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Vernon Lee Huyser, age 86, passed away on Sunday, February 1, 2026.

Vernon Huyser, 86

Vernon Lee Huyser, age 86, passed away on Sunday, February 1, 2026.

Vernon was a "Jack-of-all-trades," holding a variety of jobs throughout his life. His longest was owning and operating the Hudsonville Bowling Alley. He enjoyed boating and maintained boat slips in both Saugatuck and Grand Haven over the years. 

In his later years, he attended Evergreen Covenant Church in Branch, Mich. and enjoyed volunteering with them in food distribution throughout the years. He loved his family, particularly his grandkids and great-grandkids. 

He is survived by his children, Scott and Lisa Huyser, and Leanne and Dave Ash; grandchildren, Tiffany and Andy Plaska, Tabatha and Kyle Kwaske, Taylor Ash, Tori Ash, Adam and Michelle Huyser, Amelia Huyser, Annie Huyser and Adrianna Huyser; eight great- grandchildren; sister, Gayle Evenhuis; and sister, Eve Warren.

Visitation with the family is Friday, February 6 from 3 to 6 p.m. at Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St., Zeeland.

In lieu of flowers, the family would encourage memorial gifts be given to Evergreen Covenant Church in Baldwin at evergreencovenant.org or by mail to 7296 S. Evergreen Rd., Branch, MI 49402.

Willard Kloosterman, 93

Willard Kloosterman, age 93 of Zeeland, passed away Friday, Jan. 30, 2026.
 
Willard was born on Sept. 22, 1932, the 12th of 14 children, at the family farmhouse in Beaverdam. Raised on the farm, Willard learned the value of hard work early in life and grew up speaking Dutch, the language his parents used in prayer around the supper table.

A true farm boy at heart, Willard worked hard and played hard. He proudly served in the United States Army and later met a pretty brunette named Arlene, whom he courted in his beloved 1957 Chevy. They shared 64 years of marriage filled with faith, family, and steadfast love.

He retired from the Ottawa County Road Commission (Hudsonville Garage) in 1995 after 26 years. Willard enjoyed many hobbies over the years, including tractor pulling, hunting, trapping, NASCAR, and go-cart racing. He also found joy in the quieter things - birdwatching and searching for arrowheads. Whatever he did, he did with enthusiasm and curiosity.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Rolena Kloosterman; as well as siblings and in-laws.

Willard will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 64 years, Arlene; his children and grandchildren, Beth Kloosterman (Shelby and Zac Blouw), Debbie and Steve Maxwell (Jacob, Taylor and Mitchell), Jayne and Brian DeKraker (Zach and Sierra); and two great-grandchildren, River and Koast.

Funeral services with military honors were held Feb. 3 at Holland Heights Christian Reformed Church, 836 E. 8th St., with Rev. Ralph Biedler officiating. Burial was in Pilgrim Home Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Hospice or Heights of Hope.

Bernice Ekema, 97

Bernice G. Ekema, 97, of Zeeland, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026 at Corewell Health - Zeeland Hospital.

Bernice was born in Hamilton Oct. 2, 1928 to John and Sena (Rankins) Kalmink. She was a longtime member of Maplewood Reformed Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Vern Ekema, in 2018.

She is survived by her sons, Gene Ekema, Terry (Nancy) Ekema and Paul (Stephanie) Ekema; grandchildren, Chris, Ashley (Cody), Michael, Arthur (Lexi), Miranda, Grace, Maddie, and Katie; great-granddaughter, Madison; brother-in-law, Donald (Kathy) Ekema;  and many extended family and friends.

A visitation gathering to celebrate Bernice's life was held Saturday, Jan. 31 at Lakeshore Memorial Services, 11939 James St., Holland.

Memorial contributions may be made to Maplewood Church or to Compassionate Heart Ministry.

Janice Fredricks, 81

Janice (Springvloed) Fredricks, 81, of Zeeland, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, at her home.

