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Gary Lynn Engelsman, 75, of Holland, passed away on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2026.

Gary Engelsman, 75

Gary Lynn Engelsman, 75, of Holland, passed away on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2026.

Gary was born Nov. 30, 1950, in Zeeland to Kenneth and JoAnne (Walcott) Engelsman. He graduated from Zeeland High School in 1968, and he met Judith Rae Van Spyker. They were married in 1970, and raised their two sons together. 

Gary worked for 42 years at Zeeland Chemical (Vertellus) until his retirement. He enjoyed his work and made great friends at Zeeland Chemical. He was often seen wearing his red Vertellus work jacket. Additionally, Gary enjoyed fishing, hunting out west, and deer hunting in West Michigan and Ohio.

He was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Engelsman; brother-in-law, Larry Van Spyker; and parents-in-law, Clifford and Bernice Van Spyker.

Gary is survived by his wife of nearly 56 years, Judith; sons, Nicholas and Michelle Engelsman of Ohio and Daniel Engelsman of Holland; mother, JoAnne Engelsman; siblings, James and Rhonda Engelsman, Randy and Cindy Engelsman, Kristi and Greg Cook, and Rick and Deb Engelsman; in-laws, Guyla Van Spyker, Thomas and Janice Van Spyker, and Janice and Calvin Schutte; and many extended family members.

A funeral service was held on Wednesday, Sept. 9 at the Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St., Zeeland. Interment was in Zutphen Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Holland.

Carol Veenema, 82

Carol Ann Veenema, 82, passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026. 

Carol was born on June 27, 1944, in Drenthe to James and Beatrice Franken. She was one of three children and grew up in the Jamestown area. She graduated from Hudsonville High School in 1962. Carol worked in the medical and health services industry for many years.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents, James and Beatrice Franken; brother, Roger Franken; and her husband of 44 years, Andrew Veenema Jr.

She is survived by her children, Dawn Veenema, Julie DeBoer, and John (Linda) Veenema; grandchildren, Emily (Kyle) Kline, Lindsey DeBoer, Phillip DeBoer, Daniel (Katelyn) Veenema, Melissa (Sheldon) Walcott, Kelsie Veenema, and Matthew Veenema; great-grandchildren, Quinn Kline, Easton Veenema, Maverick Veenema, Ellory Walcott and Lennyn Walcott; sister, Ruth (Tom) Ysseldyke; as well as many nieces and nephews.

A private family gathering has been scheduled.

Donations can be made in Carol's honor to Meals on Wheels of West Michigan.

Berdena LePoire, 92

Berdena LePoire (nee Vander Slik), 92, of Zeeland, passed away peacefully at Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital on Monday, Aug. 31, 2026. She had battled kidney and heart failure for many years, but faced each challenge with resiliency and a strong will that all who knew her could attest was her strength.

Berdena was born and raised in Zeeland, the daughter of Grace and John Vander Silk, on Aug. 27, 1934. 

Berdena married Rodger LePoire in 1950, and they had three children, Robert, Brenda (LePoire) Redner and Beth (LePoire) Molineux. When she wasn't fully occupied in her role as wife and mother, Berdena worked several jobs from nursing home assistant in Zeeland to working alongside Beth at a local McDonald's in Ontario, Calif. She has lived several places, first southern California and later northern California, each time to be closer to family. Eventually, they returned to Zeeland.

She is preceded in death by her brothers, Preston, Jerome and Gerald; sister, Hazel Koning; as well as by her husband, Rodger (Pete) Le Poire; and her youngest daughter's first husband, Graham Molineux.

Berdena is survived by her three children, Robert (Bob) LePoire, and his spouse Debbie, Brenda (Le Poire) Redner and her spouse Richard Redner, and Beth (Le Poire) Molineux and her spouse Andrew DeLaTorre; grandchildren, Matthew Le Poire and his wife, Amanda, Ashley (Le Poire) Williams, and her husband Casey Williams, Ryan Redner and his wife Kathryn, Andrew Redner and his wife Ali, Christopher Redner and his wife Breanna, Katherine (Redner) Anderson and her husband, Ryan, Huw Molineux, Jake Molineux, and Rachel Molineux; and great-grandchildren, Benjamin Le Poire, Samuel Le Poire, Henry Williams, Cody Williams, Adelyn Redner, Caleb Redner, Ellie Redner, Ezrie Redner, Raelie Redner, and Storie Redner.

