Obituaries

John Middleton, 80


John Robbins Middleton Sr., 80, of Holland, passed away on Thursday, May 22, 2025.

John was born on June 23, 1944. He made a successful career in sales, contributing his expertise to the automotive, insurance, and mortgage industries. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing, archery, scuba diving, traveling, and bird watching. He proudly shared these passions with his children and grandchildren, leaving behind a legacy of adventure and love of nature.

He is survived by his wife, Susan Scarlett Middleton; children, Heather and Mike Mathery, John and Julie Middleton Jr., Peter and Cassidy Middleton, Andrew and Tammy Middleton; 11 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; siblings, Arthur and JoAnne Middleton 3rd, Alice and Don Westbrook, and Katherine Booth.

A celebration of life is being scheduled at a later time.

In honor of John and in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Wings of Hope Hospice, 530 Linn St. Allegan, MI 49010 or a charity of one’s choice.

Martin Kirkland, 62


Martin “Moose” Kirkland, age 62, passed away on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, surrounded by family.

Martin had many hobbies and interests throughout his life. He enjoyed bowling with his wife Denise and achieved multiple 300 games over the years. Remote control racing was also important to him, and he always had a good time participating in these races. Most recently, he began golfing with his sister and enjoyed spending time with her out on the course.

In addition to his many hobbies, Martin was an active volunteer at Holland VFW Post 2144, volunteering every Monday with Denise. He cherished spending time with his family and friends and making special memories.

Martin was preceded in death by his father, Dale Kirkland, uncle, Carl Kirkland, and in-laws Robert (Dolores) Van Slooten.

He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Denise Kirkland; children, Stephanie (Ed) Adams, William (Danielle) Kirkland and Samantha (Shane) Farnsworth; mother, Karen Kirkland; grandchildren, Dean and Lincoln Kirkland and Zepplin and Zachery Farnsworth. He is also survived by siblings Charles (Lori) Kirkland, Dennace (Tammy) Kirkland, Doris (Herb) Forker, DJ Kirkland; stepbrother, Jeff Singleton; in-laws, Cathy (James) Parmer, Mike (Kathy Jo) Van Slooten, Liz (Dan) French and Rob (Pam) Van Slooten; and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life is being planned for a later date; details will be announced when available.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Wings of Hope Hospice, Henry Ford Health, or to the American Liver Foundation.

Jeffrey Kouw, 53


Jeffery Kouw, 53, of West Olive passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, May 20, 2025.

Jeff graduated from West Ottawa High School in 1990. He attended Lake Superior State University for a year before continuing his education at Grand Valley State University. Jeff went on to serve in the United States Marine Corps. He was a proud veteran who held his military service close to his heart.

Jeff was a member of Community Reformed Church. He had a love for the outdoors and found joy in hunting, fishing, hiking, grilling and driving the boat. But more than anything, his greatest joy came from being a father. He and his daughters shared many memories, especially during time spent at the family cottage.

Jeff is survived by his three daughters, Emmaline, Makayla and Amelia; his mother, Donna Kouw; and the family dog, Marley. He was preceded in death by his father, Ron Kouw, in 2008.

A graveside ceremony will be held at Fort Custer National Cemetery to honor his life and service.

Arrangements are by Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St., Zeeland.

Roger Beukema, 82


Roger J Beukema, 82, of Holland, passed away on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at Holland Hospital.

Roger retired from Padnos Holland after 42 years of service. He was a member of Calvary on 8th Church in Holland.

Roger loved traveling with his wife, Sharon, especially the cruises to Alaska and Hawaii. He was often found at the Holland State Park either fishing, or just simply watching all the people enjoying Lake Michigan.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Vivian (Kuipers) Beukema.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Sharon; children, Kevin Beukema of Gaylord and Steven (Angela) Beukema of Latrobe, Pa.; grandchildren, Sofia, Dakota, and Logan; sisters, Patricia Fought of Holland and Mary Vander Maat of Portage; brother, Gary (Arla) Beukema of Holland; brother-in-law, David (Leslee) Caauwe; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A funeral service was held Friday, May 23, at Dykstra Funeral Homes Mulder Chapel, 188 W. 32nd St. in Holland, with Rev. Dan Carter officiating. Burial was in Restlawn Memorial Gardens.

Memorial contributions may be given to the American Cancer Society.

Robert Rietveld, 81


Robert “Bob” Rietveld, 81, passed away on Monday, May 19, 2025.

Bob was born in Amsterdam, the Netherlands to Gerrit and Margaretha Rietveld. He was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, nephew and cousin. He was also a strong advocate for all people.

Bob worked at Bohn Aluminum for 30 years and helped establish Union Local 1402 at Bohn. Once the union was in place, he pursued and established a skilled apprenticeship program for fellow employees.

Bob married the love of his life, Pat, in 1964. Their bold love story, including 61 years of marriage, is one that is truly unequaled.

Bob is survived by his wife, Pat; daughter, Natasha Rietveld; son, Robbie Rietveld; granddaughters, Brittany and Kianna Lemmen; and brother, Bill Rietveld.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Dick Rietveld.

A memorial service for Bob was held Saturday, May 24 at Lakeshore Memorial Services, 11939 James St., Holland.

Claudia Alba-Noriega, 45


Claudia Alba-Noriega, 45, of Holland, passed away Saturday, May 17, 2025 at home.

Claudia was born in Mexico Aug. 10, 1979. She worked for West Michigan Uniform for many years and attended St. Francis De Sales Catholic Church.

