings; her son, Ram Walters; her granddaughter, Erin Root; and many others who were lucky to know her.

A Celebration of Life luncheon (like an open house and not a funeral per her wishes) will be held on Saturday, Aug. 1 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Rockford United Methodist Church, 159 Maple St. NE, Rockford.

Memorials contribution can be made to an animal rescue of your choice or any way to support her hometown of Rockford. You are welcome to share your memories of Betty online at pedersonfuneralhome.com.

Kaylie Geertman, 31

Kaylie Joy Geertman, 31, of West Olive, passed away peacefully into the arms of her loving Savior at her home on Monday, July 13, 2026, following a three-year battle with cancer.

Kaylie was born May 1, 1995, in Zeeland to Ken and Martha (Vander Meyden) Mast. She attended Zeeland Christian School and graduated from Holland Christian High School in 2013. 

Kaylie graduated from Grand Rapids Community College and started working at Chemical Bank. While working at Chemical Bank, she met James Geertman and they later married in 2018. They were blessed with a beautiful daughter, Jolene, in 2022.

Kaylie was a lifelong member of Drenthe Christian Reformed Church. Her faith called Kaylie to work and witness. She went on several mission trips to the Dominican Republic, and she also gave her testimony during chapel at HCHS last year about living life with cancer.

Kaylie loved to be a stay-at-home mom. She also enjoyed doing thrift shopping, baking, crafts and sewing. Kaylie even ran her own sewing business, “Sew Sweetly.” Kaylie also enjoyed singing on the praise team at Drenthe CRC.

Kaylie is survived by her husband of eight years, James Geertman; their daughter Jolene; her parents, Ken and Martha Mast; parents-in-law, Terry and Kristi Geertman; brother, Nick and Casie Mast (Micah, Kendra), brother-in-law, Andrew and Samantha Geertman; grandparents, Rev. Calvin and Marjorie Vander Meyden, Jun and Sandy Geertman, and Beverly Jaarsma; and many extended family members.

A funeral service was held Friday, July 17 at Drenthe Christian Reformed Church, 6344 Adams St., Zeeland. Interment was in West Drenthe Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Drenthe Christian Reformed Church. Contributions will benefit COCREF-Hope Rising, and Mika’s Lunch in the Dominican Republic.

My friend Laura was diagnosed with incurable ovarian cancer in December of 2019 and was given up to a year to live. 

By Brandi Hafler

My friend Laura was diagnosed with incurable ovarian cancer in December of 2019 and was given up to a year to live. 

I met her in August of 2021, eight months past her doctor-given “expiration date.” She knew that each day was a miracle and she wanted to use any time that she had left encouraging others. 

Before her diagnosis, she had served in the church by delivering meals to those who had surgery or an injury, and by sending cards to people who needed encouragement or had lost a loved one. After we met, she began a Bible study for women with cancer. She also became a care partner for other women with cancer, meaning that she would check in, build a relationship with, listen to, and pray with them.

Laura gradually lost strength and had to step away from the various ministries that allowed her to share her faith and love, and in September of 2025, she entered into her eternity with her Savior, Jesus Christ. 

She lived more than 5 1/2 years with terminal cancer, and she took every opportunity that she was given in those 5 1/2 years to tell people that God loved them, that He was for them, that they weren’t alone, and that death in this life is not the end. 

Now, almost a year after she left this world, the Bible study group that Laura started continues to meet, and they invite other women join them in a space where they can share their pain, fears, and faith with those who understand. 

The current leader of the study continues to reach out to a woman that Laura had cared for. That woman, who has been unable to attend the Bible study or church in person because of her cancer diagnosis, recently decided to become a member of the church that has helped her feel like she belonged in spite of her limitations. She will also soon leave this world, but is grateful for the love that her church family has shown her during her long, painful battle with cancer. Laura was essential in helping her feel that love. 

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in Heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21)

This passage defines Laura. When the doctors, and logic, and her body told her to slow down, she picked up her pace. She began loving people bolder, harder, and deeper. 

When it was tempting to focus on all that she would lose, Laura focused on all that still needed to be done, and everyone who still needed to know that there was hope. She took every opportunity to store up treasures in Heaven. Because even though she was still trapped in her failing earthly body, her heart was already there.

Watching Laura die, I learned how I want to live. Her bold tenacity gives me the courage speak openly about the hope and new life that Jesus offers. I want to follow her example of storing up treasures in Heaven. 
Because if my treasures are there, my heart will be there, and if my heart is there, what can mortal man do to me? (Psalm 56:11) 

I will leave you with words from Laura that reveal what it looks like to live life on earth while storing treasures in Heaven.