The family wishes to express its tremendous gratitude for the wonderful support and care Berdena received from Royal Atrium Inn in Zeeland and the Oaks at Jamestown in Hudsonville. The family also wish to thank several health care workers who lived nearby and would visit Berdena regularly and even bring their children: Andrew, Andy, Robilynn, Anders, and Dr. Dirk Schrotenboer.

Funeral services were held Saturday, Sept. 5 at First Reformed Church, 148 E. Central Ave., Zeeland. Burial was in Zeeland Cemetery. 

Betty Urban, 82

Betty Lois Urban, 82, was peacefully welcomed into the arms of her Lord and Savior on Sunday, Aug. 30, 2026, in Holland.

Betty was a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother to many who adored her. She could be described best as joyous and grateful with an infectious laugh combined with a loving and protective presence about her that provided comfort to everyone around her. Betty was a woman of faith with a gentle spirit who leaves behind a legacy rich in devotion, quiet strength, and unconditional love.

Betty Lois Southern was born on Dec. 15, 1943, in Manila, Ark. She attended Holland High School where she ultimately met the love of her life and future husband, Paul Joseph Urban. Paul and Betty became husband and wife on Aug. 29, 1964.

After high school, Betty attended Beauty School and became a beautician. Betty worked at multiple beauty parlors, including Margret’s in Holland until Paul built her a beauty salon within their home, where she worked from home doing hair and nails while their daughters were young. As their daughters got older, Betty was employed at Hart and Cooley in Holland for approximately 15 years. Eventually, Betty moved on from Hart and Cooley and went back to her passion as a nail technician in Zeeland at Studio 119 where she also worked with her daughter, Michelle.

In June 2008, Paul was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Betty and Paul subsequently moved to Arkansas in an effort to seek the best treatment available at the time. Paul fought courageously until February 2010 when he ultimately succumbed to cancer.
In her later years, Betty faced the gradual and courageous battle of living with dementia. While dementia slowly reshaped her memories, it could not erase her warmth or her joyful spirit. 

Betty was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, Paul Joseph Urban; parents, Marshall and Earline Bryan; brother, James Bryan; sister, Carol Klemple; and her dog, Josie. 

Betty is survived by her daughters, Michelle (Curt) Den Uyl and Tracy (Kurt) Knapp, both of Holland; grandchildren, Andrew (Becky) Rathbun and their children Zachary and Zoey, Corey (Kara) Den Uyl and their children Emree and Ava, Cameron Den Uyl, and Aubrey (Logan) Forist; brother, Keith Bryan; brother-in-law, Tom Hindert (Pam Barnaby); step-grandchildren, Mike and Nichole Knapp and their children Hudson and Ryder, and Austin Knapp and his son, Emmett, and Brad (Jessica) Grimes and their children, Gavin and Blake.

Private family services will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Emmanuel Hospice (emmanuelhospice.org) 401 Hall St. SW #263; Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

Arrangements are by the Dykstra Funeral Home-Downtown Chapel.

Amy Haveman, 90

Amy Virginia Haveman, 90, passed away Friday, Aug. 25, 2026, in Zeeland.

Amy was born on Aug. 29, 1935 in Chicago to Ernst Clyde Boyle and Eva Lorena (Griffin) Boyle. The family, including Amy and her two younger siblings, Eva and William (Billy), lived in the slums of Chicago, moving quite a few times. Her father, Ernst, worked with the Pere Marquette Railway Company (and later C&O) as a fireman and engineer.

The family moved to Holland when Amy was in second grade, where they first lived in the Hollander Hotel for a short time, near where the depot is today. Next, they moved to 45 E. 12th St., a large Victorian house. This was during World War II, and the family would huddle around a small light during air raid blackouts. Next the family moved to the downstairs apartment at 220 S. 120th Ave., which had one sink, no bathtub, and no hot running water.

The children began attending the Holland City Mission for Sunday School, where Amy and her two siblings each professed salvation. Amy was also in Blue Birds, which brought another very important person into her life, Julie Koenes. In addition, one of Amy’s elementary teachers, Betty Poppema, was also a tremendous influence, basically taking her into her home and providing valuable nurturing. 