Janice was born March 13, 1944, in Grand Rapids to George and Jeanette (Potter) Springvloed, She was raised in Grand Rapids and graduated from Kelloggsville High School. She later married and raised three children. 

Janice worked for Roper Bauer Attorneys, and then in patient registration at Holland Hospital. Janice bravely battled cancer three separate times. She adored her children and grandchildren and will be dearly missed.

Janice was preceded in death by her parents, and her siblings, Carole Lankheet, Ronald Springvloed and George Springvloed.

She is survived by her children and grandchildren, Kerri Fredricks Tibbs (Ethan and fiance Kate Livingston, Megan), Greg and Lisa Fredricks (Jacob, Amaya, Ellie, Grace), and Scott and Michelle Fredricks (Aidan, Clayton, Gabby, Joseph); brother, James and Lynne Springvloed, in-laws, Ron Lankheet, Belle Springvloed and Judy Springvloed; and many extended family members.

A family visitation and funeral service was held on Saturday, Jan. 31 at the Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St., Zeeland. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Holland Christian High School Tuition Grant Fund at Holland Christian Schools.

Carol De Jonge, 78

Carol De Jonge, 78, of Zeeland, passed away peacefully on Monday, Jan. 26, 2026, at her home, surrounded by family.

Carol was born March 13, 1947 in Zeeland to Julis and Millie (Lokers) VanderHill. She married her high school sweetheart, Robert De Jonge, in 1965. They were happily married for 60 years. Robert and Carol are members of First Reformed Church in Zeeland.

Carol was known for her smile and dedicated service at Mobil for 30 years. Being a God-fearing wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, she battled the last few years with leukemia. We praise the Lord that He promises us eternal life. (1 John 2:25)

“For I am sure that neither death nor life ... nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus, Our Lord and Savior.” (Romans 8:38-39)

A celebration of Carol’s life will be held Saturday, Feb. 7 at 1 p.m. at First Reformed Church, 148 E. Central Ave., Zeeland.

Memorial contributions may be made to Corewell Health Hospice, 1239 E. Beltline Ave. NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525, or by calling 866-542-7945.

Maribeth Katerberg, 76

Maribeth Katerberg, 76, of Tekonsha, formerly of Zeeland, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, Jan. 26, 2026, at her home.

Maribeth was born on Jan. 10, 1950, to Arther and Beth (Michmerhuizen) Engelsman in Zeeland. She graduated from Zeeland High School in 1968. She married Hendrik “Henry” Katerberg on Sept. 20, 1969, in Zeeland. Henry preceded her in death on Feb. 26, 2018.

Maribeth was an active member of the Union Church of Tekonsha. She enjoyed all animals (especially cats and horses), playing guitar, and was very active in the community.

Maribeth is survived by her son, Mike (Mary Jane) Katerberg of Springfield; sister, Ann Arnoldink of Holland; and grandchild, Abbi Katerberg of Marquette, where she is attending college. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her brother, Arthur Engelsman, and her parents.

In keeping with Maribeth’s wishes, she was cremated and a memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 23 at 12 noon at Union Church UCC, 206 W. Randall St., Tekonsha. She was privately laid to rest with her husband at Riverside Cemetery in Tekonsha.

Memorial contribution may be made to Calhoun County Animal Center, 165 Union St. South, Battle Creek, MI 49014 or the Union Church (UCC) 206 W. Randall St., Tekonsha, MI 49092.

Kurt Mokma, 62

Kurt Mokma, 62, of Holland, unexpectedly passed away after a brief illness on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, at Corwell Health Meijer Heart Hospital.

Kurt, an avid outdoorsman, was a lifelong resident of Holland and a 1981 graduate of Holland Christian High School. Those who knew hum know that he enjoyed to discuss and debate on many topics. He enjoyed reading, which assisted in his vast knowledge of many topics.

Kurt was also the family historian. His ability to retain memories was beyond amazing and will be greatly missed.

