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Kathleen Ann Schipper, 92, of Overisel, passed away Friday, Nov. 28, 2025, at Holland Hospital.

Kathleen Schipper, 92

Kathleen Ann Schipper, 92, of Overisel, passed away Friday, Nov. 28, 2025, at Holland Hospital.

Kathleen was a graduate of Zeeland High School and lifelong member of Overisel Christian Reformed Church, where she was a Calvinette counselor and active in the church’s Sewing Club.

Kathleen was preceded in death by her husband, Stanley Schipper; daughter-in-law, Sharon Schipper; brother, Delvin Lankheet; sister and brother-in-law, Muriel and Perry Wilcox; and in-laws, Jarvis Clark, Irvin Scholten, Almon and Laura Schipper, and James and Sylvia Schipper.

Kathleen is survived by her children, Randy (Bev) Schipper of Hamilton, Barb (Mick) Venema of Kalamazoo, Gary Schipper of Hudsonville and Kevin Schipper Allegan; 16 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; siblings, Earl (Gayle) Lankheet, Elaine (Bill) Cameron, Marilyn Scholten and Thelma Clark; and sister-in-law, Tena Lankheet.

Funeral services are planned for 11 a.m. today at Overisel Reformed Church, 4706 142nd Ave., Holland, with Pastor Kenneth Kleinheksel officiating. Burial will be in Overisel Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Beautiful Gate Orphanage and the Overisel Reformed Church Food Pantry.

Monique Egler, 32

Monique Marissa Egler, 32, of Holland, passed away on Friday, Nov. 28, 2025. 

Monique was born on April 10, 1993, in Lansing and was a 2011 graduate of West Ottawa High School. During her time at West Ottawa, she attended the Careerline Tech Center and discovered her talent for doing hair and makeup. She particularly enjoyed styling her nieces’ hair for special occasions, treating them more like sisters. 

Monique had a deep passion for music, helping people, and embraced life with enthusiasm. Despite her vibrant spirit, she faced a long battle with alcoholism. Her struggle is mentioned not to cast a negative light, but to offer understanding to those who may be facing similar challenges. 

Monique is survived by her father, Ambrose Egler; and her mother, Linda Cagle. She is also survived by her sisters, Jeanine (RC) Hampton of Holland and Jaci (Billy) Lowther of Holland; brothers, Marc (Leyla) Egler of Charlotte, N.C., James Egler of Oregon, and Mike Egler of Ohio; and nieces, Jada Wolcott of Holland, Ashleigh Williams of Kalamazoo, and Teegan Wolcott of Holland.

A celebration of Monique’s life will be held on Friday, Dec. 12, 2025, at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, 480 152nd Ave., Holland. The service will be officiated by Father Michael.

The family extends a special thank you to Gift of Life Michigan and the staff at Holland Hospital for their exceptional care of Monique.

Dr. Bruce Masselink, 82

Dr. Bruce Allen Masselink, 82, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025, surrounded by his family. 

Bruce was born on June 5, 1943 and raised in Holland. Bruce graduated from Holland High School in 1961, where he proudly served as drum major of the marching band. 

Continuing his education at Hope College, he earned a bachelor of science degree in 1965, followed by his medical degree from the University of Michigan in 1969. Bruce completed his surgical residency at the University of Kentucky in 1974 and pursued a fellowship in general surgery in Birmingham, England from 1971 to 1972. 

Bruce devoted his 30-year career to caring for others as a general surgeon at Holland Hospital and other area hospitals as well as in private practice at Holland Surgical Associates. He was a member of the Coller Society. Bruce was known for his steady skill and compassion, and he touched countless lives throughout his decades of service.

Bruce found joy sailing on Lake Michigan and traveling the world with Carla. Continuing his commitment to medicine and service in retirement, he participated in many medical mission trips to Honduras and Nicaragua. He also volunteered at several local health care clinics, the Holland Hospital Wound Care Clinic, and the Holland Rescue Mission.

