Steven Zavadil, 69
Steven Paul Zavadil, 69, of Holland, passed away Friday, March 21, 2025 in Zeeland.
Steven was born in Holland March 2, 1956 to Richard F. and Jennie (Waskin) Zavadil. He was a self-employed contractor for most of his career.
Steve is survived by his siblings, Mike (Cindy) Zavadil, Jeff Zavadil and Chris Cosenzo, Rick (Mary) Zavadil, Kathy (Gary) Wabeke and Nancy (Joe) Nash; many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.
A private gathering to celebrate Steve’s life is being planned and will take place at a later date.
Terry Buter, 67
Terry K. Buter, 67, of Hersey, formerly of Holland, passed away peacefully on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025.
Terry was born Aug. 3, 1957. He and his younger brother, Tom, were sons of Kenneth and Shirley Buter of Zeeland. Terry went to Zeeland Christian School and graduated from Holland Christian High School, where he was an avid wrestler.
Terry married Marlene Ward on March 27, 1982, and together they raised their two daughters in Holland.
Terry worked for many years as a supervisor at ODL in Zeeland, then he worked as a tow truck driver and became part-owner of D&L Services. Terry later went on to manage Bob’s Auto Tech, owned by his good friend Larry DeBoer.
Terry was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Shirley Buter; nephew, Sean Buter; sister-in-law, Jayne Buter; and in-laws, Michael Ward, Dorene Scharke, Kathleen McLachlin and Pat McCauley.
Terry is survived by his wife of 42 years, Marlene (Ward) Buter; daughters, Sandra (Michael) Dankovic and Chris (Matt) Mills; brother, Tom Buter; in-laws, Eileen Heeringa, Cristine (Ed) Shearer, Gary Scharke, Duane McCauley, Pauline (Gordon) Fisher, Terrie Vann-Ward, Mark (Laura) Ward and Matthew (Donna) Ward; nephew, Tory (Lauren) Buter; grandchildren, Cayden Mills and twins Leilani and Kiera Mills; and many extended family members and friends.
An open-house style celebration of life gathering will be held Friday, March 28 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St., Zeeland.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Harbor Humane Society (harborhumane.org/ donate) or your local animal shelter.
Pauline Meeuwsen, 97
Pauline Ruth Meeuwsen, 97, went home to her Lord and Savior on Friday, March 21, 2025.
She was born in Zeeland on March 9, 1928, to Angeline (De Witt) and Martin Nagelkirk, the oldest of eight children.
Pauline was a graduate of Zeeland High School, and on Sept. 30, 1949, married Robert (Bob) Meeuwsen. He preceded her in death in 2013. They lived in the Holland and Zeeland area during their married life.
Surviving are her children, Cliff and Karen Meeuwsen, Arlen and Cathie Meeuwsen, Suann and Jim Zwiers, Ross and Lorri Meeuwsen, and Robb Meeuwsen; 13 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren, with her first great-great-grandchild soon to be born; siblings, Sherwin Nagelkirk, Goldie Lubben, Ardie and Don Vander Schaaf, Marcia and Joe Wiggers, and Terry and Deb Nagelkirk; sister-in-law, Phyllis Hommerson; and many nieces and nephews.
Preceding her in death are her parents; brothers, Melvin Nagelkirk and Dennis Nagelkirk; granddaughter, Kimberly Jo Meeuwsen; in-laws, Jeanette Nagelkirk and George Lubben; parents-in-law, Dan and Sena Meeuwsen; and all of Bob’s seven siblings and their spouses.
A celebration of Pauline’s life was held at Community Reformed Church on Wednesday, March 26. Burial was in Restlawn Memorial Gardens in Holland.
Memorial contributions may be given to Samaritan’s Purse or the Bible League.
Janet Vander Schuur, 83
Janet Mae Vander Schuur, 83, went to her heavenly home on Friday, March 21, 2025.