Claudia was passionate about her children and grandchildren and loved having her grandkids around. She loved fashion and home décor, and her dream was to become a carpenter.
Claudia will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her children, Daisy Galindo, Jose Mendoza, Victor (Adriene) Galindo, Cesar (Taylor) Galindo; grandchildren, Ivy and Bean; longtime partner, Hugo Galindo; and many extended family and friends.

A funeral Mass to celebrate Claudia’s life will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, May 30 at St. Francis De Sales Catholic Church, 171 W. 13th St., Holland.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. tonight at Lakeshore Memorial Services, 11939 James St., Holland, and from 9 a.m. until the time of the Mass at St. Francis on Friday.

It was Claudia’s wish that her visitation would be a celebration of her life. In accordance with this, she requested that anyone attending not wear black but instead dress in white. Please help the family honor her memory by wearing white to her visitation and funeral.

Ronald Hayes, 94


Ronald Lee Hayes, 84, of Holland, passed away Sunday, May 18, 2025 at home.

Ron was born in Douglas Oct. 11, 1940 to Charles and Lydia (Rutherford) Hayes. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Janice Simmons and James Hayes.

In his spare time, Ron enjoyed his winters in Florida or snowmobiling in Michigan. He also enjoyed golfing, go-carting, mud running, tinkering on vehicles and his famous Thursday night gatherings in his garage with family and friends. Ron was a key member of the “Hayes Racing Sprint Car Team” that included his nephew, David (Janna) Hayes, and good friend, Jeff (Cathy) DeRidder.

Ron is survived by his children, Randy Hayes, Rhonda Hayes, Anne Hayes, and Valerie (Daniel) Vasquez; grandchildren, Randa (fiancee Derek Leal) Hayes, Kendra Vittetoe, Chris Hayes, Lukas (Lenora) Dick, David (Katrina) Dick, Malachi (fiance Josie) Hayes, Daniel Vasquez Jr; nine great-grandchildren and another on the way; brothers, Keith (Diane) Hayes, and Charles “Chuck” (Kay-Lynn) Hayes; and many extended family and special friends.

A private celebration of Ron’s life is being planned for a later date.

Debra Schuurman, 71


Debra J. Schuurman, age 71, of Holland, passed away on Saturday, May 17, 2025.

Deb was born and raised in Holland. She attended Holland Public Schools and graduated with the class of 1972. She was a homemaker in her early years and later worked at and retired from Resthaven Care Center. She loved her family dearly, especially her animals (her dog Coco).

Deb is survived by her husband of almost 52 years, Darris Schuurman; children, Dean (Cammie Reed) Schuurman, Daniel Schuurman, Dawn (Steve) Quintero; grandchildren, Ricky Castro, Clayton Schuurman, Kyle Schuurman, Madison Quintero, Marissa Quintero, Chace Quintero and one great grandbaby on the way (it’s a boy); parents, Bob and Carol Glover; siblings, Bob (Ingrid) Glover, Diana (Graeme) Morgan, Mike (Kathee) Glover, Tammy Glover Otten.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Harbor Humane Society, 14345 Bagley St., West Olive, MI 49460.

Wallace Ryzenga, 83


Wallace Ryzenga, Sr., 83, of Holland, passed away peacefully, on Saturday, May 17, 2025.

Wally was co-owner of Nelson Steel Products, Inc. with his brother, Roger, continuing a family business which their father started. Wally served first as vice president and then president of Nelson Steel until retirement. Wally was a member of Christ Memorial Church.

Wally was preceded in death by his son, Wally Ryzenga, Jr.; brother, Roger Ryzenga; and parents Nelson and Ada Ryzenga.

Wally is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Laurie Ryzenga; children, Sandra and Kevin TenHarmsel, Deb and Jon DeVries; daughter-in-law, Sandy Ryzenga; grandchildren, Brian and Rachel TenHarmsel, Bradley and Kait TenHarmsel, Jennifer and Jeff Rozeboom, Ross and Cassie Ryzenga, Josh and Grace DeVries, Nicole DeVries; 7 great grandchildren; sister Janice and Del South; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held Friday, May 23, 2025 at Christ Memorial Church, 595 Graafschap Rd., Holland, with Rev. Bill Boersma officiating. Burial was in Pilgrim Home Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Escape Ministries or Humanity Share.

Virginia Harsevoort, 80


Virginia Mae Harsevoort, 80, of Zeeland, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 22, 2025.

Virginia was born in Zeeland on Dec. 8, 1944, to Harold and Helen (Zeerip) Hoezee. She graduated from Holland Christian High School in 1963, and she later married Gerald Harsevoort.

Over the years, Virginia worked for Royal Casket Co., Bunte’s Pharmacy and Thrifty Village, all of them in Zeeland. Virginia enjoyed bowling and water aerobics. She and Gerald were longtime members of Faith Reformed Church in Zeeland. Virginia and Gerald raised their daughter and two sons in Zeeland.

Gerald preceded Virginia in death in 2020, and their son, Steve Harsevoort, preceded them both in death in 2012. She was also preceded in death by brothers Chuck and Edward; in-laws, Antoinette and Bill Strong, Elaine Vander Kooi, Alvin and Lois Harsevoort, and Marie and Eugene Spoelman.

Virginia is survived by her daughter, Sue Harsevoort of Holland; son, Tom Harsevoort of Denville, N.J., siblings, Mary (Robert) Dannenberg, Willard and Barbara Hoezee, Harris Hoezee, and Joyce Oetman; in-laws, Muriel Hoezee, Virginia Hoezee, John Vander Kooi, Adeline and Larry Nykamp; and many extended family members.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 30, at Faith Reformed Church, 220 W. Central Ave., Zeeland. Visiting hours will be held tonight from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St., Zeeland.

Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Reformed Church - Breakfast with Baby Program.