When Amy was 15 years old, she met and began dating Leon Beyer. When she was 18, during her senior year at Holland High School, she moved out of her parents’ house, and after staying briefly at Lee’s family’s home, she got her own apartment on 17th Street in Holland.

During high school, Amy already had more than enough credits for graduation, so she signed up for co-op and worked at McLellen’s Dime Store, working the candy counter, at Kresge’s, Had’s Drive-In restaurant, and at the Snack Shack restaurant. Each of these jobs was on 8th Street, and she walked to work and back every day.

From a young age, Amy showed a great talent for singing, even being “pulled up” a grade to be able to sing in an elite high school choir. Her voice teacher offered to take her to Europe for further training, telling her she could be famous. However, Amy repeatedly affirmed that she wasn’t seeking fame and fortune, but would rather use her voice for the Lord. She sang in church choirs, sang as special music for church services, and sang in the Metropolitan Choir of Praise for many years. In later years, Amy was in several plays/musicals with Red Barn Theatre and Holland Theatre.

During high school, Amy also participated in Dutch Dance in Holland’s annual Tulip Festival. She reprised that role in later years by dancing alumni.

When she graduated from High School, Amy married Lee Beyer on October 29, 1953. They first lived in an upstairs apartment on 16th St., and later bought a home on 35th Street. Four children were born to them: Nancy, Cathy, Laura, and Sandy. They were divorced in 1963, and Amy and the children moved to a home on East Ottogan in Holland.

Shortly thereafter, Amy married Jason Haveman, and together they had Scott, Diane, Sheila, and Jamie. They built a home on Beeline Road in 1966, where the children grew up on 30 acres. During this time numerous foster children were also brought into the family.

Amy won multitudes of blue ribbons at the fair for her cooking and baking, and even won Allegan County’s “Young Homemaker of the Year” in 1970. She also sewed a lot, making many outfits for her family. She loved and collected antiques, and dreamed of opening her own shop called “Juke Box Café Antiques” which would also include an old-fashioned ice cream and malt shop. 

Jas and Amy divorced in 1976, and Amy went back to school to earn her nursing degree. After graduating in 1983, she worked in some facilities, and did in-home healthcare for many patients of a wide range of ages.

In June of 2002, Amy sold her home on Beeline Road, and fulfilled her dream of renovating an old house which was on the Kalamazoo River, and furnishing it with antiques. 

In 2022, the Riverhouse was sold and Amy moved into an independent living apartment at Addington Place at Lakeside Vista on 40th in Holland. She lived there until early 2025, when she was moved to the Memory Care Unit at Riley’s Grove in Zeeland. She died of a stroke on Aug. 25, 2026. 

Amy is survived by her eight children, 31 grandchildren, and 47 great-grandchildren.

Amy’s wish was to be cremated and her ashes strewn in the Kalamazoo River, which she loved. She requested no visitation or service.

…is infinitely more important than what divides us.
Does a lost and dying world really need to see yet another way we in the Church disagree?

 By LoriJo Schepers

…is infinitely more important than what divides us.

Does a lost and dying world really need to see yet another way we in the Church disagree?

Why do we feel we need to amplify our perceived superiority? Is it not more beneficial to advancing His Kingdom if we amplify HIM? If we amplify ways we are one in Him?

Female pastor here. In ministry since 1984. Diploma from Rhema Bible College. Licensed and ordained into two full gospel fellowships in 1994 and 1995, ordained in the Wesleyan Church in 2012. Teaching, preaching, leading, mentoring, advising, marrying and burying and all the ‘stuff’ ministry leadership is made of. My personal belief, conviction, and application of Scripture as it relates to women in ministry is clear and firm.

Gave my life to Jesus at a roller-skating party hosted by a Baptist church in 1974. Grateful for the friend who belonged to a denomination that always pointed people to Jesus.

When I visit a Baptist church, I know not to ask to teach. And I am so very okay with that.

While I am saddened at the decision of some to limit where God sends His Holy Spirit to anoint, I am more grieved at the speed at which others in the Body of Christ have chosen to openly condemn a group of people who consistently preach Christ crucified, risen, reigning and returning.

If it is not a salvation issue – impacting someone’s eternal destination – can we not simply acknowledge we interpret it differently, and walk on? 

