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Viola Mae Flokstra, 76, passed away on Monday, May 18, 2026.

Viola Flokstra, 76

Viola Mae Flokstra, 76, passed away on Monday, May 18, 2026.

Viola worked for the Farmers Co-Op in Zeeland for more than 45 years. She was a dedicated employee and loved her job. She enjoyed being outdoors on the farm, mowing the lawn, taking Model T drives with her husband, and especially loved her dog Charlie. She was preceded in death by her brother, Ervin Zeerip; and sister, Marilyn Mokma.

She is survived by her husband, Ron Flokstra; siblings, Carolyn Rietman, Nelva and Jerry Timmer, Sandy and Cal Ver Beek, and Jerry and Sharon Zeerip; brothers-in-law, John Jr. and Diane Flokstra, Dale and Elaine Flokstra, David and Laurie Flokstra, and Steve and Sue Flokstra; several nieces and nephews; and extended family.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, May 27 at 11 a.m. at Beaverdam Christian Reformed Church, 5166 64th Ave. Hudsonville. Burial will be in Beaverdam Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Viola’s honor may be given to Beaverdam Christian Reformed Church, 5166 64th Ave. Hudsonville, MI 49426 or Sus Manos Gleaners, 2464 Wilshere Dr., Jenison, MI 49428.

Randall Assink, 73

Randall P. Assink, 73, of Holland, passed away Saturday, May 16, 2026, at his home.

Randy was born in Holland on Oct. 8, 1952, to Herman and Hazel (Geurink) Assink. He graduated from West Ottawa High School in 1970. Randy worked for many decades and retired from Haworth where he drove hi-lo. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Mary Assink.

He is survived by his children and grandchildren, Lisa and Brian Brinks (Elizabeth, Nathaniel, Abigail), and Bryan and Trisha Assink (Samantha, Isabel, Zachary, Aubree); sisters, Luann (Dave) DeFeyter, Bev Assink and Chris Geerlings; and many extended family members.

A funeral service will be held Tuesday, May 26, at 11 a.m. at Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St., Zeeland. Private interment will be in Restlawn Memorial Gardens. Visitation will also be on May 26, from 5 to 7 p.m., at Yntema Funeral Home.

Memorial donations may be made to Doors of Hope, or Harvest Stand Ministries.

Linda Schaftenaar, 77

Linda Lou (Freestone) Schaftenaar, 77, of Holland, passed away on Saturday, May 16, 2026.

Linda was born in 1949 to Marvin and Marjorie Freestone and resided in Holland throughout her life. She attended Holland Public Schools before marrying her beloved husband, Richard (Dick) Schaftenaar in 1967 and raising their daughter, Tonya.

Linda pursued a variety of professions over the years. She worked alongside her father-in-law at his medical practice, managed several local restaurants, including The Hatch, Calypso’s and Mr. Steak, and later served as a parapro in food management and the events coordinator at the Ottawa Area Careerline Tech Center. 

After retiring, Linda remained active in the Holland community by volunteering at the Warm Friend and the Community Action House Secondhand Store. She also organized golf tournaments benefiting veterans and active-duty military in memory of her brother, Scott, who gave his life serving our nation in Vietnam. She was also an active member at Christ Memorial Church for many decades.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Marvin and Marjorie Freestone; brother, Spencer Scott Freestone; parents-in-law, Dr. Richard and Julia Schaftenaar; brother-in-law, Doug Knapp; and sister-in-law, Jane Walton.

She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Richard Schaftenaar; daughter, Tonya (Art) Tolsma; grandchildren, Nola (David) Julian, Areal (Jonathan) Vanden Akker, Avery Tolsma, and Megan Tolsma; siblings, Nola Freestone (Bob Levitan), Ken (Lorma) Freestone, and Mike (Deanne) Freestone; sisters-in-law, Margie Knapp and Becky (Rick) VanEenenaam; and many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the caring staff at Quincy Place Senior Living in Holland for their compassion and love shown to Linda in her final months.

The funeral service honoring Linda will take place at 11 a.m. today at Calvary on 8th, 995 E. 8th St., Holland. Burial will be in Graafschap Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions may be given to: Fisher House Foundation (fisherhouse.org), 12300 Twinbrook Parkway, Suite 410, Rockville, MD 20852; or Emmanuel Hospice (emmanuelhospice.networkforgood.com), 401 Hall St. SW, Suite 263, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

Maxson Gonzalez, 13

Maxson Kruz Gonzalez, 13, of Zeeland, passed away on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.