Born on Jan. 31, 1942 on the family homestead in Beaverdam, she is a fifth-generation Bekins family member to own and live on her family farm. Janet was a farm girl at heart, raised on a dairy farm and one-time Ottawa County Dairy Queen.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John & Marian Hirdes; and her in-laws, Dan and Ann Vander Schuur.
Survived by her husband of 63 years, Larry Vander Schuur; children, Kurt Vander Schuur, Sheri and Dave Hamming, and Dan Vander Schuur; grandchildren, Sam (Eric) Tornga, Liz (Martin) Oja, Aaron Hamming, Anna (Nolan) Petroelje, Nick Vander Schuur and Ben (Jenna) Vander Schuur; great-grandchildren, Ellie and Marlie Tornga, and Millie Petroelje; sisters, Marilyn (Dave) Vereeke and Betty (Bill) Rynsburger; brother-in-law, Darle (Shirley) Vander Schuur; and many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends may meet with Janet’s family on Friday, March 28 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St., Zeeland,. and from 10 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 29 at the old Beaverdam Reformed Church, now Redeemer Christian School, 7250 Ransom St., Zeeland, prior to her funeral service that starts at 11 a.m. Interment will be in Blendon Township Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to The Road Map (theroadmap.org), a Michigan-based Christian ministry.
LaVerne Bronkema, 85
LaVerne (Vern) Bronkema, 85, of Holland, passed away on Friday, March 21, 2025.
He was born and raised in Holland. He worked the majority of his life with his father, John, and brother, Dale, laying brick and stone for Bronkema Brothers Masonry.
Vern is survived by his wife of 63 years, Joanne; children, Mike (Lona) Bronkema, Carol (Connor) Holt, Cal (Linda) Bronkema, and Linda Geurink (Steve, passed away in 2013).
A funeral service was held on Tuesday, March 25 at Noordeloos Christian Reformed Church, 4055 112th Ave., Holland, with Rev. Brady Mulder officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Holland, 270 Hoover Blvd., Holland, MI 49423.
Linda Vollink, 77
Linda (Lin) Vollink, age 77, unexpectedly went to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, March 19, 2025.
Linda was born on April 12, 1947 and was adopted at a young age by her parents, John and Margaret Keen. Linda attended Faith Reformed Church in Zeeland for many years.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Harold, and son-in-law, Paul Treffers.
She is survived by her daughter, Rebecca and Matt VanderKooi; daughter, Rachel Treffers and partner Jamie Meyer; grandchildren, Anna and Nate Schulz, Holly VanderKooi, Nick and Michelle Scholl, and Taylor Scholl (Krissy Sluiter); great-grandchildren, Will, Maddy, Nora and Ella; brother-in-law, Jim Tenckinck; and recently-discovered siblings, Richard Bayne, Marva Duram, Ron Bayne and Jerry Messenger.
A memorial service will be held Friday, April 4 at 11 a.m. at Faith Reformed Church, 220 W. Central Ave., Zeeland, with Rev. Jonathan Elgersma officiating. Lunch will follow the service.
Visitation with the family will be Thursday, April 3, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St., Zeeland.
Memorial contributions in Linda’s honor may be given to Faith Reformed Church or Harbor Humane Society.
Harriet Veele, 94
Harriet Jane (Busscher) Veele, 94, passed away on Tuesday, March 18, 2025.
“Harriet Jane” was born on June 21, 1930, to Harry and Jeanette (Walters) Busscher. She held cherished memories of her formative years on her family’s farm on 96th Avenue in Zeeland with her seven siblings.
In 1948, she married the late Adrian Veele, Jr. They shared nearly 72 years of marriage. They raised their five children in the Zeeland and Holland area. As a current member of Calvary Holland Church for more than 40 years, she continued to practice a life of faith and fellowship.