Bruce is survived by his wife, Carla Masselink; children, Ilse (Andy) Saewert of Holland, Reid (Nathalie) Masselink of Bourron-Marlotte, France, and Braden (Megan) Masselink of Jackson, Wyo.; and grandchildren, Anna, Reid, and Sean Saewert, Ceres, Constantin, and Ilse Anne Marie Masselink, and Addison and Knox Masselink. He is also survived by Cinthya Moreda, a former exchange student whom he cherished as a daughter.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harriet and Wilmur Masselink; brother, Glenn Masselink; stepfather, Albert Luurtsema; and stepsister, Janice Luurtsema. 

He was laid to rest at Pilgrim Home Cemetery, with a celebration of life to be held at a later date.

In his memory, donations may be made to the Holland Hospital Development Fund and Christ Memorial Church.

Delores Kole, 94

Delores (Immink) Kole, 94 of Holland, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025.

Delores was a dedicated farm wife for many years. She was very active in church in many different roles and for many years was involved in the “Home Away From Home” program at Hope College welcoming many foreign students in their home. She also worked in the catering department at Hope College for several years. 

Celebrating her life as part of God’s grand story are her surviving children, Tom Immink of Overisel, Dick and Arlynn (Huyser) Immink of Hamilton, Jon and Peggy (Doeschot) Immink of Endicott, Neb., Keith and Cassy (Jupp) Immink of Holland and Nancy (Immink) and Brian Kleinheksel of Hamilton.

She is also survived by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Lisa and Dan Redder (Collin, Tyler and Max), Jill and Andy Knaus (Bria, Hudson and Sydney), Rachel Immink, Michael and Renee Immink (Ellie), Ben and Julie Immink (Gunther), Esther and Clif Bond (Simon and Levi), Thaddaeus and Joslyn (Ella, Jack, August), Olivia Immink, Gerrit Immink, Sara and Shad Krull (Madelyn, Isaac and Eli) and Joel Kleinheksel; siblings and in-laws, Mary (Bob) Raak, Garry (Cathy) Heetderks, Stan Brandsen and Donna Heetderks; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Delores was preceded in death was her first husband, Robert ­Immink (1998); grandson, Jacob Immink (2025); granddaughter-in-law, Michelle Kleinheksel (2024); second husband, Roger Kole (2011); and siblings Robert Heetderks, Isla (Heetderks) Brandsen and Carl Heetderks.

Funeral and committal services will be 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, at Overisel Reformed Church, 4706 142nd Ave. Burial will be in Overisel Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. tonight at the church. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Emmanuel Hospice.

John Moored, 87

John Moored, 87, of Zeeland, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025.

John was born on July 7, 1938, in Plainwell to Lavina and Ford Moored. He was a member of Faith Reformed Church. John ­retired from BASF and enjoyed traveling, camping, and woodworking. He was known for his love of cooking, canning, and making jelly. His greatest joy was sharing these with family and friends.

He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Shirley; children, Jeffrey Moored and Timothy Moored; granddaughter, Cory Nice; great-grandchildren, Aiden Yaekal, Lily Nice, Jax Nice and Josephine Nice; stepchildren, Eric and Lori Beyer, and Kristen and Matt McLouth; step-grandchildren, Caitlin and Ben Simon, Nicholas McLouth, and Morgan McLouth; his step-great-grandson, Finn Beyer; siblings, Bernard and Elizabeth Moored, Sherwin and Cathy Moored, and Ruth Gardner; and sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Carol Moored, Jean Elzinga, and Paul and Barb Meyers.

A memorial service will be held at 12 noon Tuesday, Dec. 9 at Faith Reformed Church, 220 W. Central Ave., Zeeland. Visitation will be from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m., prior to the service, at Faith Reformed Church.

Memorial contributions may be given to Faith Reformed Church or Hospice of Holland.

Maxine Ponstein, 78

Maxine Ponstein, 78, of Zeeland, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025, at her home.

Maxine was born March 3, 1947, in Lake City to Milfred and Mary Adell (Shetenhelm) Peterson. After graduating from Lake City High School, she worked for many years in factories and restaurants. Max met Hollis Ponstein while working in Lake City and later they married.