Kurt's greatest achievement was becoming a father. He treasured the times he was able to share his hunting, fishing and marksmanship knowledge with Case. He was so very proud of Case and his career and enjoyed sharing that with everyone.

Kurt was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Donna Mokma, and step-mother Marcia Mokma.

Kurt is survived by his son, Case Mokma of Colorado; sister, Kathy (Mike) Nutting of Holland; former wife, Bonnie Batjes of Zeeland; nephews, Nicholas (Becca) Reinink, and Nathan Hathaway; and several aunts and other extended family.

No services are planned. A celebration of Kurt's life may be planned in the future. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holland Christian Schools or Bethany Christian Services.

Life is not balanced, can’t be balanced, and would not be balanced, just like our human fingers are not of equal length. Life is going to deal with all of us one way or the other; we are going to experience the different shades of it - the joy, the sorrow, the happiness, the sadness, the betrayal, the solidarity, the sobriety, the ups, the downs, the lefts, the rights, and so on. 

By Samuel Akinola

Life is not balanced, can’t be balanced, and would not be balanced, just like our human fingers are not of equal length. Life is going to deal with all of us one way or the other; we are going to experience the different shades of it - the joy, the sorrow, the happiness, the sadness, the betrayal, the solidarity, the sobriety, the ups, the downs, the lefts, the rights, and so on. 

Now, the question is, can your faith sing out loud in the days of sorrow? When life throws every bad thing it can at you, can you stand firm and say your hope is built on Christ, the solid foundation?

Our Lord Jesus Christ himself was a man of sorrow; he didn’t live in palaces. He faced life challenges as a human, mourned, wept, felt sorrowful, and was killed too at a young age (he triumphed over all these). 

So, who are we to think that life will be kinder to us? Even if you have the whole wealth on earth and live in glamorous palaces, don’t be foolish to think you are immune to life's adversity. 

Just take King Solomon in the Bible, for instance, who was regarded as the wealthiest and wisest man who ever lived on earth, who gave himself to all pleasures, and at the end loathed everything and called them ‘vanity, a striving after the wind’.

Life adversity is going to deal with us in one form or another; our Christianity is not meant to immunize us. In fact, Jesus said, “…In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, NIV). 

We can die or be killed before our time, fall to sickness and diseases, and fade away. We can be persecuted and fall into persecution; the enemies can gather around us and slaughter us with alarming success. Our finances/wealth can suddenly disappear, and we find ourselves scratching to make a living.

Now, why does God often allow these to befall the faithful? Well, there are no definite answers; but we can take courage in the knowledge that nothing ever happens to us behind God, and he declares to us in the Bible, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways … As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9, NIV) 

Here is where faith comes in - one of the most beautiful words in the Bible. One that totally defines your relationship with God; without which you cannot walk with Him nor please Him.

Have this in mind: this world is not our home. You become a stranger the moment you give your life to Jesus and bear the mark of Christ. The spiritual forces of wickedness have marked you as someone to take out in whatever way they can, or make life on earth super miserable. We have the supernatural grace to triumph over all these, but it does not always go according to our expectations. God can allow them to have their ways just like Job in the Bible, or He defends us according to His will. At times, our choices, too, come to play and put us in the snare of the spiritual forces of darkness.

Now, can your faith sing in the days of sorrow/adversity? Are you walking with God because He is good to you? What about the period He does not look good to you, will you still walk with Him? Do you accept Jesus Christ because he is cool, or because he is the LIFE?

In every situation of my life, my faith will sing out loud. If I lose everyone that I love, I will weep, grieve, lament, mourn like a human, and thereafter get up, wash my face, and follow Jesus faithfully. If I lose all my wealth, my health, etc., like Job in the Bible, I will lament my misfortune, mourn my misery, wash my face thereafter, and continue following Jesus faithfully. 

Why? Because Jesus is LIFE that I have come to know - the only lifeline I have for a brighter tomorrow in this world and the next.