Maxson is survived by his parents, Homar and Shania Gonzalez; and his sisters, Liberty Mae Gonzalez and Emilia Rae Gonzalez.

Visitation was Saturday, May 16, at Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St., Zeeland.

Mary Ferguson, 78

Mary Louise Ferguson, 78, of Holland, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, May 11, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. 

Born on Oct. 13, 1947, in Zeeland, Mary was the beloved daughter of Dirk Cornelius Bloemendaal and Lillian Ruth Bloemendaal. Her life was a testament to the values of compassion, kindness, and unwavering dedication to those she loved. 

Mary’s journey through life was graced by a heart full of love and laughter. She met the love of her life, Ira “Bud” Ferguson, and together they embarked on a beautiful journey, marrying on June 19, 1965. For more than 60 years, they built a life rich in love and shared dreams, raising their four wonderful children in the closeknit communities of Holland and Zeeland. 

A graduate of Muskegon College, Mary pursued her passion for caring for others by earning a degree in nursing. Her career as a Licensed Practical Nurse was a lifelong vocation, through which she touched countless lives with her gentle care and empathy. Mary was a caregiver at heart, always ready with a comforting word or a healing touch for those in need. Her vibrant spirit extended beyond her professional life. Mary was an avid gardener, finding solace and joy in nurturing the earth and watching her garden bloom. 

Mary was a devoted member of Second Reformed Church in Zeeland, where she found community and spiritual nourishment for many years. Her faith was a guiding light in her life, offering strength and comfort to her and those around her.

Mary is survived by her loving husband, Ira “Bud” Ferguson; children, Mark (Christine Shafer) Ferguson, Sandra Ferguson, and Danny (Shannon Cooper) Ferguson; 15 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; her sister, Betty Walters; and many dear friends. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Kathleen Ferguson-Appledorn, in 2020; and grandson, Austin Joe Ferguson, in 2024. 

A celebration of Mary’s life was held on Saturday, May 16 at Dykstra Funeral Home - Northwood Chapel, 295 Douglas Ave., Holland, with Rev. Steven DeVries officiating. 

The family kindly requests that donations be made in Mary’s memory to the Hospice of Holland, an organization that provided care and comfort in her final days.

David Klempel, 83

David “Dave” Jon Klempel, 83, of Grand Haven, passed away on Monday, May 11, 2026, at a care facility in Zeeland. 

Dave was born on Oct. 26, 1942, in Grand Haven to the late Leonard and Beverly (Pippel) Klempel. He graduated from Grand Haven High School, class of 1961, and attended classes at Muskegon Business College and Colorado State University in Fort Collins Colo. He spent most of his career working as a teller at banks including the People’s Bank in Grand Haven, Muskegon Bank, and Town Finance Bank in Holland, and while living in St., Joseph, he worked for Heath Zenith TV and LaSalle Bank.

Dave was a former member of the Grand Haven Area Jaycees and a big NASCAR and IndyCar fan and he enjoyed watching the annual Kentucky Derby on TV. He also loved country music and often attended country music concerts. Dave was especially known as an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed going fishing up north on the Pine River in Cadillac and the Little Manistee River.

Dave is survived by his son, Jon David Frederick Klempel-Williams of Texas; sister, Ellen B. (Larry L.) Reiss; and his cousins, Nancy Neely and Leonard (Sue) Munch.

A private graveside service for Dave was held at Lake Forest Cemetery.

John Killilea, 89

John Killilea, 89, of Holland, died after a lengthy illness on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.

John was born in Andover, Mass. on May 16, 1936, to Col. Frank J. Killilea and Isabel Killilea. He earned a master’s of religious education from Maryknoll College in Glen Ellyn, Ill., and a master of arts from Teachers College, Columbia University, in New York. He married Aida Peschiera in 1991.

John retired as human resources manager for BLD Products in Holland. His career also included service with Rehabilitation Services in Cleveland, Ohio; counseling roles at St. Francis College in Loretto, Pa., and Indiana University of Pennsylvania; and a position as human resources manager for McCreary Tire and Rubber Co. in Indiana, Pa.

John grew up as part of a loving, active, and successful Irish Catholic family in Andover, where he earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He was a devoted father to his families and an active member of St. Francis de Sales Church in Holland.