Max was a great cook and was always a great hostess to family and friends. Max also baked wedding cakes for many years. She was kind and generous and opened her home to many people who needed help. Maxine was a talented quilter and over many years she made more than 1,000 personalized quilts for hospice patients.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Hollis Ponstein, in 2001; her oldest daughter, Jody Rittenhouse, in July 2024; her sister-in-law, Irma Mokma; and her best friend since kindergarten, Jeanie Thomas.

Maxine is survived by her children, Rachel Ponstein, Michelle Disselkoen, Sara Vander Molen and Tim Ponstein; grandchildren, Dacota, Jena, Riley, Blake, Hollister and Corbin; great-grandson, Benjamin; siblings, Edwin Peterson, Ruth McGee, Sue Schaaf, Leonard Peterson and Noreen Peterson; in-laws, Beth Somers, Laura Ponstein, Mary Lynn Kamara, Bill Ponstein, Tim Ponstein and Paul Ponstein, and many extended family members.

A memorial service was held Monday, Dec. 1, at Beaverdam Christian Reformed Church, 5166 64th Ave., Hudsonville. Interment was in Beaverdam Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Holland.

Donna Bocks, 93

Donna Jean (Ball) Bocks, 93, of Holland, daughter of Thelma Arnold, passed away Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025. 

Donna was born June 5, 1932 in Marshall. She was married to Martin Edward Ball (25 years), of Jackson, who passed away in 1978, and Robert Bocks (23 years), of Holland, who passed away in 2008.

She is survived by her children; Patrick and Sandra Ball, Thomas and Colleen Ball, and Susan and Anthony Mills; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Sadie and Kenny Ebanyat (Zoe and K.J.), Marthy Ball, Travis Ball, Sarah and Kirk Wolters (Deakon and Juke), Caroline Burns (Esmerelda), and Caleb Mills.

Donna graduated from Western Michigan University with a teaching degree and taught in a one-room schoolhouse. She regularly attended First United Methodist Church of Holland and was a member of the Tuesday Book Club, the longest continuous book club in Holland. Donna ran a catering business and was a world-class whistler.

Donna was known for wearing fabulous white blouses. She was an author of eight novels as well as several magazine and newspaper articles. Donna was well-traveled, a true cowgirl at heart, owned and rode her own horse, Moses, until her 80s, a ballroom dance enthusiast, and a chocolatier.

No service or visitation was held. Burial was in Pilgrim Home Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to a favorite charity in Donna’s memory.

Glenn Bareman, 81

Glenn Allen Bareman, 81, of Holland, passed away Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025 at home.

Glenn was a lifelong resident of the Holland area. He was born May 20, 1944 to Henry and Grace (Lohuis) Bareman. Glenn worked for the Holland Police Department, the Holland Township Fire Department and was head of Hope College Security for many years. He was a member of the F.O.P in Holland, and in his spare time a member of Evergreen Commons where he also sang in the choir. 

Glenn will be fondly remembered for his woodworking skills and creating paintings. He loved building memorable items for his children and grandchildren. 

Preceding him in death were his siblings, Eleanor Getsch, Joyce Jacobs and Mick Bareman.

He is survived by his children, Todd Bareman and Tori (Matt) Yount; grandchildren, Reese (Gilleyanne) Yount, Jacee (Collin) Westfall and Levi Yount; and many extended family and friends.

At Glenn’s request, no services were planned.

One of the basic truths of the universe is that God is loving. In fact, the Bible even goes so far as to say, ‘God is love’ (1 John 4:16). 

By Max Aplin  

One of the basic truths of the universe is that God is loving. In fact, the Bible even goes so far as to say, ‘God is love’ (1 John 4:16). 

God demonstrates His love for us in many ways. But His supreme act of love was giving His Son, Jesus Christ, the God-Man, to deal with human sin (Rom 5:8). 

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Imitating God’s love 

So God is love. But it is not as if we are supposed to just stand at a distance admiring that. In Ephesians 5:1 the apostle Paul writes, ‘Be imitators of God.’ What Paul means is that we are to imitate His moral qualities including His love. 