Let your faith in Christ sing out loud at all times, especially louder in days of sorrow/adversity. Take courage in this that God’s ultimate plan for you is to lie in prosperity in His heavenly kingdom. 

Your life on earth is just temporary, whether you live your days on earth in full or not, all is well, and all must be well in Jesus' name. Jesus Christ is the light and life we have come to know and follow, and by his grace we will fulfil our divine destiny on earth. Remain blessed.    

Samuel Akinola is a professional writer, content creator, graphic designer, web designer, photographer, videographer, and computer tutor. 

Visit his website at trilovemedia.com/samuel-olusegun-akinola.

Our experiences shape our lives in ways we cannot always know. The God who “knitted me together in my mother’s womb” knows this (Ps. 139:13). 

By Jon Opgenorth

Read: Exodus 2:10
“He became her son.” (v. 10)

Our experiences shape our lives in ways we cannot always know. The God who “knitted me together in my mother’s womb” knows this (Ps. 139:13). 

For example, my parents paid me to memorize Scripture. At a dime a verse, I learned that longer passages earned money quicker! I thought of memory work as a means to get the next toy, but years later, I became a preacher. This practice of memorizing God’s Word became a lifelong habit that has allowed me to step out of the way and let Scripture speak to the soul of the hearer.

It’s a big deal that the daughter of Pharaoh made Moses her son. Moses learned the language, manners, and indeed, the whole culture of the Egyptian king. For 40 years he breathed the air of Pharaoh’s world. God was preparing Moses for a task he couldn’t imagine, but one for which he was uniquely qualified. 

We see this pattern repeated in the New Testament when the Holy Spirit confronts the apostle Paul in Acts 9 with a stunning vision and a command to proclaim the name of Jesus. His past? A scholar trained to know the Hebrew Bible inside and out. Who better than the top student in Pharisee school to proclaim how all Scripture leads to Jesus.

Just as God uses people to shape our lives, God also plans experiences to prepare us for his future, even if we cannot understand them now. What past experiences is God using now to shape your life?

As you pray, ask God to help you see your past as a gift from him for your future.

—————

Rev. Jon Opgenorth serves as president of Words of Hope. Previously, he served for 18 years as senior pastor at Trinity Reformed Church in Orange City, Iowa. In preparation for ministry, he received a BA in Religion from Northwestern College, and an MDiv from Fuller Theological Seminary.

Arloa Jane Tjapkes, 87, passed away on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026. 

Arloa Tjapkes, 87

Arloa Jane Tjapkes, 87, passed away on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026. 

Born on Jan. 29, 1938 in Zeeland, she was the beloved daughter of Albert and Aneline Westfield. Arloa graduated from high school in 1956.

She married the love of her life, Ronald Tjapkes, on May 16, 1958, and together they had two beautiful children. Arloa was a devoted wife and mother, residing in Holland.

Arloa was known for her love of caring for others and her supportive nature. She was a people person and a comedian who loved to joke with friends and family. Arloa enjoyed traveling with Ronald, and her children fondly remember their trips to Europe and Italy. She even kept black sand from their trip to Hawaii as a cherished memory.

Arloa is survived by her children, Brian (Stephanie) Westfield and Laurel (Brent) Webster; grandchildren, Isaac Schreur, Adan Tjapkes, Ethan (LeAnn) Tjapkes and Calla (Nate) Conroy; great-grandchild, Jude Conroy; brother-in-law, Jerry Vanderstelt; two nephews and many cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald Tjapkes; brother, Darryl Westfield; and sister, Elaine Dawn Vanderstelt.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, Jan. 30, 2026, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Lakeshore Memorial Services, 11939 James St., Holland.

William Bolman, 89

William (Bill) Bolman, 89, of Jenison, formerly of Zeeland, died peacefully at his home on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, surrounded by his wife and family.