He was predeceased by his parents; his wife, Aida; and his brothers, Frank Jr. and Peter (Katie).

John is survived by his children, Sean (Jennifer), Benjamin (Jessica), Pablo Peschiera, Andrea Peschiera Olortegui (Hugo), and Gabriela Peschiera; grandchildren, Ashley, Dylan, Tatum, Rowan, and Finn Killilea, Violet Rose Peschiera, Catalan and Penelope Olortegui, and Chiara Carl and Amara Hurne; brother, Alfred Killilea (Mary Ann); sisters-in-law, Kathy (wife of the late Frank Jr.) and Lucia Forte; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be celebrated at St. Francis de Sales Church, 171 W. 13th St., Holland, on Monday, June 22 at 11 a.m. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service starting at 10 a.m.

The family is deeply grateful to special friends Jet LaBarge and Ed Swart, and to Senior Resources (Katie), Resthaven (Maplewoods and Care Center), and Faith Hospice for their compassionate care of John.

In lieu of flowers, John requested that donations be made in his memory to Catholic Relief Services, P.O. Box 5278, Tipton, IA 52772-0517.

Jack Dykstra, 71

Jack Alan Dykstra, 71, of Coronado, Calif. was welcomed into the loving arms of his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, on Friday, May 1, 2026, after a long battle with multiple sclerosis. 

Jack was born on June 27, 1954 in Zeeland to Martin and Arlene Dykstra. He graduated from Holland Christian High School in 1972 and was a gifted athlete who enjoyed basketball, baseball, tennis, and golf.

After high school, Jack enlisted in the United States Navy. During his naval career of 24 years, he was attached to the USS Kitty Hawk, USS Long Beach and the USS Reasoner (as a participant of Operation Desert Shield). He also served as the chief supply corp officer at NAS North Island in Coronado.

Jack retired from the Navy in 2001 as a commander and then joined his family’s business, Holland Motor Homes, as the chief financial officer until his retirement in 2010. 

Jack married Janet Lee Tracy of Coronado in 1979. They spent the majority of their lives in Coronado, raising their three children. Jack’s lifelong interest in sports extended to his children and he enjoyed coaching and attending their games. His courage, tenacity and optimism was a great example to those who knew him.

Jack is survived by his wife, Janet, of Coronado; children, Patrick of Laguna Niguel, Calif., Tracy of Coronado and Michael (Tiffany) of Coronado; grandsons, Ryder, Hendrix, Vaalen, and Morrison; and siblings, John (Patricia) Dykstra of Holland, Michael (Melissa) Dykstra of Coronado and Marcia (Larry) Genzink of Holland.

Jack will be buried at Miramar National Cemetery in San Diego on Friday, June 26.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month in this country.
Organizations such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and Mental Health America are raising awareness of the seriousness of mental health challenges that so many face.

By Greg Chandler
Zeeland Record

May is Mental Health Awareness Month in this country.

Organizations such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and Mental Health America are raising awareness of the seriousness of mental health challenges that so many face.

In my opinion, this is an issue that the broader capital-C Church has tended to sweep under the rug.

How prevalent is the problem? Chances are you will worship with someone this Sunday (that is, if they're able to attend church in their mental state) who is dealing with a mental health issue – and is probably hiding it because they fear being judged.

According to a 2024 report from the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 23.4 percent of all American adults had experienced a mental illness during the previous year. That percentage rises to 33.2 percent – that’s one of every three people – among those age 18 to 25, SAMHSA reported.

That same study found 5.6 percent of American adults – an estimated 14.6 million people – suffered from a serious mental illness in the previous 12 months. 

And now let’s talk about the 800-pound gorilla that many will still not talk about – suicide. 

According to the most recent statistics from the Centers for Disease Control released just last month, 48,824 people died by suicide in the U.S. in 2024 – a figure greater than the combined population of the cities of Holland and Zeeland. That’s one death by suicide every 11 minutes. It’s the second-leading cause of death for people age 10-34 in this country, the CDC says.

And that’s just the cases where the individual succeeds in carrying out a suicide. The CDC says for every suicide death in 2023, 48 other people attempted suicide and 325 seriously considered ending their own life.

So, where the does the church fit in?

In 2013, Amy Simpson, a former editor at Christianity Today and one of its sister publications, Leadership Journal, wrote a book called “Troubled Minds: Mental Illness and the Church’s Mission.” 