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The most important commandment 

The importance of love is also shown by what Jesus says in Mark 12:28-34. In this passage we read about an occasion when He was asked what the most important commandment in the law of Moses was. 

Quoting Deuteronomy 6:5, He replied: 

“You must love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.”

Given that God is love and that He wants us to imitate His moral qualities, it isn’t a surprise that Jesus would give this as the greatest commandment. 

Today, Christians are not under obligation to follow the law of Moses (e.g., Gal 3:23-25). Instead, we are under the law of Christ (1 Cor 9:21; Gal 6:2). 

However, the law of Christ is a fulfillment of the law of Moses. It is a kind of outgrowth from that law and has a lot in common with it. 

Even though the command that Jesus quoted is part of the law of Moses, there is no doubt that the law of Christ overlaps with the law of Moses as far as this command in Deuteronomy 6:5 is concerned. As people who are under the law of Christ, then, we must set ourselves the goal of loving God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. 

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Using our wills 

It is important to understand that the command to love God is not a command to try to manufacture feelings of love within ourselves. We should never try to create emotions. Instead, this command is about us using our wills. We are to choose to do what pleases Him to the best of our ability. 

Of course, we will never succeed in loving God with absolutely all of our heart, soul, mind and strength this side of death. But the command to love Him in this way is similar to the one in Matthew 5:48, ‘Be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.’ God commands us to be perfect, not because we will manage to be perfect before we die, but because it is a goal we must strive towards. 

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Radical living 

There are many passages in the Bible which make it clear that the normal Christian life is a radical thing (e.g., Matt 16:24-25; 18:8-9; John 12:25). It is an extreme thing, not in an uncontrolled or unreasonable way, but in how we are to love God. We are to give our lives for His service. We are to be people who have one supreme, overarching goal, which is to do His will. 

To love God in this way doesn’t mean that life should become nothing but hardship. It is not as if we let God rule over our lives, and then He only asks us to do things we don’t want to do. The will of God for us is bound to be a mixture of things we want and don’t want to do. But the key thing is to submit to Him and let Him rule over all our actions. 

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Knowing the will of God 

Of course, even after we have set ourselves to do the will of God, it is still often difficult to know exactly what His will is. But if we seek Him seriously about this, we will make good progress towards knowing His will for our lives. 

In practical terms, the most important way for us to learn what He wants us to do is by becoming serious students of the Bible. Every Christian should make it a practice to regularly study and meditate on Scripture. 

Also, as we seek God in prayer, we will become more able to hear the voice of His Spirit directing our lives. 

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Max Aplin has a Ph.D. in New Testament from the University of Edinburgh. He is a UK national and currently lives in the south of Scotland. Check out his blog, The Orthotometist, at maxaplin.blogspot.com.

One of the most enduring sources of Advent Bible readings is the book of Isaiah. Even if you avoid church for the entire month of December, you might hear Isaiah’s words set to Handel’s music at a concert or even while you do your shopping. 

By Ben Van Arragon

Read: Isaiah 60:1-9
“Arise, shine, for your light has come.” (v. 1)

One of the most enduring sources of Advent Bible readings is the book of Isaiah. Even if you avoid church for the entire month of December, you might hear Isaiah’s words set to Handel’s music at a concert or even while you do your shopping. 

Many people associate these passages from Isaiah with “the most wonderful time of the year,” but ironically, Isaiah prophesied about the least wonderful time in Israel’s history: the exile to Babylon. This was a time when life was so bad for God’s people that they concluded God had abandoned them.

But it was precisely during this darkest season that God sent his prophets to remind Israel of their brightest hope. The pain and disorientation of the exile were inescapable consequences of Israel’s unfaithfulness. Paradoxically, they were also an essential part of God’s plan to redeem the world. 

In Isaiah, God calls Israel “a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth” (Isa. 49:6). God used the exile to send his people to the ends of the earth. They brought their worship and God’s word wherever they went. They carried God’s light to the nations.

During difficult times, disappointment and disorientation may feel overwhelming. But God’s people never face the darkness alone. The light of God’s presence is always available. We claim it when we devote ourselves to worship and Scripture. As we wait for God to complete his redemptive work in our dark world, we carry the light.