Bill was born on March 29, 1936 to William and Janet Bolman. He was raised on the family farm in Fillmore Township along with his older sisters, Caroline and Joan, and younger brother, Eugene. He graduated from Holland High School in 1954 where he participated in cross country, track, and band.

In 1955, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Army. He completed basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. He then served for two years at Rhein-Main Air Base in Germany and at an Air Force base in England as a special contingency of Army with Air Force (SCAWAF). 

After returning from service, Bill met and married Marilyn Koster in 1959. They settled in Zeeland, where they raised three children, Patti, Janna, and Doug. He was employed by Zeeland Chemical for 39 years. 

Bill was a lifelong member of First Reformed Church in Zeeland, where he served on consistory as both elder and deacon. His Christian convictions and commitment often shone through in his many volunteer activities and in the church community.

Bill was blessed with five wonderful grandchildren, Alex and Glen Mc Cormick, Ashley, Kristina, and Austin Bolman. Most recently he experienced the greatest joy in his life by welcoming great-granddaughter, Ruth Jacqueline Yonker. Later in life, Bill was again blessed to meet and marry Kay Vande Bunte in 2010. 

The family is grateful to Kay for her loving caring of Bill. Also thank you to the staff and residents of Sunset Village, where Bill and Kay lived for the past six months. Special thanks to Corewell Health Hospice care team - Angie, Brian, and Holly.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Marilyn; and sisters, Caroline Voss and Joan Bolman. 

Bill is survived by his wife, Kay; brother, Eugene (Lois) Bolman; children, Patti Mc Cormick (Richard Totino), Janna (Evan) Dawdy and Douglas (Tracy) Bolman; grandchildren, Alex Mc Cormick (Elizabeth Gonzalez), Glen Mc Cormick, Ashley (Reece) Yonker, Kristina Bolman, 
Austin Bolman (Chloe Klamt); and great-granddaughter, Ruth Jacqueline Yonker.

Funeral services were held Monday, Jan. 26 at First Reformed Church of Zeeland, 125 E. Lincoln Ave. Burial was in West Drenthe Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions may be given to Harvest Stand Ministries.

Garnet Runstrom, 96

Garnet Margaret Runstrom, 96, of Zeeland, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026.

Garnet was born on Jan. 5, 1930, in Conklin to Cornelis and Barbara (Schaefer) Wiltenburg. She was a graduate of Sparta High School. Garnet later married the love of her life, Raymond Runstrom. Together, they built their life in the Grand Rapids area while also wintering in sunny Florida, which allowed them to enjoy golfing together year-round. Garnet had a long career at AT&T (formerly Michigan Bell).

A devoted member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Grand Rapids for many years, she recently found a welcoming community at Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church in Holland, where her faith continued to be an integral part of her life.

Garnet is survived by her nieces and nephews: David Bouwkamp, Betty Poppema, Mary Schutte, Shawna Bouwkamp, Barbara Buescher, Vicki Schallhorn, Robert Wiltenburg, Arlo Wiltenburg Jr., Linda Napper, Kevin Wiltenburg, John Wiltenburg, Mary Kathryn Steenrod, David Runstrom, Thomas Runstrom, Virginia Campbell, James Runstrom and Eric Runstrom.

Garnet was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Runstrom, in 2005; siblings, Delores and Willis Bouwkamp, Melvin and Shirley Wittenburg, Arlo and Barbara Wittenburg; nieces, Patty Yancey, Mary Wittenburg and Linda Wilcox; and nephew, Richard Runstrom.

Services for Garnet are being planned for a later date. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery in Grand Rapids. Arrangements are by Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St. Zeeland.

Memorial contributions may be given to Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church at 3151 120th Ave., Holland, MI 49424.

Barrett Dykgraaf, infant

Barrett Dykgraaf, almost 6-month-old son of Justin and Alexandra Dykgraaf, passed away Monday, Jan. 19, 2026.