Simpson writes about her experience growing up as the daughter of a pastor who was forced to give up full-time ministry when her mother developed schizophrenia – a condition that became so serious that she became homeless, and then ended up in jail because of a crime she committed while off her medication.

Simpson and her siblings felt they couldn’t share what was going on in their family. They felt trapped and shame over a situation they did not ask for.

By in large, the church does a really good job of coming alongside one of its members when they develop a physical illness, such as cancer or heart disease. “We visit them in the hospital, raise money to fight their diseases and pay their bills. We bring them meals, drive them to appointments and babysit their kids,” Simpson wrote.

But for those who struggle with a mental illness or have a family member in that situation, it’s too often a struggle they fight alone, even if they are part of the body of Christ. Several friends of Simpson call mental illness “the no-casserole illness.”

“We have very little patience with those whose diseases happen to attack their minds. And many people suffer in silence,” she wrote.

I believe there’s a lack of understanding among some believers about mental illness. They might say “you don’t have enough faith” or “you don’t pray enough.” I have a friend who left the church after she experienced judgment after the suicide death of her husband, that left her a single mom with three small children.

We don’t question the faith of people who have cancer or heart disease. So why do we do this to people who have an illness of the brain? They need compassion, not judgment.

Fortunately, there are churches that are stepping up to address mental health. Waypoint Community Church in Zeeland is one such place. Last year, we wrote a story on a program Waypoint offers called the Sanctuary Course.

“The whole basis of it is to help people understand how the church can interact with those suffering from mental illness and those who care for those who are suffering from mental illness,” Pastor Darren Anderson told us.

Simpson, in writing about how the church can respond, wrote the following that I found myself screaming at the top of my lungs in response to:

“(It is my hope) that the church will draw itself out of the shadow of the world around us and dare to treat people affected by mental illness with the same compassion and generosity that Jesus showed the lepers and other outcasts he encountered in his time on earth … That someday people with mental illness will no longer feel, based on their experience in the church, that God has rejected them – that they are beyond hope or not worth caring about.”

Church, I see this as a mission opportunity. How are we going to respond to those who are among “the least of these”?   

As a pastor, I once asked a couple celebrating 70 years of marriage whether they had any advice I could give to young married couples. The wife said to me, “Pastor, sometimes you just have to put up with it!”

By Kent Fry

Read: Romans 15:1-13; 2 Corinthians 8:9
“We who are strong ought to put up with the failings of the weak.” (Rom. 15:1 NRSV)

As a pastor, I once asked a couple celebrating 70 years of marriage whether they had any advice I could give to young married couples. The wife said to me, “Pastor, sometimes you just have to put up with it!”

In today’s reading, Paul calls on the strong – the Gentiles – “to put up” (“to bear,” ESV) with the weak – people of a Jewish background who had some rigid practices with which they maintained their faith (Rom. 15:1). 

Paul consistently argued that it’s not the Mosaic law that makes one come into a right relationship with God; but he also encouraged the strong to build up their neighbors (v. 2). 

The reason is twofold: First, believers in Jesus are to follow the example of Christ, who did not please himself (v. 3 and see 2 Cor. 8:9). A believer’s ethic flows out of the person and practice of Jesus Christ. Second, Paul’s insight from the Old Testament is that God’s saving promises began with Israel and extend to the Gentiles and the nations (vv. 8-9). Scripture is a pattern from the past that shows us hope for the future. 

More than “to put up” with other believers whose practices seem rigid to us, we are to welcome one another in the one body of Christ – the church. Paul’s message of unity to the Roman church was rooted in their shared acceptance by Jesus (v. 7). How are we practicing that with other believers today?

As you pray, ask God to bring about greater Christ-centered unity as we welcome one another.

—————

Kent Fry is a retired pastor and visiting research fellow at the Van Raalte Institute in Holland. He and his wife, Joyce, are active members of Second Reformed Church in Zeeland.

About a month ago, I hunted this same area. I was able to take a big gobbler that morning. I had not been back since. So, I knew, after a month, I could go back and see if I could get another one of those toms to come to my call. 

By Gary Miller

About a month ago, I hunted this same area. I was able to take a big gobbler that morning. I had not been back since. So, I knew, after a month, I could go back and see if I could get another one of those toms to come to my call. 

It was a beautiful, crisp, and quiet morning. My setup turned out to be about textbook. 