“I realize that God was there every step of the way. Jesus was with me. So I haven’t focused on cancer. I focused on God. If it wasn’t for the cancer, I would not know God and I would not be as close as I am with Him … And the fact that He has given me miracles all along the way… Doctors always say, ‘How are you not in pain?’ I say, ‘By the grace of God, I am not in pain.’”

“I feel Jesus literally next to me in the middle of the night. How can I not be grateful for that?”

“We are not promised tomorrow. We are not promised a life without suffering. But when we do suffer, we have to find the joy and the peace, because God has it there for us. God has that peace. You just have to hold onto it, and don’t let it go.”

“As long as I have breath, I have hope.”

—————

Brandi Hafler is the Connections Pastor at All Shores Wesleyan Church in Spring Lake. She loves spending time with her family, telling stories, and wearing silly socks. You can read more of her writing online at FoundUponTheWaves.com.  

What is the last thing that broke at your house? Maybe it was a favorite vase. Maybe the chain on your bike broke or your phone screen cracked. 

By Rich Bawinkel

Read: Romans 8:18-27
“The creation was subjected to futility.” (v. 20)

What is the last thing that broke at your house? Maybe it was a favorite vase. Maybe the chain on your bike broke or your phone screen cracked. 

It is disappointing when something breaks, but there is joy in restoration — when you find a replacement vase in the consignment shop, or when you are able to fix the bike chain or phone.

As we think about the Bible’s promise of a new earth we might wonder why we need a new earth. The apostle Paul tells us why in Romans 8 when he writes that creation itself is broken and in need of renewal. 

“The creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God” (vv. 20-21).

We see the evidence of creation subjected to futility in everything from the weeds in our gardens to natural disasters. But when Jesus comes back again and ushers in the new earth, creation will be set free and will share in the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 

No more wildfires. No more destructive storms. No more weeds. No more pollution. We will enjoy the wonders of this earth without the corruption that resulted from humanity’s sin and rebellion against God. 

That’s the new earth. That’s our promised land! 

As you pray, give thanks for the wonders of creation now and for God’s future re-creation of the earth.

—————

Rich Bawinkel is a retired pastor who has served churches in the Reformed Church in America and the Kingdom Network. He serves as the administrator of the Kingdom Network, and on the Words of Hope Board of Directors.

I have to admit I can’t stand going too long without checking my trial cameras that are outside of cell service. 

By Gary Miller

I have to admit I can’t stand going too long without checking my trial cameras that are outside of cell service. 

This is true especially this time of year. Even though the experts tell me to leave them alone until hunting season, I know I’m probably not even going to hunt some of these spots until the November rut anyway. 

So, I check away. I figure any buck that has gotten spooked by my presence now will undoubtedly be dumbstruck early in the rut by a hot doe, forgetting all traces of human activity that I left in July and August. 

So, I’ll wait a few weeks and make my way back to the camera to see if there are any surprises that might cause me to set up a stand early. This is especially helpful for me on my Kentucky property since only one buck is allowed for the whole year. I have two good eight-pointers showing up right now but I’m not about to waste my only tag on one of these. They need one and maybe even two more years before they become a Kentucky trophy. 

For now, I will keep waiting and watching to see if a bigger deer shows up consistently or to see if I’ll just need to take my chances that a stray happens to make a visit during November or December. 

There have been several years when the tag I bought in September was still in my pocket in January – when the season ended. For some it was considered wasted. For me, it was not. 

That tag didn’t represent a deer but an opportunity for a deer. That’s all a hunting license is. It’s an opportunity to hunt within certain parameters. If I stay within those guidelines, I can harvest anything I want. 

But there are also other parameters that are self-imposed. We each have them. They involve anything from the size of deer to the time of year. 

For instance, I won’t shoot a doe if it has a fawn with it, or I’m not going to shoot a doe if it’s too late in the afternoon. I’m just not interested in being out at 10 o’clock at night processing deer. I prefer to be home and even in bed by then. These are only my parameters. But I don’t expect everyone to follow them.

I find this a great picture of the Christian life and how we are meant to interact with each other. There are some things that are parameters for everyone and then there are some self-imposed convictions that others may not hold. These self-imposed ones are the grey areas where we sometimes disagree. 