If you want women to be silent in the place you call a church home, you know where to attend.

If you want women to have the freedom to speak, teach and lead, you also know where to attend.

What unites us is eternally more important that what divides us.

WHO unites us prayed to His, and our, Father “that they may be ONE”.  When we are in one accord, the world can be changed.

When we quibble and quarrel over preferences and opinions, not only will the world disregard us, the Holy Spirit is restricted in moving through us. May we lay our carnal weapons down, and together pick up the ones that are mighty for the true pulling down of strongholds.

Together. As one in Him.

I am eternally grateful for the core values of the Baptist Church. They changed my life for eternity.  

I am also grateful for other denominational opportunities to use the fulness of God’s giftings imparted to me, in the hopes of impacting others.

—————

LoriJo Schepers is founder and executive director of Barnabas Ministries, an organization that ministers to at-risk teenagers and families in Ottawa and Allegan counties. Visit their website at barnabasmin.org.

Our selfish sinful nature moves us to seek revenge. If someone hurts us, we often feel justified in causing them pain. News reports depict the revenge-seeking ex-spouse, disgruntled employee, or road rage driver. 

By Steve Petroelje

Read: Romans 12
“If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” (v. 18)

Our selfish sinful nature moves us to seek revenge. If someone hurts us, we often feel justified in causing them pain. News reports depict the revenge-seeking ex-spouse, disgruntled employee, or road rage driver. 

On the surface, retaliation and revenge may seem justifiable because someone has taken from us, wounded us, or betrayed us.

For those who have repented of sin and placed their faith and hope in Jesus Christ, the Bible teaches another way to respond. Verses 17-20 of Romans 12 call us to pursue peace, not revenge. Specifically, verse 18 teaches, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” 

The reason we are to refrain from repaying evil for evil is given in verse 19: We are to leave justice up to God. Those who hurt us will someday stand before God and give an account. He perfectly takes into account both justice and mercy. Hopefully for their sake, they will have repented and sought forgiveness for their actions, both from those they wounded and from their Creator.

Along with leaving the matter in God’s hands, believers in Jesus are challenged in verse 20 to go even further — show love to our enemies. Jesus taught this in Matthew 5:38-46. Perhaps responding with kindness rather than retaliation will convict your oppressor of their wrongdoing and reflect Christlike behavior.

As you pray, live out Matthew 5:44 by praying for those who persecute you. Ask God to help you leave the justice up to him.

—————

Steve Petroelje is a specialized transition pastor who serves vacant churches and helps them assess health, pursue missional effectiveness, and conduct a pastoral search process. He is the past-president of the Words of Hope Board of Directors.

Waypoint Community Church will host a Superhero Sunday coming up on Sept. 27 during its 11 a.m. worship service.

Waypoint Community Church will host a Superhero Sunday coming up on Sept. 27 during its 11 a.m. worship service.

Families are encouraged to dress up as their favorite superhero for that service. A free lunch will be provided, and there will also be a photo wall, yard games, and free Christian comic books.

The guest speaker for the service will be Eric Anderson, founder of Nerd Chapel, a Christian ministry that blends fandom and faith to create a safe space for both new and experienced believers in the “nerd” community.” The message will be on “legacy.”

Anderson started the project in 2013 with a Blogspot page and YouTube channel, aiming to bridge the gap between the Christian community and fans of science fiction, fantasy, anime, tabletop gaming, cosplay and other niche interests.

According to its website, Nerd Chapel’s mission to help people explore or deepen their faith while enjoying their hobbies. Anderson, whose daytime job is as a substitute teacher, believes that common interests like cosplay, gaming and anime can be powerful tools for spiritual growth and community building. He often uses pop culture stories to illustrate biblical truths, making faith accessible and engaging for fans.

Anderson co-writes the 42 Series of Christian devotionals, including:

• “42: Discovering Faith Through Fandom”

• “The New 42: God Terraforms All Things”

• “The Fantastic 42: A Fellowship Facing Doom With Hope”

Anderson also authored “Dead False Gods: An Unauthorized Christian Reflection on Stargate.”

Waypoint Church is a ministry of the Free Methodist Church. The church is located at 3041 96th Ave.

Jacksboro, Tex. is a special place to me. Of all places, this little town of fewer than 5,000 people changed the direction of my ministry 13 years ago.