Barrett was a precious gift whose life, though far too short, was filled with love, courage, and light. He was born with Campomelic Dysplasia, a rare form of skeletal dysplasia, but it never limited who he was or the love he gave. Barrett spent his first 35 days in the NICU, where he fought bravely each and every day, showing a strength far beyond his size. He continued his fight at home, surrounded by endless love. Barrett warmed the hearts of all who knew him with his sweet presence, his tight grip, his beautiful voice, and a smile and laugh that brought pure joy. He taught us about resilience, love without limits, and the profound impact one tiny soul can have. 

Besides his parents, he is survived by his grandparents, Mark and Rebecca Golus, Jeff and Stephanie Dykgraaf, and Sara Eggerding-Dykgraaf; great-grandparents, Donald and Delphine Johnson, Ralph Golus, Ruth Dykgraaf, and Lee Eggerding; aunts, uncles, and cousins; godmother and aunt, Jaclyn Beach-Nelson and Zachary Nelson (Riley and Cameron), Elyse and Justin Hawley (Caledonia), Britleigh Strunk, Brandon and Karissa Dykgraaf (Griffin), Collin and Danielle Dykgraaf; and great aunt and uncle, Dona Johnson-Beach and Michael Beach.

The funeral service to honor Barrett’s life will be held Saturday, Jan. 31 at 11 a.m. at the Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St., Zeeland. Visitation will be Friday, Jan. 30, from 4 to 7 p.m., at the funeral home. Interment will be in Lakeshore Cemetery, Grand Haven. 
Memorial contributions may be given to Corewell Health Foundation West Michigan.

David Holstege, 74

David Holstege, 74, of Holland, died unexpectedly on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026 at his home.

He was a member of Graafschap Christian Reformed Church and retired from the Herman Miller Zeeland plant after more than 40 years of employment.

Dave was the son of John and Jeanette Holstege. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Bernard.

Dave is survived by his wife of 45 years, Elaine; children and grandchildren, Tim and Crista Holstege (Adilynn, Lacey, Kyler), and Lindsey and Dan Wede (Madison, Lucy); and sister, Ruth and Bob Gritter.

Funeral services were held Friday, Jan. 23 at Graafschap Christian Reformed Church, 5973 Church St., Holland. Burial was in Graafschap Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to Zeeland Christian Schools or Graafschap Christian Education Opportunity Fund.

Lorne Berens, 94

Lorne Berens, 94, of Burnips, passed away Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026.

Lorne was preceded in death by his parents, 11 siblings, and two nieces and three nephews. He was a member of Burnips United Methodist Church. Lorne retired from General Electric.

He is survived by his sister, Una Miller; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service honoring Lorne’s life was held Saturday, Jan. 24 at Burnips United Methodist Church, 4241 30th St., Burnips. Arrangements were by the Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St., Zeeland.

Nicholas Deters, 30

Nicholas J. Deters, 30, passed away unexpectedly of a cardiac event on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. Nicholas became a Gift of Life Donor, and his gifts impacted many other lives in tremendous ways. 

Nicholas was born April 27, 1995, in Holland to Brent and Jillane (Van Dam) Deters. He graduated from Zeeland East High School in 2013 and Careerline Tech Center. Nick began working at Genzink Plumbing, later at Wassink Plumbing, and he was most recently working for Dimensional Plumbing. 

Nick met Megan Swett in high school, and they married on Oct. 27, 2018. Nicholas and Megan were raising their three young children in Holland Township. He loved doing projects and giving rides to his kids on his John Deere tractor. Nicholas loved to play and rough house with Wesley and Wyatt and enjoyed snuggles and naps with Harper.

Nick was preceded in death by his father, Brent Deters, in 2021; Megan’s father, Paul Swett, in 2021, grandparents, Rich Van Dam, John Deters Jr. and Irene Deters, and Robert Swett; and uncle, Jeff Van Dam.