Paul, the writer of most of the New Testament, dealt with how we are to live with fellow Christians who may not see things the same way we do. His overall admonition is to make every effort to live in harmony with each other. (Romans 14) 

There is no doubt these words still ring true. In a world where there is so much disunity, Christians must strive to be the answer to Jesus’ last prayer. “May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.” (John 17:23 NLT)

—————

Gary Miller has written Outdoor Truths articles for 24 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@ outdoortruths.org.

Milton Jay Jongekryg, 82,

Milton Jongekryg, 82

Milton Jay Jongekryg, 82, of Holland, passed away on Saturday, July 11, 2026. 

Born on June 26, 1944, Milt was the son of Minser and Emily Jongekryg. Milt’s life was richly centered on home and family. He was the father of four children: Kevin Jongekryg, Renee (Jongekryg) McCranie, Jim Jongekryg, and Tanya (Jongekryg) Soto. 

On Sept. 19, 1984, he married Kathy Marie Kiekover, and through that marriage his family grew to include Kendall Kiekover, Amy (Kiekover) Camfferman, Tracy (Kiekover) Streiff, and Travis Kiekover.

A man of unwavering faith, lived his beliefs through quiet service and genuine compassion for others. He was a faithful member of his church and a steadfast source of encouragement to those around him. His life reflected the values he cherished — humility, generosity, integrity, and love.

Above all else, Milt was a devoted family man. He shared a loving marriage with his beloved wife of 42 years, Kathy, building a life grounded in faith, commitment, and unconditional love. He was a proud father who led by example, teaching the values of hard work, honesty, kindness, and respect. His greatest joy came from spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, each of whom held a special place in his heart.

For many years, he stood behind the barber chair of Milt’s Barber Shop in downtown Zeeland, where he was much more than a barber. He was a trusted friend, a patient listener, a source of wisdom, and a familiar face whose warm smile welcomed generations of customers through his door. His barbershop was not simply a place for haircuts, it was a gathering place where stories were shared, friendships were formed, and neighbors became family.

Milt was preceded in death by his wife, Kathy; parents, Minser and Emily Jongekryg; brother, Edwin Jongekryg; sister, Helene (Jongekryg) Snyder; and daughter, Tanya Soto.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 20 at 1 p.m. at Lakeshore Memorial Services, 11939 James St., Holland, with visitation prior to the service from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Graveside will be family only.

Ngu Thi Ho, 88

Ngu Thi Ho, 88, of Holland, died Sunday, July 12, 2026.

Ngu was born in Phan Thiet, Vietnam, on July 15, 1937. She married De Tanh Nguyen. De Tanh Nguyen became a university professor and Ngu raised their seven children and was a businesswoman. In November 1989, the entire family immigrated to West Michigan. De preceded Ngu in death in 2009.

She is survived by her children: Aitho, Thao, Aithuan, Thanh, Aithoa, Aithuy, Aithanh, many grandchildren and many great-grandchildren, and many extended family members in Vietnam.

A funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday, July 17 at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, 480 152nd Ave., Holland. Visitation will be today from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St., Zeeland.

Kris Michmerhuizen, 82

Kris Michmerhuizen, 82, of Holland, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Friday, July 10, 2026.

Kris graduated from Holland Christian High School and Calvin College with a degree in elementary education. She taught at Rose Park Christian School for a short time and then stayed at home to raise her family. 

Kris was a longtime member of North Street Christian Reformed Church; she was very involved with ministry inside and outside the church. Music was a big part of Kris’ life; she played the flute in the American Legion Band and was accompanied by Marie Blauwkamp in the “Ivory and Silver Duo” ministering in nursing homes and churches.

She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Max; children, Mark and Tammy Michmerhuizen, Matthew and Indirah Michmerhuizen, Michael and Laura Michmerhuizen, and Stephen and Julie Michmerhuizen, grandchildren and great-grandchildren Nicole and Clarence Pascual (Josiah and Madison), Anna Michmerhuizen, Seth Michmerhuizen, Luke Michmerhuizen, Marielle Michmerhuizen, Ivan Michmerhuizen, Siobhan Michmerhuizen, Evan Michmerhuizen, Mallory Michmerhuizen, Michael Michmerhuizen, Benjamin Michmerhuizen, Kristen Michmerhuizen, Micah Michmerhuizen, and Susanna Michmerhuizen; siblings, Mary and Donald Swierenga, and John and Cindy Vogelzang; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Lila Peters, Lillian Vanden Heuvel, Paul and Kathi Michmerhuizen, and Janet and Bruce Davis.