Harriet is survived by her daughter, Connie Werner; sons, Duane Veele (Pat Gemmen) and Steve Veele (Lisa Garcia); 15 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; sons-in-law, Ron Schreur and Kelly Wagner; in-laws, Wilma Busscher, Lillian Busscher, Rose Busscher, Byron VanTil, and Marlene Veele; and many cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Harriet was preceded in death by her parents and all seven siblings. Her brothers were Jay, Art, Ken, Don and Virgil Busscher. Her sisters were Ruth Staat and Marcia VanTil. In 2020, she lost her husband, Adrian Veele, Jr. She bore the strength to bury two of her daughters, Diane (2016) and Sharon (2023). She grieved for the losses of son-in-law, Jack Werner, and her great-granddaughter, Madison Veele.
A memorial service was held Saturday, March 22 at Lakeshore Memorial Services, 11939 James St., Holland.
Dennis Brouwer, 93
Dennis Dale Brouwer, age 93, was welcomed into the arms of the Lord on March 17, 2025.
As a lifelong member of North Holland Reformed Church, Denny grew up to have a strong faith. Often leading others by example, he is remembered for his selfless nature, servant’s heart, and wisdom.
Denny was preceded in death by his brother, Cory Brouwer; sister, Rose Harvey; sister-in-law, Marie Brouwer and brother-in-law, Elmer Arens.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Emily Brouwer; children, Amy (Bruce) Veldman, Lonnie (Dianne Rife) Brouwer and Loren Brouwer; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; sisters, Betty Arens, Shirley (Glen) Verekee and Judy (Peter) Weber.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, March 28 at 11 a.m. at Lakeshore Memorial Services, 11939 James St., Holland. Burial will follow at Restlawn Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to North Holland Reformed Church, 12050 New Holland St., Holland, MI 49424.
Glenda Broene, 71
Glenda Joyce Broene, 71, of Hudsonville, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2025.
Born on April 28, 1953 to Bernard and Janet (DeWitt) Schout, Glenda’s life was marked by her unwavering faith, her infectious humor, and her profound love for her family and friends.
Glenda’s professional life was a reflection of her nurturing spirit, as she dedicated many years to the joy of being an at home daycare provider and serving as a school aide. Her love for children was evident not only with her own family but also in the care and attention she gave to each child she taught.
Glenda’s legacy is carried on by her husband of 48 years, Rick Broene, who stood by her side as a testament to enduring love and partnership. She was the mother of three sons, Nate (Jade) Broene, Nick (Leilani) Broene and Joel (Delane) Broene. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Xavier, Jaxon, Kaena, and Jett; sisters, Millie Baker and Esther (Don) Bosch, and sister-in-law, Ellen (Gary) Bouwens.
Glenda was preceded in death by her parents; her brother-in-law, Jerry Baker; and her dear uncle and aunt, Gerald and Juletta Van Nuil.
Funeral services have taken place. Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Hospice.
David Brower, 82
The Rev. David Angus Brower, 82, of Howell, formerly of Zeeland, died peacefully Thursday, March 6, 2025.
David was born Sept. 25, 1942. He graduated from Zeeland High School in 1961, then graduated college and earned master’s degrees in education, anthropology, and divinity. He was ordained a priest in the Episcopal Church in 1979.
More than four decades of parochial ministry began in the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan and culminated in the Episcopal Diocese of Western Michigan. He also served as rector of churches in Ohio and western New York.
In 2005, David and his wife Clara returned to the Diocese of Western Michigan through which they both remained active in ministry until 2023. They lived in David’s birthplace of Zeeland for 18 years.
David is survived by his wife of 60 years, Clara (Grant) Brower; daughter, Cassandra (Edmond); grandchildren, Thor, Rowan, and Sirona; sisters, Mary Elgersma of Plainwell and Ruth Rutherford of Niles; and sister-in-law, Sheron Brower of Watervliet. He was preceded in death by his parents, Angus and Emma (Anderson) Brower, and two brothers, John and Paul.
A memorial service will be held at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 504 Prospect St., Howell, on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 11 a.m.