As you pray, ask God to dispel the darkness with the light of his presence.

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Ben Van Arragon is an ordained minister in the Christian Reformed Church in North America. After twenty years of congregational ministry, he now serves his denomination as a pastor wellbeing consultant in Grand Rapids.

Leona Boerigter, 95, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025.

Leona Boerigter, 95

Leona Boerigter, 95, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025.

Leona had a caring spirit and genuinely cared for people and this expressed itself particularly with the elderly and with those in need. As a mother, she was supportive, a hard worker, and was always there. 

She was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Gordon D. Boerigter, in 2008.

She is survived by her children, Terri and Tony Colasacco, Pam and Doug Ebels, Daryl and Jean Boerigter, and Marianne Boerigter; grandchildren, Cara and Nick Lindamood, Gianina Colasacco, Erin and Matt Anastas, Bria and Dave DeBoer, Peter and Sylvia Colasacco, Andrea and Fred Jensen, Mike Simi and Kate Beck, Charlie and Nikki Simi, Turner Terry, and Brecken Terry; great-grandchildren, Camille, Allie, Mariana, Nathaniel, Fitz, Jayna, Lauryn, Rhett, Brooke and Kate; and nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, Nov. 25, at Hamilton Reformed Church, 3554 M-40, Hamilton. Burial took place in Riverside Cemetery in Hamilton.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions in Leona’s honor to be given to Hospice of Holland at hollandhospice.org or by mail to 270 Hoover Blvd., Holland, MI 49423.

Nathan Becksvoort, 99

Nathan J. Becksvoort, 99, of Holland, died Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025 at an area care center.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn in 2005.

Nathan was a lifelong member of Graafschap Christian Reformed Church and was active as an elder, deacon, cadet leader, and in the Men’s Society. He was the Laketown Township Clerk for many years and served on various agriculture boards. He was a lifelong farmer and volunteered for Bibles for Mexico-Legacy Thrift. 

Nathan is survived by his children; Beverly and Paul Geurink, Carol and Ken Nagelkirk, Nancy and Jeff Voorhorst; grandchildren, Darrin and Rachelle Geurink, Dan Geurink, Danae and Rob Visser, Ryan and Jami Nagelkirk, Ross and Jessica Nagelkirk, Katy Voorhorst, Brad and Rachel Voorhorst; 11 great-grandchildren; in-laws, Donna and Gerard Timmer; several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025 at Graafschap Christian Reformed Church, 5973 Church St., Holland, with Rev. Philip Kok officiating. Burial will be in Graafschap Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28, also at Graafschap CRC. 

Memorial contributions may be given to Gentiva Hospice.

Harriet Boerman, 98

Harriet Boerman, 98, of Zeeland, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025.

Harriet was born on April 3, 1927, in Zutphen to Lucas and Tillie DeKleine. Growing up on the family farm alongside her siblings shaped her early years and prepared her well for the life she would build when she married a farmer from Bentheim. On Aug. 16, 1949, Harriet wed Jerald Boerman, and the two shared 71 years of marriage until Jerald’s passing in 2020.

After finishing school, Harriet worked in a sewing factory in Holland, where she helped produce military jackets. She continued there until expecting her first child. Once settled on the farm, she operated her own chicken business, caring for as many as 1,000 chickens at a time, and sold eggs to neighbors as well as a local distributor.

Harriet was a member of Bentheim Reformed Church for 76 years.

Harriet was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and her siblings, Nora (Wynard) DeKleine-Kloosterman, Edwin (Bernice) DeKleine, Dorothy (Nelson) Victory, and Mildred (Harry) Boes. She was also preceded in death by an infant son, Duane; grandson, Ryan Boerman and brother-in-law, Mike Boerman.

Harriet is survived by her children, Darwin and Diane Boerman, Dawn and Brian Vander Hulst; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Emily Boerman, Marissa Boerman, Matthew and Megan Vander Hulst (Noella, Thys) and Amy Vander Hulst; sister-in-law, Juella Boerman; and nieces and nephews.

