Obituaries

Scott Ter Vree


Scott Ter Vree, 68, of Zeeland, passed away peacefully at his home on Jan. 8, 2025.

Scott was born in Zeeland on Jan. 25, 1956. He went to Holland High School and married his loving wife, Dawn, on May 3, 1980. They enjoyed 44 wonderful years of marriage, and though never had children of their own, were blessed to raise Karl Kraai, whom they loved like a son.

Scott’s learned the trucking trade from his father, Bernie, a lifelong truck driver. After finishing school, Scott followed in his father’s footsteps, driving trucks for several companies, including Fillmore Beef, Holland Rendering, LP Transport, and DD Wind. In addition, Scott and his brother Tim founded their own business, Ter Vree Towing.

Scott  enjoyed camping, fishing, canoeing, and riding quads and motorcycles with family and friends. He was known for his adventurous spirit and his love for the outdoors.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Dawn; like a son, Karl Kraai (Roberta); brothers, Bob (Deb) Ter Vree, Mike (Kim) Ter Vree, Tim Ter Vree, Dave (Laurie) Ter Vree, and Tom Ter Vree; in-laws, Donna (Jerry) Hamberg, Doug (Kim) Mossel, Nancy (Todd) Van Antwerp, Deb (Brian) Swanson, and Brenda (Tim) Price. He is also survived by his best friend, Bruce (Patti) Melhorn, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bernie and Joan Ter Vree.

The family  express heartfelt gratitude to Terry Van Antwerp for his unwavering love, support, and commitment to Scott during his final years. The family also extends their thanks to the dedicated care providers, including Pastor George Kantz, and Pastor/Apostle Rick Thompson and Pastor Skyler Thompson, the team at Gentiva Hospice, and all the medical professionals who cared for Scott with compassion.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, Jan. 17, at 12 noon at Dykstra Funeral Home Northwood Chapel, 295 Douglas Ave,, Holland with Pastor George Kantz officiating. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. prior to the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Samaritan's Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607.

Kenneth Westveld


Kenneth Lee Westveld, 70, of West Olive, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025.

A memorial service was held Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025 at Lakeshore Memorial Services, 11939 James St, Holland.

Phyllis Miedema


Phyllis Miedema, 85, of Hudsonville, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025.

Phyllis was born June 10, 1939, to Plenis and Minnie (Vink) Wolfert, in Grand Rapids.  She graduated from South Christian High School and married Peter Miedema on Sept. 15, 1960.

Pete and Phyllis made their home in Hudsonville where they raised their four children, and were members of Hudsonville Protestant Reformed Church. They loved their church family and were grateful to be able to serve the Lord there.   Faith and family were profoundly important to Phyllis. She was a strong and faithful wife, mother, and grandmother in the Lord. She was preceded in death by her son, Richard Scott Miedema, on Feb. 16, 1980.

Phyllis is survived by her husband of 64 years, Peter Miedema; children, Joy and Ryan McClimans of Hudsonville, Ruth and Brad Brower of Hudsonville, David and Julie Miedema of Hudsonville; grandchildren, Rick and Cobie Miedema, Mitch and Anna Miedema, Trenton Miedema, Austin and Rachel Brower, Brendan and Casey Brower, Alexzandria Brower, Colton Brower, Danielle Brower, Sammantha Brower, Annikkah Brower, Jeffry De Groot, Cassi and Mitch Overweg; great-grandchildren, Harlyn Overweg, Charley Overweg, Milly Overweg, Graham Brower, Lucas Brower, Asher Brower, Alice Miedema, Millie Miedema; in-laws, Tret Geurink, Wayne and Sue Miedema, Theresa Miedema; and many extended family and friends.

A funeral service was held Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, at Hudsonville Protestant Reformed Church, 5101 Beechtree Ave., Hudsonville. Private interment was in Georgetown Township Cemetery.  Memorial donations to Heritage Christian School or Covenant Christian High School.

Bonnie Arendsen


Bonnie Arendsen, 73, of Oakland, passed away Monday, Jan. 6, 2025.

Bonnie was a member of Oakland Christian Reformed Church. She worked at VETPO for several years until she started her favorite job of taking care of her grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Duane; her children and grandchildren, Mike and Shanna Arendsen (Riley and Cade), Deborah and Brian Raak (Emily, Nathan, and Lindsey), and Becky Arendsen; her sisters, Carol and Jerry Proctor, Mary and Doug Root, Nancy Compagner, and Judy Morris; and many nieces and nephews.

Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents, Stuart and Jean Zandstra; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Andy and Amy Arendsen, and her brother-in-law, Rick Compagner.

Funeral services were held Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, at Oakland Christian Reformed Church, 4460 38th Street, Hamilton. Interment was in Bentheim Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to Hospice of Holland.

Lawrence Blourne


Lawrence James Blourne, 75, of Zeeland, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025.

Larry was born Lawrence Leo Carolan III to Lawrence Leo Carolan II and Margaret (Schmuki) in Philadelphia, Pa. in 1949. He grew up in Wenonah, N.J. with his mother, stepfather James Blourne, and half-siblings Barbara and Jimmy, who all preceded him in death.

After graduating from Deptford High School, Larry volunteered for the service and was in the U.S. Army for three years during Vietnam. Once back home, Larry started driving tractor-trailers and worked for several companies, finally settling in at Dennis Trucking Co./Woodhaven Foods.

Larry drove for Woodhaven for many years, delivering food from Philadelphia to New York City (downtown, midtown, and Spanish Harlem). He loved having coffee and a bagel while watching the sun come up over the Statue of Liberty. Larry was in his element in NYC. He accumulated more than 500,000 miles accident-free while delivering there. One of his customers called him "One Shot," because of his ability to back up the truck in one shot, blindside, into a loading dock on a NYC street. Larry was trusted so much by some of his customers that they gave him a key to their business so he could make deliveries in the middle of the night while no one else was there.

When Woodhaven was sold, the family moved to Hamilton, near where his wife Lynne grew up. He finished his career by driving 15 years as a road driver for USF Holland. He took days off whenever he could to see his kids participating in their activities.

After Larry retired, he loved going to the gym, watching football (especially the Philadelphia Eagles), and taking care of his prized Jeep. He loved life and loved his family. He was always willing to help someone in need.

He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Lynne; three children, Matthew, Sean, and Shannon (Tony) Emerson; and many extended family and friends.

A private family gathering will take place at a later date.

Donations in memory of Larry can be made to Community Action House, 739 Paw Paw Dr., Holland, MI 49423 or online at communityactionhouse.app.neoncrm.com/forms/give.

Daniel Kooman


Daniel James Kooman, 56, of Zeeland, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, surrounded by his family, following a two-year cancer battle.

Dan was born in Zeeland on March 19, 1968 to James and Betty (Vanden Bosch) Kooman.  Dan graduated from Zeeland High School and the building trades school at the Ottawa County Tech Center in 1986.  He started working in construction and later became a self-employed builder/remodeling contractor.  

Dan married Bonnie Hoeve on Oct. 4, 1991, and they raised their children in Zeeland.  Dan and Bonnie are members of Family Church-Redwood Campus.    

Dan's greatest hobby was woodworking.  He and his family enjoyed state park camping, visiting Disney World, hiking, kayaking, and bike riding.  Dan's family was his joy, and he loved quality family time.  He enjoyed traveling, and especially visiting the Smoky Mountains. 
Dan's Christian faith was strong, and he loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents in 2024, his father-in-law, Bob Hoeve, in 2022, and his brother-in-law, Brian Hoeve, in 2005.

He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Bonnie; daughter, Anna (Ben) Eisele; son, Nick Kooman; sister, Diane (Barry) Westveld; brother, Dave Kooman; mother-in-law, Geneva Hoeve; in-laws, Bernie (Lisa) Hoeve, Bruce (Patty) Hoeve, Amy (Russ) Kellicut and Calvin (Emily) Hoeve; and many extended family members.

A family memorial service was held at Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St., Zeeland. Memorial contributions may be made to the Family Church Redwood-Local Missions.

Stanley Overbeek


Stanley Overbeek, 93, went to be with his heavenly Father on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025.

Stan was born on Feb. 19, 1931, in the Hamilton area. He was a dairy farmer and lived and worked on his family’s farm his whole life.

During retirement, Stan and Theresa enjoyed many years of bus trips around the country and winters in Florida where they made many new friends.

Stan was preceded in death by Theresa, his wife of 68 years, who passed away in June 2024, and his parents, Henry and Hannah Overbeek.