By Gary Miller

Jacksboro, Tex. is a special place to me. Of all places, this little town of fewer than 5,000 people changed the direction of my ministry 13 years ago. It was there that a few men gathered at the Davis Ranch, on the back deck, and talked about life and ministry. 
A little while later, I was invited back for a weekend of hog hunting and teaching. This was the first of what later became our Circle Events. Today, we hold them in several states. 

In the beginning, most of these events were held at the Davis Ranch. We invited 12 men to hog hunt, or turkey hunt, or to just do an extended Bible session. Other ranches in Jack County became a part of what we were doing. The Blue Mountain Ranch was a beautiful place full of turkeys and deer, with countless fishing ponds loaded with big bass. Yes, this place, just an hour northwest of Fort Worth, will forever hold a special place in my heart. 

But today, the people there need our help. The Ross Fire started on Aug. 24. Since that time, Jacks County has only received 0.03 inches of rain. At the time of this writing, the fire has consumed more than 89,000 acres. 

The firefighters have spent countless hours trying to contain it. They are spent. They are tired. But they are relentless, and right now, they are our heroes. They need help. They need resources. The people of Jacksboro were there for me. I want to be there for them.

On Sept. 11, Outdoor Truths Ministry will make a donation to the Jacksboro Fire Department with the money we raise between now and then. I am simply using this platform because I know some of you will want to help as well. 

If you would like to donate, you can mail a check directly to the Jacksboro Fire Department, or you can donate through Outdoor Truths specifically for this effort. There will be a special place on our website (outdoortruths.org) to give. 

These men and women are working nonstop to protect their homes and the homes, land, and property of people throughout North Texas. We can stand with them. Pray for rain in North Texas and help me give back to a place that has given so much to me and Outdoor Truths. Any amount is meaningful. 

            —————

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.

Bruce Alan Harkema, 77, passed away Monday, Aug. 31, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Bruce Harkema, 77

Bruce Alan Harkema, 77, passed away Monday, Aug. 31, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Bruce was born to Justin and Beverly Harkema in Muskegon on June 20, 1949. When he was 6 years old, his family relocated to Holland, where he would build the life and legacy that meant so much to him.

Bruce graduated from Holland Christian High School and attended Calvin University before ultimately following the family plumbing trade. Plumbing was more than a profession for Bruce — it was a family tradition and a craft he took great pride in. He made his professional home at Nick Unema Plumbing and Heating, where he devoted more than 40 years doing what he loved with people he loved.

Bruce’s faith was the foundation of his life. He loved the Lord and sought to honor Him through a life of humble service — to his family, his church, his work, and his community. Service was simply part of who Bruce was. He was the kind of man who showed his love through his presence, his willingness to help, and his steady commitment to others. He was a family man through and through, a quiet and humble leader whose life spoke through the way he served.=

Bruce found joy in the simple and lasting things in life. He loved fishing, woodworking, mission trips, watching sports, and spending time outdoors with family and friends. He especially loved water — whether water skiing at the cottage, the Florida beaches, or the lakes of the U.P. He loved watching his children and grandchildren do what they loved and took great pride in cheering them on.

Bruce was preceded in death by his mother, Beverly; father, Justin; brother, Tom; sister, Patricia; and brother-in-law, Dick Valk.

Bruce is survived by his wife of 56 years, Susan; daughters, Erin (Gary) Howe, Jill (Ryan) Tanis, and Laura (Matt) Meiste; grandchildren, Abe (Kate) Howe, Evan (Jamie) Howe, Brady (Morgan) Howe, Trygve, Graham, Drew and Tanis, Cole, Addi and Brook Meiste; and great-grandchildren, Kieran and Josie Howe; brother- and sisters-in-law, Judy Valk-Kraker and Steve Kraker, Cal and Margo Mulder, and Lucy Harkema; stepmother, Mary Harkema; stepsiblings Benjamin, Joseph and Trish Harkema; and many fond cousins, nieces and nephews.

On behalf of his family, a special thanks to Meijer Heart Center and the Transplant Team; Corewell Health Oncology and Lemmen-Holton; and all the caregivers, nurses, physicians and support staff who cared for him with such compassion and dedication. The family is forever grateful for the gift of your care.