Nick is survived by his wife of seven years, Megan; their children, Wesley, Wyatt, and Harper; mother, Jillane (Van Dam) Deters; mother-in-law, Paula Swett; siblings, Elizabeth Deters and Matt Spangler, and Emily Deters; siblings-in-law, Andrew and Katy Swett and family, Josh and Kate Swett and family, and Danielle Swett; grandparents, Marla Van Dam, Donna Swett, and Raymond and Peggy Betts; and many extended family members.

Funeral services were held Saturday, Jan. 24 at Immanuel Church, 325 104th Ave., Holland. Interment was in Pilgrim Home Cemetery.

Instead of flowers, please consider a donation to Megan Deters - “Deters’ Children’s Education Fund’ in the check memo line, Macatawa Bank, 12415 Riley St., Holland MI 49424, or donate electronically at gofund.me/01eedab0a.

Lawrence Folkers, 79

Lawrence Neil Folkers, 79, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Jan. 10, 2026, with his family by his side. 

Neil was born on June 6, 1946, in Reedley, California, to Lawrence E. and Vivian Folkers. He proudly served aboard the USS Kitty Hawk (CVA-63) in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War, a service that reflected and reinforced his lifelong sense of duty, integrity, and quiet strength.

A man anchored in faith, Neil placed his trust fully in his Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. His faith guided how he worked, loved, and lived. He was steadfast and sincere throughout every season of life.

Neil lived in Reedley, Calif., Grand Junction, Colo., San Diego, Calif. and Zeeland. He worked as a car salesman, master craftsman, and finally over-the-road truck driver. He was a master woodworker, a lover of the outdoors, and found joy in simple moments; camping trips, beach days, campfires, and meals shared with family.

Neil was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence E. and Vivian Folkers; and his sisters, Bonnie and Jane.

He is survived by his sister, Lela; sons, Lincoln (Leslie) Folkers and Eric (Erica) Folkers; grandchildren, Lincoln Jr. (Casey) Folkers, Darrion (Dain) Lewis, Josh (Lizzy) Folkers, Bella (Gavin) Brouwer, Caden Folkers, Gracie Folkers, and Ethan Folkers; and four great-grandchildren.

A memorial service was held Monday, Jan. 26 at The Foundry Church, 425 100th St., Zeeland. Interment was in Zeeland Cemetery (Original).

For the past couple of months, the small group that I facilitate at our church has been reading the book “Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools,” by Tyler Staton.

By Greg Chandler
Zeeland Record

For the past couple of months, the small group that I facilitate at our church has been reading the book “Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools,” by Tyler Staton.

It’s probably the best book I have ever read (outside of the Bible itself) about prayer. It tackles head-on a lot of the issues that Christians and non-Christians alike have struggled with over the years.

This book thoughtfully and with great sensitivity addresses questions or statements like: If God is all-powerful, why does he need my prayer? How do I know he hears me? God is much too big for me to bother him with my little problems. Why does he seem silent when I pour out my heart to him on a situation in my life? Why didn’t he protect my loved one who died tragically?

Staton pastors a church in Portland, Ore., and is the U.S. national director of the 24-7 Prayer movement, an international movement that dates back to a student-led prayer vigil in England more than a quarter-century ago. In the opening chapter of the book, he shares the story of when he was 13 years old and with the encouragement of a mentor, he would walk around his middle school every day for the whole summer, holding a folded-up copy of his school’s directory, praying for each and every student from his eighth-grade class.

And something really amazing happened as a result of Tyler’s prayers. He ended up leading a Christian outreach meeting at his school an hour before the start of the class day. By the end of that school year, one-third of Tyler’s classmates had become believers.

Understand, Tyler didn’t know a lot of the basics of being a Christian at 13. He himself was a skeptic. He took on this experiment as a way of answering that deep question within his soul about God: “Are you for real?”

In this book, Staton asks two major questions about prayer: Why don’t we pray, and why pray?