The funeral service to honor the life of Kris was held Monday, July 13 at North Street Christian Reformed Church, 20 E. Main Ave., Zeeland. Interment was in Pilgrim Home Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions may be given to the Blaise Pascal Endowment Fund at Holland Christian Schools.

Tommy Jones, 78

Tommy Rance Jones, 78, of West Olive, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, July 9, 2026.

Born April 4, 1948, Tommy was a longtime member of Ventura Baptist Church. He held close the words that shaped his faith and outlook, often returning to his favorite biblical phrase: “In the beginning God...” In that steady conviction, many knew a man grounded in reverence and purpose.

Tommy built a life marked by dedication and skill. He worked at BLD Products for 25 years, serving as lead electrical design technician, and brought to his work both careful precision and quiet reliability. He also earned an associate’s degree in electrical engineering, reflecting a disciplined mind and a lifelong respect for learning.

Tommy was preceded in death by his parents, Rance and June Jones.

Tommy is survived by his wife of 52 years, Bonnie Jones; children, Diana (Gerin) Woodbury, Daniel (Valerie) Jones and Christina (Clay) Ashby; grandchildren, Aidan (Sarah) Woodbury, Raze Woodbury, Kaylee Ashby, Alder Jones and Tilia Jones; and aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Funeral services were held Monday, July 14 at Lakeshore Memorial Services, 11939 James St., Holland.

Donations can be sent to The Gideons International.

Kraig Schaafsma, 70

Kraig Schaafsma, 70, of Holland, passed away on Wednesday, July 8, 2026. 

Kraig was born on Oct. 29, 1955, and was married to his wife, Nancy, for the last 50 years. They were married on June 11, 1976, and the family had just celebrated together the previous Sunday. 

Kraig retired in 2020 following a career as a tool engineer. After retirement, he enjoyed working at Vandenberg Stereo. He also treasured time spent with family at the cottage up north, and vacations with friends where he spent days under the Palapa.

Kraig was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Wilma Schaafsma; sister, Kaylene Johnson;  mother- and father-in-law, Everett and Julia Plooster; and brothers-in-law, Jim Plooster, Bob Plooster and Ed Bredeweg.

Kraig is survived by his wife of 50 years, Nancy Schaafsma; son, Michael (Kylea) Schaafsma, and their children, Jaiden and Alex; daughter, Julie (Josh) Miles, and their daughters, Everlyn, Isabel, and Peyton; his twin brother, Kurt (Lynn) Schaafsma; sister, Sue (David) Brondyke; sisters-in-law, Bonnie (Dave) Vandermeer, Sally Bredeweg, Sharon Plooster, and Joanne Plooster; brother-in-law, Ron Johnson; along with many nieces and nephews, and many close friends.

A memorial service will be held today at 11 a.m. at Ridge Point Community Church, 340 104th Ave., Holland, with visitation prior to the service from 10 to 11 a.m. 

Family would like donations to send a kid to Camp Geneva at campgeneva.campbraingiving.com.

Ronald Vos, 86

Ronald Allen Vos, 86, of Holland, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, July 7, 2026.

Born on Feb. 26, 1940, to Albert and Ruth Vos, Ron was a man of unwavering faith, attending both Overisel and North Street Christian Reformed Church. He graduated from Zeeland High School and served his country in the U.S. Army. 

The Lord blessed him with many talents, one being able to create and build anything out of wood. He was also extremely gifted in the lost art of hand carving wood. He was employed by Baker Furniture and Herman Miller.

Ron was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marianne, in 2024, and in-laws, George and Leona DenBesten, and Audrey DenBesten. 

Ron is survived by his daughters, Linnea and Loren Hop, Kerri and Doug Geerlings, and Connie Vos; grandchildren, Rachel (Jake) Vander Wall, Luke (Lettie) Hop, April Hop, Katelyn (Evan) Machiela, Allyson Geerlings (Matt Wilde) and Meghan Geerlings; in-laws, Calvin (Ardith) DenBesten and Garry (Lynne) DenBesten; as well as extended family and friends.

Funeral services will take place Monday, July 20 at 11 a.m. at North Street Christian Reformed Church, 20 E. Main Ave. Zeeland. Visitation with the Vos family will be Sunday, July 19 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St., Zeeland.

Ron's family kindly requests memorial contributions to Hospice of Holland. 

Milton Krugman, 88

Milton Lester (Pete) Krugman, 88, of Grand Rapids, went to be with the Lord on Friday, July 3, 2026. 