The funeral service to honor the life of Bruce will be held Friday, Sept. 4 at 11 a.m. at Faith Christian Reformed Church, 85 W. 26th St., Holland. Interment will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. today at Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E. 16th St., Holland.

Memorial contributions may be given to Gift of Life and Holland Christian Schools.

Ronald Scholten, 89

Ronald Peter Scholten, 89, of Holland, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 30, 2026.

Ron was born and raised in West Michigan. He led a life characterized by love, faith, and dedication. He proudly served in the U.S. Army and enjoyed a fulfilling career at Shaklee for six decades. Having initially honed his skills as a carpenter, woodworking remained a lifelong passion.

Ron enjoyed playing racquetball, pickleball, and billiards, embracing opportunities to connect with friends and family through friendly competition. His strong faith in Jesus was a cornerstone of his life, and he was always ready to share the gospel with those he encountered. 

Ron is survived by his wife of nearly 70 years, Vera Scholten; children, Thomas and Nella Scholten, Timothy and Lori Scholten, Victoria and Rick Walters, David and Lisa Scholten, and Daniel and Suzanne Scholten; 14 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; siblings, Joanne and Mitch De Hoog, Carole Scholten, Jean DeYoung, Mark and Linda Scholten, and Paul and Kim Scholten; in-laws, Ruth and Ron Telman, Lee and Jean Scholma, Bernard and Nellie Scholma, and Calvin and Ellie Scholma; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Ron was preceded in death by his siblings, Jerry Scholten, Russ Scholten and Faith Scholten; and in-laws, Rich DeYoung and Louise Scholten.

A memorial service will be Friday, Sept. 4 at 12 noon at Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St., Zeeland. Visitation will be tonight from 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta.

Harold Overweg, 91

Harold “Bob” Overweg, age 91 of Zeeland passed away Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Joan; his son, Michael and Amy Overweg; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Noah and Kathyrn Overweg, Nathan Overweg and his fiancé Courtney Kayser, Janelle Piffer and her fiancé Alex Jansen (Max and Theo), 
and Jeremy Piffer; brother, Kenneth Overweg; sisters-in-law, Lenora Bell and Sally Van Ess; and former son-in-law, Jon and Deborah Piffer.

Bob was preceded in death by his daughter, Pamela Piffer.

Bob and Joan were charter members of Community Reformed Church. He worked at Herman Miller for 42 years, retiring in 1995. Bob and Joan enjoyed traveling and especially spending winters in Florida.

Visitation will be tonight from 5 to 8 p.m. at Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St., Zeeland. The funeral service to honor Bob will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4 at Community Reformed Church, 10376 Felch St., Zeeland. Interment will be in Restlawn Memorial Gardens. 

Memorial contributions may be given to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Mary Ebels, 86

Mary Jane Ebels, 86, of Holland, passed away Friday, Aug. 28, 2026, at Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital.

Mary was born and raised in Grand Rapids and graduated from Grand Rapids Christian High School. She worked at Russ' Restaurant for many years as a car hop and waitress. She was a Standing Stone member of Ridge Point Community Church.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, Glenn Ebels, in 2003; and by her in-laws, Annabelle (Floyd) Vanden Belt, Jason (Esther) Ebels, Pauline (Claude) Rouwhorst, Bernie (Jean) Ebels, Don (Nancy) Ebels, and Maxine (Jun) Hop.

Mary is survived by her children, Lori (Gregg) Insley of Zeeland, Mark (Laurie) Ebels of Zeeland, Kathy (Mark) Matthews of Florida and Steve (Julaine) Ebels of Zeeland; grandchildren, Annie Insley, Kami Insley, Kate (Jake) Van Keulen, Brooke (Dan) Rausch, Grace Ebels, Ben (Brittany) Hulst, Tyler (Hannah) Hulst, Brandon (Brenna) Hulst, Ross (Brynne) Ebels and Britta (Andrew) Bouwman; 16 great-grandchildren; siblings, Clare (Mary) Tigchelaar, Carol (Chuck) Fridsma, Don (Jan) Tigchelaar and Deb (Darrell) Gritter; and brother-in-law, Bob (Marilyn) Ebels.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026, at Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E. 16th St., Holland, with Rev. Bob Nienhuis officiating. Burial was in Restlawn Memorial Gardens. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Donate Life America, and Ahadia Academy.