On the first question, Tyler gives us a four-part answer, but all four parts have something in common: the word “fear.” He writes, “Prayer itself makes us anxious because it uncovers fears we can ignore as long as we don’t engage deeply, thoughtfully, vulnerably with God.”

We don’t pray for fear of being naïve: Tyler writes, “To pray is to risk trusting someone who might let you down. To pray is to get our hopes up.”

We don’t pray for fear of silence: we fear real interaction with God, apart from all the noise in our world.

We don’t pray for fear of selfish motives. Tyler cites the example of someone who is praying for their roommate who doesn’t know Jesus. Why does this person REALLY want their roommate to find God? Is it from a pure desire for their roommate to experience God’s love, or is it just trying to get them to reach the same conclusion they themselves have made?

My favorite: We don’t pray for fear of doing it wrong. We hear others at church or in our small groups who pray the most eloquent, beautiful prayers. And some of us struggle with prayer because we can’t come up with our own words to express what we feel.

Then on the question of why we should pray, Staton gives us these bullet points:

Pray because you’re overwhelmed: Our tendency is to pray safe, calculated prayers that we think will shield us from being disappointed if they’re not answered.

Pray because trust comes before faith: He writes, “Before we can have faith that God will answer a given request, we simply have to learn to trust the character of God we’re talking to.”

Pray because complaints are welcome: For the longest time, I was afraid to tell God how I really felt about something because I had it in my head that my complaints would be seen as rejecting God. Then I started reading some of the Psalms David wrote. For instance, check out Psalm 55:4-5: “My heart is in anguish within me; the terrors of death have fallen on me. Fear and trembling have beset me, horror has overwhelmed me.”

Pray because the only way to get it wrong is by trying to get it right: Tyler says just be real with God. He cites as his example, right smack dab in the Lord’s Prayer: “give us this day our daily bread.” After we pray about his majesty and his holiness, God invites us to tell him what we need for this day.

Staton goes on to say that’s okay for us to tell God when we’re angry with him, when we’re disappointed, when we don’t know what to believe. More than anything else, God wants a relationship with you and me, and real relationship can only come when we are fully free to say what is on our heart.

The Lord is near. Don’t be afraid. He loves you more than you can ever imagine.

Behind the big, defining moments of our lives stand thousands of little moments. The burning bush of Exodus 3 is a big, defining moment in Moses’s life, but that encounter was fueled by all the workaday activities that preceded it. 

By Jon Opgenorth

Read: Exodus 2:1-3
“She saw that he was a fine child.” (v. 2)

Behind the big, defining moments of our lives stand thousands of little moments. The burning bush of Exodus 3 is a big, defining moment in Moses’s life, but that encounter was fueled by all the workaday activities that preceded it. 

For 80 years God wove the tapestry of Moses’s journey in such a way that, as we gaze at the whole, we see threads of his future in moments of his past.

In the days of Moses’s birth, Pharaoh decreed, “Every son that is born to the Hebrews you shall cast into the Nile” (Exodus 1:22). But Moses’s parents, Amram and Jochebed (6:20), saw something in their baby. He was a “fine child” (2:2). And so, they hid their son. 

They risked death and faced terrible odds to place their baby in a tar-lined basket on the river Nile. Why? Because they saw something other people could not. “By faith,” Hebrews 11:23 says, “they were not afraid of the king’s edict.”

Who saw you?

As we pay attention to the story of our own lives, we begin to see God weaving moments into the tapestry of our journey. We can find people in our past who saw something in us. It may be our parents, but it could be a friend, teacher, or coach. 

Take time to gaze on your life’s journey. Who saw you? Thank God for that person and tell someone about who saw you.

As you pray, thank God for the people in your life who saw something in you.

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Rev. Jon Opgenorth serves as president of Words of Hope. Previously, he served for 18 years as senior pastor at Trinity Reformed Church in Orange City, Iowa. In preparation for ministry, he received a BA in Religion from Northwestern College, and an MDiv from Fuller Theological Seminary.