Before I made my first call, a tom belted out a loud gobble over the small hill, about 150 yards away, and directly in front of my location. Just after that another tom began to belt his opening alarm, behind me, about 500 yards away. He started gobbling almost none stop. 

I was liking what I was hearing, and also liking my morning setup. But it got better. 

As day was breaking, two more toms joined in the chorus. One just to the left of the one directly in front of me, and one to the right. I couldn’t ask for anything better. Three competing in front of me and one behind me. I’m thinking, “Let the competition begin.”  

That was what I was thinking, but that was not what I was feeling. I was feeling nothing. I mean my heart didn’t race, I didn’t imagine a trophy camera shot, nor did I fret about what bad scenario could happen. 

I just stayed calm, enjoyed the welcomed noise, and waited to see what might happen. Again, I did so without ever having the least amount of anxiety. Why? Because I had been here before. I knew that I had positioned myself as good as I could and there was no other move to make. 

I didn’t overcall. I didn’t sneeze or make any alarming noise. I did all I could do. Everything that would follow was out of my hands. So, why worry? 

Ah, yes. Worry. 

This is actually the posture I should be making in the more serious areas of my life. The posture that comes from being right in the middle of a situation that could turn out bad or good and yet remaining calm because I have done all that I can do. The rest is out of my hands. 

But the real, unexplainable calm, comes from knowing Whose hands my circumstances are in. God’s. 

Again, this is the posture God’s wants us to have instead of worry. Jesus put it this way. “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” (Matthew 6:27 NIV) And then He added, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33)

His words to us are basically this: Just get in the right setup (seek first the Kingdom of God) and I (God) will handle everything else, and every possible scenario, in every possible situation or circumstance, that might come about in your life. 

We have one thing to do. He has the rest. So, don’t worry. 

—————

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

Barry Lyn McAlpine, 80, of Holland, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 8, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Barry McAlpine, 80

Barry Lyn McAlpine, 80, of Holland, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 8, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on June 20, 1945, in Cass City to Jack and Dorothy McAlpine, Barry enlisted in the United States Army at age 20. He served with extraordinary courage during the Vietnam War, receiving two Silver Stars, one Bronze Star, and three Purple Hearts. 

Immediately following his service, Barry pursued his education at Palmer College of Chiropractic, graduating in 1971. He went on to build a long, successful, and respected career as a chiropractor, serving the Holland community with dedication and care for nearly 50 years. 

Barry was a devoted husband to his wife of 47 years, Kim McAlpine, and a loving father to his six children: Matt McAlpine (Julie Rowan), Brad (Abby) McAlpine, Hillery McAlpine, Elizabeth (Andrew) Lesperance, Ann McAlpine (Phillip Maletta), and Sarah (Ashton) Pienaar. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren: Callum, Carson, Annalise, Genevieve, Lake, Palmer, Micah, Lucas, Emery, Phillip, and Maximus; and siblings, Fred (Linda) McAlpine, Ed (Lil) McAlpine, Karen (Joe) Kata, and Jack McAlpine.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Dorothy McAlpine, and sister Gloria McAlpine. 

Funeral services will take place Saturday, May 16 at 11:30 a.m. at Christ Memorial Church, 595 Graafschap Rd., Holland. Visitation will be Friday, May 15 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Dykstra Funeral Home - Mulder Chapel, 188 W. 32nd St., Holland. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his honor to the McAlpine Scholarship Endowment Fund at Palmer College of Chiropractic.

James Brownson, 70

James (Jim) Brownson, 70, passed into the arms of his Creator on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Jim served as associate pastor at Faith Reformed Church in Traverse City, taught at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, then served at Western Theological Seminary in Holland as the James and Jean Cook Professor of New Testament and academic dean. Jim touched many lives through his teaching, his service to the Reformed Church in America, and the four books he authored. 

Jim was a tireless advocate for the full inclusion of LGBTQ+ people in the church through his book “Bible, Gender, Sexuality: Reframing the Church’s Debate on Same-Sex Relationships” and his work with The Reformation Project. 

Jim is survived by his wife, Kathryn Mostrom Brownson; children, Rachel Brownson Brazier (LJ Brazier), Anna Brownson Prinz (Mark Prinz) and Will Brownson (Michael Brownson); grandson, Wren Brownson Prinz; and brother, Jonathan Brownson. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Helen Brownson; brothers, Billy Brownson and David Brownson; and sister-in-law, Jeannette Shafer Brownson.