Marilyn Ensing, 89

Marilyn Ensing, 89, passed away peacefully on Friday, Aug. 28, 2026.

Marilyn was stay-at-home wife and mother. She was a loving and kind grandma and great-grandma. She was preceded in death by a grandchild, Matthew Avis.

Marilyn is survived by her husband of 70 years, Donald Ensing; children, Duane Ensing (Tammie Buehler), Diane and Ken Russell, and Dale Ensing; grandchildren, Amber Arriaga and Jenna Stillson; great-grandchildren, Viviana Arriaga and Gilberto Arriaga; and sister-in-law, Mary and Virgil Wilson.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, Sept. 1 at Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St., Zeeland. Burial was in West Drenthe Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Marilyn's honor may be given to Community Reformed Church, Food Pack at communityreformed.org/giving or by mail to the church at 10376 Felch St., Zeeland, MI 49464.

Keith Wolters, 69

Keith Alan Wolters, 69, of Zeeland, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026. 

Keith was a man of deep faith, a servant heart, and seemingly endless ideas and projects. He loved the Lord and lived his faith through the way he worked, served, gave, and cared for others. An electrician by trade and part owner of his family business, Keith was a natural builder and problem solver who gave countless hours of his time and talents to help build Lighthouse Community Church and serving at Grace Adventures.

Those who knew Keith well knew there was always something happening in the barn, usually with his faithful dog, Gibbs, close by. A man of many talents, he could be found restoring cars, making maple syrup, or working through whatever new idea had captured his attention. The barn was his place to create, fix, figure things out, and contemplate the many unfinished projects still waiting for him. He also found great joy in being outdoors, whether exploring the sand dunes or riding the trails in his side-by-side. 

Above all, Keith loved his family. He deeply loved his children and grandchildren, and one of his greatest hopes was that they would know and follow the Lord. His legacy lives in far more than the things he built with his hands; it lives in the family he loved, the faith he shared, the people he served, and the lives he helped shape.

Keith was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Ann (Smith) Wolters.

Keith is survived by his wife, Judy (Brewer) Wolters; daughters, Kathlyn (Jeff) Born, Kylene (Ross) Smith, and Stefan (Josh) Hull; step-sons: Chad (Julie) Meyer, Shaun (Stephanie) Meyer, and Chris (Ratchanan) Meyer; 15 grandchildren; his siblings, and many extended family members and friends.

A funeral service was held Saturday, Aug. 29 at Lighthouse Community Church, 7624 Lake Michigan Dr., Allendale, with Pastor Steve Demers officiating. Burial was in Olive Township Cemetery.

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

Joan Voorhorst, 91

Joan Elizabeth Voorhorst, 91, of Hamilton, passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026.

Joan was a dedicated wife and mother, and she adored her grandchildren as well as great and great-great grandchildren. She enjoyed baking and knitting when she had the time. Joan's faith was a central part of her life and she was a dedicated children's Sunday School teacher at Overisel Reformed Church for 28 years.

Joan is survived by her children, Jeff and Nancy Voorhorst, LuAnn and Gene Weener, and Rick and Cindy Voorhorst; 12 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and sister, Alice and Glen Vander Kolk. She was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Allen Voorhorst, in 2021.

A funeral service was held Saturday, Aug. 29 at Overisel Reformed Church, 4706 142nd Ave., Holland. Interment was in Overisel Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions may be given to Overisel Reformed Church Children's Sunday School. 

Nancy Geneva, 69

Nancy A. Geneva, 69, passed away peacefully on June 14, 2026, in Zeeland. 

Nancy was born to Herbert and Ruth (Brown) Beyer on Feb. 15, 1957, in Grand Rapids. She was described as someone who was kind and generous, loved working on crossword puzzles, playing games, shopping, watching “Dark Shadows,” was a wine connoisseur and above all loved spending time with family.

Nancy is survived by her cousins, Debra (Greg) Kroeze, Kevin (Sandi) Beyer, Tim (Karen) Beyer, Chip Beyer, Darlene (Dave) Hunter and Judy (Devon) Owen; best friend, Jolinda (Mike) VanHaften and her special kitty, Lilly. She was preceded in death by her parents, Herbert and Ruth Beyer; and brother, Jon Beyer. 

A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date. Arrangements are through The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St., Norton Shores.