Pete was born on Feb. 18, 1938, in Watervliet to Walter and Neva (Kimball) Krugman. As a child, Pete grew up on a fruit farm and enjoyed being outdoors while helping on the farm with his two siblings. 

After graduating from Watervliet High School in 1956, Pete enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served for four years from 1957-1961. Pete was part of the crew in Squadron VW-1, based in Guam, serving as an electronics crew chief. He flew on Super Constellations that were equipped to identify and analyze enemy offensive and defensive weapons, as well as weapons-delivery systems. 

Pete had a lifelong passion for aviation, and he earned both his private pilot license and his helicopter license after his military service.

Pete was married to his wife, Susan Ann Sponable, for 62 years. They both had hearts devoted to serving others in ministry, sharing the gospel and leading many to faith. Pete graduated from Grand Rapids School of the Bible and Music in 1966 and served as a pastor in several Bible churches in Michigan and Texas during his 20-year career in ministry.

Pete is survived by his brother, Noble Krugman; sister, Shirley (Allen) Fietz; son, John (Candace) Krugman; daughters, Melissa (Jim) Webb and Stacia Givens, grandchildren, Daniel (Megan) Webb, Kristin (Geoff) DeLaune, Cortney Krugman, Caleb Krugman, Jackson Webb, and Savanna Webb; four great-grandchildren; and several beloved brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Neva (Kimball) Krugman; his wife, Susan (Sponable) Krugman; and his parents-in-law, Robert and Avis (Miles) Sponable.

A private family graveside service will take place prior to his Celebration of Life service at Ada Bible Church - Knapp Street Campus, 3869 Knapp St. NE, Grand Rapids at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 30. Visitation and a light lunch with the family will follow the service. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Our Daily Bread Ministries. The Krugman family is being served by Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St., Zeeland.

Marcia Idema, 67

Marcia "Marcy" Ann Idema, 67, of Zeeland, entered into the arms of Jesus on Monday, July 6, 2026. 

Marcy's grandchildren were her pride and joy, and she would support them in all their activities. She had a way of making the holidays feel so special. 

Marcy was preceded in death by her first husband, Stewart Vander Laan; and parents, Robert Mabee and Laura DeVos. 

Marcy is survived by her husband, Jim; children, Andrea Lavigne, Ryan Furniss, Laura (Judah) Anderson and Richard Idema; grandchildren, Selah, Aviah, Tirzah, Zadok, Mirah, Havilah, Abigail, and Asher Anderson, Benjamin, and Rylee Furniss, Jacob, and Nicholas Lavigne; father-in-law, Kenneth Idema; and mother-in-law, Sharon Siemen. 

Funeral services were held Thursday, July 9 at Stroo Funeral Home, 1095 68th St. SE, Grand Rapids, with Pastor Calvin Bergsma officiating. Interment was in Greenwood Cemetery.

Life can be wonderful. But at times it can also be painful and difficult. Natural disasters, civil unrest, relationship failures, and illnesses are just some of the difficulties we may experience.

By Rich Bawinkel

Read: Exodus 3:7-17
“… a land flowing with milk and honey.” (vv. 8, 17)

Life can be wonderful. But at times it can also be painful and difficult. Natural disasters, civil unrest, relationship failures, and illnesses are just some of the difficulties we may experience.

The people of Israel knew pain and difficulties. In Exodus 3, they cried out to God because they were suffering as slaves under the Egyptians. God heard their cries. He had a plan to deliver the Israelites, to bring them to a “good and broad land, a land flowing with milk and honey” (v. 8). What hope must have filled the people when they learned about this “promised land.”

As we face the pain and difficulties of life, do we who trust in Jesus have a promised land — a good land flowing with milk and honey? We do! In John 14:2, Jesus tells us, “In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?” 

We have the promise of heaven — and ultimately, when Jesus comes again, the promised land of the new heaven and earth (1 Peter 1:10-13)! And so we sing:

            “On Jordan’s stormy banks [this earth] I stand,
            and cast a wishful eye
            To Canaan’s fair and happy land [heaven],
            where my possessions lie.
            I am bound for the promised land,
            I am bound for the promised land;
            O who will come and go with me?
            I am bound for the promised land.”
                        (“On Jordan’s Stormy Banks I Stand”)

As you pray, remember those who are facing painful challenges.

—————

Rich Bawinkel is a retired pastor who has served churches in the Reformed Church in America and the Kingdom Network. He serves as the administrator of the Kingdom Network and on the Words of Hope board of directors.