Dennis Gebben, 81
Dennis Gebben, 81, of Zeeland, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 16, 2025.
Dennis was born Aug. 24, 1943, in Zeeland, to Albert and Kathryn (Nagelkirk) Gebben. He graduated from Holland Christian High School, Grand Valley State College, and Western Michigan University. He married Nancy Ver Hulst in 1967.
Dennis was an environmental geologist and worked most of his professional career at Williams and Works Engineering. Later in life, he worked in real estate, specializing in farmland, and did some environmental consulting.
Dennis was a member of Third Reformed Church where he served as an elder and deacon. He served on the Zeeland City Council from 1975 to 1982, and later on the Holland Township Planning Commission for several years. Dennis also served his country for four years in the U.S. Air Force in the 1960s.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Nancy; their children and grandchildren, Dan Gebben, Katie and Dayne Jarvis (Josie, Stella, Addy, Gabe), Kristin and Duncan Jackson (Lily), Kara and John Green (Penny, Lucy, Owen); siblings, Barb Schmidt, Ruth and Ron Grassmid, John and Jan Gebben, Steve and Bev Gebben; sister-in-law, Helen Ver Hulst, and many extended family members.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 22 at Third Reformed Church, 111 W. 13th St., Holland. Visiting hours will be 5-8 p.m. Friday, March 21, also at Third Reformed Church. Memorial contributions may be made to Third Reformed Church, Resthaven, or NPR Blue Lake 88.9 FM.
Arrangements are by the Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St., Zeeland.
Charlotte Van Haitsma, 89
Charlotte (Char) Van Haitsma, of Zeeland, passed away Friday, March 14, 2025, on her 89th birthday.
Char was born March 14, 1936, in Holland, to Isaac & Cornelia (Vanden Heuvel) Kleis. She graduated from Holland Christian High School and later married Dale Van Haitsma on Sept. 14, 1956.
Dale and Char raised their children in Zeeland and were charter members of Haven Christian Reformed Church. Char and Dale are currently members of Covenant Presbyterian Church. She worked as a cashier at several area grocery stores and retired from Langeland-Sterenberg and Yntema Funeral Homes following 15 years of service.
Char was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers and in-laws: Gerald Kleis, Ken and Margaret Kleis, Stan and Ruth Kleis, Roger Kleis, Richard De Korte, Dale Eding, Glenn and Ruth Van Haitsma and Rosie Van Haitsma.
She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Dale; their children and grandchildren, Linda and Tom Barense (Brian and Kerri Johnson, Nick and Kylie Weaver, Josh and Kaylin Isenga), Mary and Denny Achterhof (Katie Mulder, Bradley and Kalynn Achterhof, Amy and Mike Quick), Mike and Amy Van Haitsma (Madison and Tucker De Graaf, Sydney Van Haitsma), 15 great-grandchildren; in-laws, Marge Kleis, Terry and Judy Van Haitsma and Carol De Korte-Eding; and many extended family and friends.
A funeral service was held Tuesday, March 18, at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1015 E. 32nd St., Holland. Interment was in Zeeland Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Cure International, 70 Ionia Ave. SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.
Thelma Pelon, 87
Thelma Pelon, 87, of Zeeland, died Friday, March 14, 2025.
She was a member of Central Avenue Christian Reformed Church and worked in food service for many years, ending her career at Zeeland Bakery.
Thelma was preceded in death by her husband, Aud, in 2015; siblings, Laura Beelen, Ken and Elaine Beelen, Howard and Vonnie Beelen, Vern and Lucille Beelen and Milt Beelen; in-laws, Aggie Beelen, Ed Pelon, Anita and Jerome Essink and Mary Beelen.