The Boerman family is profoundly grateful for the kindness and excellent care that their mom received from the Royal Park staff and community over the last 13 years.

Private burial was to take place in Bentheim Cemetery. A memorial service in Harriet’s honor will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, at Bentheim Reformed Church, 3997 38th St., Hamilton. Visitation will be from noon to 12:45 p.m. on Dec. 20, prior to the memorial service at Bentheim Reformed Church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Hospice.

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

Lisa Nienhuis, 66

Lisa Joan Nienhuis, 66, of Ann Arbor, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025. 

Born on Feb. 15, 1959, Lisa lived a life filled with love, adventure, and a youthful spirit. She was married to Tom Nienhuis, with whom she shared a deep bond. Tom’s work brought them to Ann Arbor, where they made their home together.

Lisa had a passion for traveling, with Las Vegas, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. being among her favorite destinations. Despite battling health issues, she managed to stay a kid at heart and anyone who met Lisa could see the innocence that she embodied.

Lisa was preceded in death by her husband, Tom Nienhuis; father, Robert King Jr.; mother, Priscilla; sisters, Colleen Steele and Rita Waroway; brother, Russell King; and parents-in-law, Roger and Colleen Nienhuis.

Lisa is survived by her brother, Robert King III; sisters, Priscilla Sale, Patricia Kleis, Amanda King, and Grace Bartrand; brother-in-law, Ron (Cindy) Nienhuis; and sister-in-law, Lee (Rudy) Ysquierdo.

A celebration of life for Tom and Lisa is planned for Thursday, Dec. 4 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Lakeshore Memorial Services, 11939 James St., Holland.

Dennis Gabrys, 76

Dennis John Gabrys, 76 of Holland, passed away Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025 at Medilodge in Holland.

Dennis was born in Chicago March 15, 1949 to John and Ann Marie (Daley) Gabrys. He was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and retired from General Motors after 39 years of service.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce; children, Brian and Matthew Gabrys; siblings, Sue Gabrys, Kathy Gabrys and Bert Gabrys; many extended family and friends.

A celebration of Dennis’ life with military honors is being planned for a later time.

Mary Van Iwaarden, 82

Mary Van Iwaarden [Raterink], 82, passed away peacefully at Resthaven, surrounded by family on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025. 

Born on Dec. 27, 1942, in Zeeland, Mary was the daughter of Ben and Mary Raterink [Nagelkirk]. She was a graduate of Holland Christian High School, and in 1987, graduated from Hope College with a major in religion.

Mary cherished her family and lived to serve and edify each one of them. Known very affectionately as Mimi by all her grandchildren, including Danielle Van Iwaarden, Catherine DeMino, Deborah Van Iwaarden, Dorothy Van Iwaarden, Dana Van Iwaarden, Davina Van Iwaarden and Daniel Jr. Van Iwaarden. She was preceded in death by her parents, seven siblings, and four in-laws.

She will be remembered for her deep faith, her love of family and friends, her zeal to spread the love of Jesus and her big heart including a dedication to several charities and churches in the Holland/Zeeland area. She will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know her. Mary worked at Roamer Yachts and served as Ward Clerk at Zeeland Community Hospital for many years, from which she retired in 2004.

Mary held volunteer positions with Lakeshore Pregnancy Center, Central Wesleyan Church, and numerous other charitable organizations. Mary had many friends and made deep connections in the Holland/Zeeland area. She loved getting together with family and friends to play games, cook, and travel. 

She is survived by daughter, Deborah (Ken) DeMino; and sons, Mark (Tracey) Van Iwaarden and Daniel (DJ) Van Iwaarden; brother, Floyd Raterink and sisters-in-law, Norma and Esther Raterink. She is also survived by many cherished stepchildren, including Nancy Kowalski, John Jr. (Ariane) Van Iwaarden and David Van Iwaarden; as well as numerous step-grandchildren.

A celebration of life ceremony will be held to honor her life and heart at 11 a.m. on the anniversary of her birth, Saturday, Dec. 27, at Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St., Zeeland. 

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in her name to Mary’s favorite charities: Lakeshore Pregnancy Center, Missions at Central Wesleyan Church, Global Orphan Relief, the Dementia Society, and Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation.