A memorial service to honor Jim’s life will be held Saturday, May 16 at 2 p.m. at Hope Church (RCA), 77 W. 11th St., Holland. 

Memorial contributions may be given to Hope Church.

Carol Zuverink, 65

Carol Ann (Huff) Zuverink, 65, of Zeeland and Sanibel, Fla., went to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, May 7, 2026 after a brave battle with a rare cancer. 

Carol was a speech and language pathologist with Holland Hospital for 30 years. She was a member of Community Reformed Church. 

She is survived by her husband of 35 years, Rick; children, Stacy Zuverink, Chris and Sammi Zuverink (grandson Zachary) and Derek Zuverink; siblings, David and Ginger Huff, Lisa Huff, John and Paula Huff, Janelle Huff, Michael Mullen, Molly and Ken Bassett, and Melissa and Rich Travers; in-laws, Sharon Walters, and Larry and Becky Zuverink; as well as many nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her mother, Jane Huff; father, Robert and stepmother, Jackie Huff; parents-in-law, Arnold and Joan Zuverink, and brother-in-law, Ron Walters.

A memorial service was held on Tuesday, May 12, at Community Reformed Church, 10376 Felch St., Zeeland, with pastors Kurt Henry and Trent Walker officiating. 

Memorials may be given to Harbor Humane Society.

Lester Luurtsema, 89

Lester Glenn Luurtsema, 89 of Holland, passed away Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at American House in Holland.

Les was born in Blendon Township to Anthony and Grace (Blaauwkamp) Luurtsema, and was a lifelong resident of the area.

He served our country at Fort Leonard Wood in the U.S. Army, was a member of Borculo Christian Reformed Church, and retired from Keeler Brass after many years of service.

His parents preceded him in death, along with his brother, Arthur.

Les is survived by his wife of 67 years, Myra; son, Dennis (Julie) Luurtsema; step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren; many in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.

Services were pending at press time. Burial will be in Borculo Cemetery.

Timothy Bosma, 72

Timothy Duane Bosma, 72, of Coopersville, passed away on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.

Born in Grand Rapids and raised in Gaines Township, Tim lived a life shaped by curiosity, faith, and a steady devotion to serving others. A two-time graduate of Calvin University (then Calvin College), he first earned his bachelor's degree in history in 1978. On Dec. 19, 1981, he married the former Grace Hoeksema of Grandville, beginning a partnership marked by deep loyalty, quiet strength, and 45 years of unwavering love.

Tim began his career in education, teaching at Valley Christian High School in Bellflower, Calif. Later, sensing a new calling, he returned to Calvin to earn a second degree in civil engineering in 1988. This launched a distinguished 30-plus-year career in commercial construction, a field in which he earned the respect of colleagues through his diligence, integrity, and calm, thoughtful leadership. 

A longtime and active member of Sunrise Ministries Church in Jenison, Tim's steady, unflappable nature anchored his family and shaped the lives of those around him. 

Tim is survived by his wife of 45 years, Grace; children, Adam Bosma (Sarah) of Annapolis, Md., Aubrey Rodrigo (Kevin) of Holland, and Alayna Prest (Jonathan) of Zeeland; grandchildren, Brooklyn, Scarlett, Blake, Autumn, Kaia, Adrielle, Alexandra, Asher, Cambria, Luka, and Annika; siblings, Sue Vander Wel (Bill), Janet Purdy, and Allen Bosma (Sandy); and siblings-in-law, Joyce Vander Klok (Bernie), James Hoeksma (Cathy), Judy Funk (Craig), and Shirley Bosma. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gelmer and Gertrude Bosma; brother, John Bosma; brother-in-law, James Purdy; and parents-in-law, Hendrik and Rachelina Hoeksema.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, May 18 at 11 a.m. at Sunrise Ministries, 7754 28th Ave., Jenison, with Rev. Dennis Moles and Rev. Bill VanderWerp officiating. Burial will take place at Floral View Memorial Gardens. Visitation is scheduled for Sunday, May 17 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St., Zeeland. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Christian Reformed Conference Grounds.

Mae Van Ark, 92

Mae Alice (Naber) Van Ark, 92, passed away on Monday, May 4, 2026, at Warm Friend in Holland. 

Mae was born on May 17, 1933, on the family farm outside of Zeeland, the youngest of seven siblings. 