She is survived by her children, Cal and Jane Pelon, Sue and Chuck Plockmeyer, Sally Pelon and Sherri Walters; grandchildren, Dave and Cassie Pelon, Lisa and Micah Van Regenmorter, Jon and Stacy Pelon, Kevin and Alicia Plockmeyer, Jeff and Kristin Keen, Kory and Lauren Plockmeyer, Emily Walters, Kara and Micah Kooyers, Christopher and Kynedi Walters; 20 great-grandchildren with another great-granddaughter soon to arrive; brother, Rev. Marvin Beelen; sisters-in-law, Mary Beelen and Gloria Pelon; several nieces and nephews.
The Pelon family would like to thank Grace and Faith of Hospice of Holland for the long-term gracious care they gave their mother.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, March 18 at Central Avenue Christian Reformed Church, 259 Central Ave., Holland, with Revs. Chad Steenwyk and Kevin Kornelis officiating. Burial was in Pilgrim Home Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to Holland Christian Schools or Hospice of Holland.
Delores Rady, 88
Dolores Ann (Lorrie) Rady, 88, of West Olive, passed away on Thursday, March 13, 2025 at SKLD in Zeeland.
Dolores was born in Durand to Hollis and Iva Porteron on May 2, 1936. She completed two years of coursework at Michigan State University, where she met her husband, Harold A. Rady, Jr. They were married Aug. 22, 1956 and he survives.
Delores was a full-time homemaker who worked in local antique shops and as an assistant librarian. She loved her Chihuahua, her Scottish Terrier and three Golden Retrievers as well as her multitudes of ducks and geese.
In addition to her husband, Dolores is survived by her children, Jennifer and Greg Holt of Holland, and Patrick Rady and partner Marc Williams, of Ypsilanti; grandchildren, Phillip Holt and Nicholas Holt of Holland; and nephew, Chris Rady of Morehead City, N.C. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Memorial donations may be made to the Harbor Humane Society, 14345 Bagley St., West Olive, MI 49460. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Holland Hospital Home Care staff, SKLD Nursing and Emmanuel Hospice.
Muriel DeVos, 71
Muriel “Mert” DeVos, 71, passed away on Sunday, March 9, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, dedication, and joy.
Born on April 4, 1953, Mert’s life was a testament to her unwavering spirit and her commitment to caring for others.
Mert’s passion for learning was evident from her early days, as she graduated from Calvin Christian High School and pursued a career in nursing. Her educational journey led her to the Pine Rest School of Nursing where she earned her LPN, and she continued to expand her knowledge and skills, receiving her BSN from the University of Michigan.
Mert’s dedication to her profession was unmatched. She worked tirelessly at Mary Free Bed and Butterworth Hospital in the intensive care unit before earning her Nurse Practitioner degree at Grand Valley State University. Her career took her to an infertility clinic and then to Zeeland Community Hospital, where she served as a hospitalist, touching the lives of countless individuals with her kindness and expertise.
Mert will be dearly missed by her siblings, Linda (Steve) Verkaik, Sandy Frye, Connie (Tom) Witte, Ron DeVos and Carla (Terry) VenHuizen; and her numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Barbara DeVos; and her niece, Cassie Witte.
Relatives and friends may meet with Mert’s family on Saturday, March 29 from 10 to 11 a.m. at Immanuel Christian Reformed Church, 3520 Kiel St., Hudsonville, where a memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Burial will take place at Rosedale Memorial Park Cemetery in Tallmadge Township.
William Bird, 77
William “Bill” Bird, 77, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, March 12, 2025.
He was the son of Gilbert and Wilhelmina Bird and was preceded in death by his brother, Leonard Bird.
“Bird” is survived by his wife of 54 years, Jenine; children, Josh (Jamie) Bird, Sarah (Lance) Young; grandchildren, Lena Young, Kayden Bird, Hailey Young, Kyler Young, Bryce Bird and Tessa Bird; brother, Thomas (Rita) Bird; in-laws, Patrice Sysko, Norman (Char) Prins and Gerritt Zylstra; several nieces and nephews.