Marcia Seinen, 90, and Ruth Duyster, 83

Sisters Marcia Seinen, 90, of Drenthe, and Ruth Duyster, 83, of Holland, were called home by their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025.

Marcia was preceded in death by her husband, Lee, in 2014, and her grandson-in-law, Aris Melton, in 2019. Marcia was a longtime member of Drenthe Christian Reformed Church. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Hans, in 2018. She was a longtime member of Ebenezer Reformed Church, which transitioned to Family Church Ebenezer Campus. 

For nearly 60 years Marcia and Lee played music together at many churches, hymn sings, and Tulip Time, and after Lee passed she played in the Grace Gospel Band. Marcia loved to be in her kitchen and spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was known for her chocolate malts and freshly squeezed lemonade. It was impossible to enter her home without hearing “what would you like to eat?”

Ruth was a hairdresser for many years at Style Beauty Salon in Zeeland until she opened her own in-home salon. Ruth enjoyed scrapbooking, doing Creative Memories, and organizing breakfast gatherings. She loved her dogs and had them especially well-fed. 
She was very close with her nephews and niece.

Marcia is survived by her children, Jack and Karen Seinen, Ron and Tina Seinen, and Patti and Dennis DeWeerd; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, Michael and Tabatha Seinen (Sawyer and Kennedy), Amy and Spencer Mika (Conner and Brooks), Jon and Brianne Seinen, Nicole Seinen and her fiancé Evan Nuiver, Ryan DeWeerd and Sophia DeWeerd; sister-in-law, Leota Kraai; and many nieces and nephews. Ruth is survived by her sister-in-law Leota and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Marcia and Ruth were held Tuesday, Nov. 25 at Drenthe Christian Reformed Church, 6344 Adams St., Zeeland. Interment for Marcia was in West Drenthe Cemetery, while Ruth was interred in Restlawn Memorial Gardens.

Memorial contributions in Marcia’s memory may be given to Audio Recordings Thru Grace Gospel Band, while memorial contributions in Ruth’s memory may be given to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Glenn Hoek, 77

Glenn Hoek, 77, of Holland passed away Monday, Nov. 17, 2025, after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. 

Glenn was preceded in death by his infant son, Kurt, in 1970, and all six of his siblings. He owned and operated Hoek’s Dewatering for many years and transitioned into underground sprinkling prior to his dementia. Glenn and Marilyn were members of Community Reformed Church. 

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Marilyn; his children, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren: Steve and Kelly Hoek (Kayla Hoek, Elise Hoek, and Ayden Hoek), Ross and Cathy Hoek (Tori and Taylor Akhavong, and Teran and Ezekiel Timmer), Scott and Karen Hoek (Ryan and Lindsay Hoek, and Krista Hoek); sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Jo Ann Hoek, Luann Keizer, Sheryl Hossink, Lynn and Larry Kleinheksel, and Ron and Tammy Witteveen. 

A funeral service to honor the life of Glenn was held Monday, Nov. 24, at Community Reformed Church, 10376 Felch St., Zeeland. 

Memorial contributions may be given to Community Reformed Church or Hospice of Holland.  

This is the time of year when many faith communities, and in truth many nonprofits of all sorts, conduct some sort of campaign around stewardship and finances and invitations to give.

By Jeff Gill

This is the time of year when many faith communities, and in truth many nonprofits of all sorts, conduct some sort of campaign around stewardship and finances and invitations to give.

As a longtime parish pastor, I’ve seen many different approaches to this need to prepare and to plan as an institution, because if a faith community has a church building and staff who are compensated on any basis, you are an institution whether you like it or not.

Some congregations have a standard system they’ve used for years with pledge cards and promotional pieces in the bulletin, perhaps some special sermons in worship about stewardship or other speakers talking about their own experience with tithing as a spiritual discipline, and why they give.

Since most churches have already done theirs for the year by the time you read this, I’ll take a risk here and offer my own ideas, which for the record, no church I’ve served has liked or adopted. So YMMV! (Your mileage may vary.)