She will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 70 years, Myron (Mike) D. Van Ark; children, Jonathan (Gwen) Van Ark and Elizabeth (Alexie Robbert) Van Ark; grandson, Daniel Van Ark; and nieces and nephews.

Mae was an active member of Trinity Reformed Church, singing in the choir, playing first base on the softball team and participating in countless activities, giving of her many gifts. At Christ Memorial Reformed Church, she served as a care elder, a Compassionate Friend, sewed Chemo Caps, and, as a member of the Arts Committee, designed the inscriptions for The Rock.

Mae was her one-room schoolhouse “artist,” but growing up during the Great Depression didn’t offer opportunities for artistic development. She was exposed to fine art while Mike was business manager of Ox-Bow Summer School of Painting. 
She took art classes at Hope College. 

Mae was an accomplished watercolorist showing at Castle Park Gallery, and displaying in many venues, painting over 500 framed pieces. Later, Mae taught watercolor, “Art for All,” handmade paper, and adults’ and children’s classes at the Holland Area Arts Council. 

A memorial service will be held at Saturday, May 30 at 11 a.m. in the Chapel at Christ Memorial Church, 595 Graafschap Rd., Holland. Burial will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery. A memorial visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Please use entrance D or E.

Memorial contributions may be made to encompassKids.

As a teen, Mike began hanging out with people who influenced him in negative ways and encouraged him to make unhealthy decisions. 

By Brandi Hafler

As a teen, Mike began hanging out with people who influenced him in negative ways and encouraged him to make unhealthy decisions. 

He eventually found himself in a lonely emotional pit, filled with pain, guilt, and shame. He was unsure of how he got there, or how to pull himself out. 

His job in sales allowed him to take potential customers out for lunch, which is how he met Josh. What began as a discussion over a burger about ways that Mike’s electrical contracting company could partner with Josh’s security system business ended in a fast friendship. 

They both enjoyed hockey, country music, and hunting. Their friendship grew into more of a brotherhood. Josh helped Mike understand that his past did not overshadow the value of his presence or his future, and he no longer felt alone. 

Over time, their friendship began to change. They still did things together, but their interactions became fewer. Conversations at hockey games were short and shallow. Car rides that were once filled with off-tune twangy singing were spent in silence. They were still together, but Josh seemed to be invisible. Mike went about the activities, working around Josh, as if he was a lamp, there to shine light when needed but otherwise, unimportant. 

For some of us, this is our relationship with Jesus. When we first met Him, we were excited. Overjoyed. For the first time, we felt the opposite of lonely, experiencing a level of companionship that we did not know was possible. We wanted to spend every moment with Him. We talked to Him. We read about Him. We listened to Him. We told others about Him. We could not get enough. 

Then, the newness wore off. Normal life continued. As we went about our daily routines, with its schedules and bills and responsibilities, the “first love” feelings faded and now we talk to Him less. 

We pray before meals, ask Him to provide, but otherwise work around Him as if He is just part of the furniture. We might even forget that He is there, or begin to believe that He has abandoned us. 

David wrote, “Where can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence? If I go up to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in the depths, You are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there Your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast.” (Psalm 139:7-10 NIV) 

King Saul falsely accused David of treason, tried to kill him, and caused him to hide in caves in the wilderness, literally making his “bed in the depths”. David still recognized the presence of God in every moment of his life. He knew that there is no place that we can go where God is not.

I have had days when I could constantly sense the presence of Jesus, and I have had days when I felt like He was distant. I believed that, if I did not see a display of His power or feel Him near, He must not be here. 

I have come to understand that the absence was not of His presence, but of my acknowledgment of His presence. I can even spend time in His Word in the morning, and go through the rest of my day without thinking of Him as I complete the tasks before me. Yet He is always near, always listening, always waiting. 

He is the friend who stands by, watching us go about our daily lives, desiring awareness, connection and attention. He is not forceful. He is patient. He is faithful. 

One way that I battle my own obliviousness to His presence is to set a daily alert in my calendar at 3 p.m. that reads “Hosea 6:3.” When I see this in my notification, I recite the verse. “Let us acknowledge the Lord; let us press on to acknowledge Him. As surely as the sun rises, He will appear. He will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth.” Then I pause to acknowledge Him and seek Him. And as Jeremiah 29:13 reminds us, “You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.”  

How can you acknowledge your Savior throughout your day? 

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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 FoundUpon TheWaves.com.