Bill grew up on the East Coast in New Jersey and Delaware. He attended Dordt College in Sioux Center, Iowa, where he studied vocal music and met his beautiful wife and dearest ally, Jenine. They shared immense passions for music, antiques, and flowers.
“Mr. Bird” is a name that those who have experienced him will carry in their hearts for a lifetime. Mr. Bird taught vocal music for 41 years. Beginning at Western Christian High School in Hull, Iowa, he taught for 22 years, from 1969 to 1991. He then taught at Holland Christian High School for 19 years, from 1991 to 2010. Mr. Bird meaningfully impacted thousands of students with both his presence in their lives, as well as their experiences as members of his choirs. Mr. Bird deeply loved both the Western Christian and Holland Christian communities, and proudly valued the honor of teaching. Mr. Bird always emphasized that “everyone can sing!”
A celebration of life service will be at 3 p.m. today at Christ Memorial Church, 595 Graafschap Rd., Holland, with Rev. Gary Matthews officiating. Jenine’s request is that “no one wears black.” Echoing true Mr. Bird form, “bright and colorful dress would be appreciated.” A time of fellowship will follow the service. A private family burial will take place in Graafschap Cemetery.
A livestream of the service will be available at youtube.com/live/ e_hs8wrDB6o.
In Mr. Bird’s honor, an endowment will be set up at Holland Christian High School to support the vocal music department: hollandchristian.org/donate. All memorial gifts in Bill’s name will go to this endowment.
Elizabeth VanWieren, 30
Elizabeth Renee VanWieren, 30, of Holland, passed away on Tuesday, March 11, 2025.
She was a graduate of Zeeland East High School and earned a degree in nursing from Grand Rapids Community College. She most recently worked in home health care.
Elizabeth is survived by her parents, Timothy and Christina VanWieren; boyfriend, Uriel (Rudy) Campa and their dog “Goose”; brother, Adam and Kalynne VanWieren; sister, Sarah VanWieren; grandparents, Ted Fik and Merry VanWieren. She was preceded in death by her grandma, Hazel Fik and grandpa, Robert “Bob” VanWieren, and an aunt, Michelle Kruithof.
A private service will be held with burial in Graafschap Cemetery. A celebration of Elizabeth’s life will be held at a later date.
Keith Mokma, 69
Keith Laren Mokma, 69, of Holland, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, March 10, 2025.
Keith was a longstanding member of Family Church - Ebenezer Campus, where he served in various capacities throughout the years. He was a lifelong farmer, taking pride in working the land God gave us. He enjoyed attending tractor pulls, camping, playing cards, jigsaw puzzles, and watching activities and sporting events of his children and grandchildren.
Keith is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Kathy; children, Jennifer (James) Addessi of Zeeland, Matt (Reba) Mokma of Hamilton and Rob (Paige) Mokma of Hudsonville; grandchildren, Brianna Gabrion, Brendan Gabrion (Tiernan Nykamp), Madelyn Gabrion, Luciana Addessi, Giovanni Addessi, Kolton Mokma, Easton Mokma, Deacon Mokma, Kennadi Mokma, Austin Mokma and Addison Mokma; brothers, Arnold (Marilyn) Mokma of Wooster, Ohio, Delbert (Betty) Mokma of Kentwood, and Earl (Judy) Mokma of Zeeland; in-laws, Cal (Jane) Van Oss of Holland, Chuck (Amy) Van Oss of Hamilton, Karen Van Oss of Holland, Kristy (Alan) Brown of Holland, and several nieces and nephews.
Keith was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis and Jeannette Mokma; brother, Allen Mokma; sister-in-law, Marilyn Mokma; and parents-in-law, Howard and Joan Van Oss.
Funeral services were held Friday, March 14 at Family Church - Ebenezer Campus, 5166 E. Ottogan Rd., Holland with Pastor Keith Stewart officiating. Burial was in East Holland Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Family Church Ebenezer Campus Local Missions Fund.