I dislike pledge cards, or commitment cards, or estimate of giving cards. It brings up echoes of layaway and club dues and membership in the wrong sort of way. I love fall stewardship campaigns: as education campaigns. Tell your community here’s what we intend to do, here’s what it will cost. Use your finance team’s time to research that, have good answers to it, and refine how to share it with the church community in multiple ways.

If you have a $300,000 projected budget, and a hundred giving units, then you’re telling them the work of the church anticipates an average of $250 per month from each giver. Sure, some will give less, some will give more, but almost everyone thinks of themselves as above average. 

I’ve heard all the arguments for why a giving campaign should come first, and budget-making second, but without getting into too much detail, I’m just not convinced.

I’m also on the fence about how much to talk about tithing. I talk about it, I preach on it, and I’ve served congregations where it was common conversation, and where it wasn’t, and just as an opening comment: the number of tithers wasn’t much different in either. 

The reality is 2-3 percent of income is common among U.S. Christians of all sorts, and 10 percent (however you calculate, pre- or post-taxes, another long discussion I’ll skip for now) is a heavy lift. What I do eagerly talk about is proportional giving: see Luke 21.
Because at minimum, at bare minimum, people of faith should know a) how much they make, and b) how much they give. You’d be amazed to know how few people know their income. I. Am. Not. Kidding. You may know your biweekly take-home pay and not much else, which is a great way to end up in a hole.

Stewardship starts with clarity and honesty about what you make, what you spend, and what you give. Don’t tell me you’re a tither if you’re unclear what’s coming in. And for some, God’s call puts much more than 10 percent on the table. If you know your situation, and it’s 2 percent and tight, making a firm commitment to 2.5 percent is something I would honor. You start there, and work up.

Local churches are struggling, and I honor their struggle. The costs of owning a property, grand or humble, and the expenses of staffing, even for part-time positions, are significantly higher than they were in the 1980s. Not just inflation, but there are costs of compliance & operations (starting with insurance!) which are a bigger percentage of church budgets than they once were. 

My prayer is that we support where we worship, and listen to those dealing with hard questions around finances. If our assumptions are rooted in how we’ve always done it, we might just be wrong.

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Jeff Gill is a writer, storyteller, and preacher in central Ohio; he’s preached quite a few Consecration Sunday sermons. Tell him your views on stewardship at knapsack77@gmail.com or follow @Knapsack77 on Threads or Bluesky.

Humility is hard, isn’t it? It goes so starkly against the worst of our human nature. Our tendency is to bristle and defend ourselves instead of being truly humble. 

By Jon Brown with Justin Kuiper

Read: Philippians 2:5-11
“He humbled himself.” (v. 8)

Humility is hard, isn’t it? It goes so starkly against the worst of our human nature. Our tendency is to bristle and defend ourselves instead of being truly humble. 

I can’t imagine it was easy for Jesus either. Jesus, who left the eternal communion of Father and Spirit to enter our finite realities. Jesus, who “emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant” (v. 7) and became “obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (v. 8).

But he didn’t stop there. Jesus is the one who washes feet. Jesus is the one who receives the kiss of betrayal. Jesus is the one who takes the bread and gives it, pours out the cup, and hands it over. 

Our world tells us that we always need to be right, that winning is best. But not Jesus. He just keeps on emptying, he keeps on descending, he keeps on giving himself up, giving himself away, releasing his control.

I come away from this passage with a simple question: what if we, as followers of Jesus, were known less for winning arguments and more for washing feet? What then? What would our world, our cities, families, and communities look like? 

What if we, as believers in Christ, were a people who gave ourselves away to the least and the lost and the last and left the rest to a God who humbles himself? I think our world would look less like a place in which everything hinges on winning and losing, and rather a place in which lives are changed.

As you pray, ask God to increase your humility and help you subdue your pride.

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Jon Brown is the lead pastor of Pillar Church in Holland. Jon loves preaching and loves walking with people through all of life’s circumstances. He loves to invite people to follow Jesus in community on mission. Jon and his beloved wife, Kristyn, are the proud parents of four daughters.