He is survived by his children, Nancy (Dan) Smith, Glenn (Vicki) Overbeek, Rita (Kelly) Hoezee, Rhonda (Steve) Lameyer; grandchildren, Mitch (Tegan) Nuismer, Scott (Betsy) Nuismer (great-grandson, Samuel), Ashley (Jim) Duer, Erica Overbeek, Kurtis (Laura) Hoezee (great-granddaughter, Kacey), Katelyn (Tyler) Bliek, Allison Lameyer, Paige Lameyer, and Chase Lameyer.

Funeral services were held Friday, Jan. 10, at Hamilton Christian Reformed Church, 3596 47th St. Hamilton. Burial took place in East Saugatuck Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Stan’s honor may be given to Gentiva Hospice.

Donna Snoek


Donna Snoek, 92, of Holland, passed into the arms of her Lord on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, at Holland Hospital surrounded by family.

Donna was a long-term member of Third Christian Reformed Church in Zeeland. She was a caring soul. She spent 37 years working as a nurse’s aide. In retirement she enjoyed helping with grandchildren and later volunteering. She enjoyed family most of all.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul, in 1985, and brother, Milton Wyngarden, in 2023.

Donna is survived by her sons, Dirk and Linda Snoek of Grand Rapids, and Dean and Nancy Snoek of Holland; grandchildren, Emily Snoek and Jason Griess of Pittsburgh, Pa., Jacklyn and Dillon Tanis of Holland, Ben Snoek of Washington D.C. and Zach Snoek and Claire Martin of Auburn Hills; great-granddaughter, Delta Mae Griess; siblings, Glenn Wyngarden of Zeeland and Lois and Ed Hoeksema of Grand Rapids; in-laws, Marian Peterson of Lansing and Terry White of Traverse City.

Funeral services were held Thursday, Jan. 9, at Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E. 16th St., Holland. Burial was in Pilgrim Home Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Third Christian Reformed Church Memorial Fund.

Lane Knoll


Lane Knoll, 73, passed away on Jan. 3, 2025.

Work was an important part of his identity. He was always a natural engineer who loved when a project came together just right. Becker Scrap, Brenner Oil, D.K. Construction and the bus maintenance garage were highlights. He would have worked longer if his health had allowed.

A natural steward of his community, he used to keep his Suburban prepared with tow straps, etc. to help others, and always kept his scooter stocked with treats for the neighborhood dogs. His quirky sense of humor, mischief, and gratitude will carry on with his family.

Lane deeply appreciated the world around us. He enjoyed taking his golf cart out for a slow roll through the trees at dusk and was once an avid fisherman. Time on Harley-Davidson motorcycles, whether with friends or solo, was a joy of his.

Special appreciation is extended to his home care nurse, Holland Hospital staff, and first responders as well as his caring neighbors.

Lane was preceded in death by his beautiful wife, Barb. He is survived by his siblings, Avis Hunt, Dwight (Gerda), Curt (Cheryl) and Ross (Sue) Knoll; children, Angela Schaddelee and Aaron (Amy) Knoll; six grandchildren, Casper, Lane, Michael, Paige, Troy and Riley.
In lieu of flowers, those who are able are encouraged to donate to a fund or cause you believe would be close to his heart. Lane was a strong, kind and creative man, as well as a good friend who will be missed.

A celebration of life will be held later this spring.

Vivian Johnson


Vivian Ann Johnson, 93, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, in Zeeland.

Vivian was born in Holland Feb. 6, 1931 to Cornelius and Bonna Lynn (Dyer) Wentzel. A lifelong resident of the area, she was a nursing assistant for many years.

Vivian was preceded in death by her husband, Hollis Johnson, in 2007.

She is survived by her daughters, Linda (Joe) Cullen and Annette Johnson; grandchildren, LCPL Kyle (Nicole) Broekhuis, Kelcey Broekhuis, Joey Cullen, Tyler Cullen and Nicole Cullen; great-grandchildren, Brayden, Isabelle, and Emmett; and many extended family and friends.

A visitation was held Monday, Jan. 6 at Lakeshore Memorial Services, 11939 James St., Holland.

Jeanette Cogswell


Jeanette E. Cogswell, 100, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024.

Services for were held Wednesday, Jan. 8 at First Baptist Church Zeeland, 246 W Main Ave. Zeeland.