Barbara Ver Beek, 70
Barbara Ann Ver Beek, 70, of Hamilton, passed away peacefully surrounded by her husband and sons on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025.
Her life was centered on her family and her faith. Born on March 28, 1955, in Grand Rapids, she was the eldest of two girls adopted by William and Gladys Jean Beckman of Holland. She graduated from Holland Christian High School.
During the hot summer of 1975, she was attending Hope College when she met Randy Lee Ver Beek and he proposed at her father’s Mountain Beach cottage. They married March 5, 1976 and shared 49 years together.
Barb held many roles over the years, working at LifeSavers, Shoreline Orthopedic, and South Washington Family Medicine. She was an active member in the Oakland Christian Reformed Church, worked as a custodian, and volunteered for years at City on Hill Ministries, but the most important role to her was stay-at-home mother, grandmother, and babysitter to many family friends that she loved like her own.
She was preceded in death by her father and mother, and father-in-law, Gordon Ver Beek.
She is survived by her loving husband of 49 years, Randall Lee Ver Beek; sons, Ryan Ver Beek, Jonathan (Missy) Ver Beek and Matthew (Audrey) Ver Beek; grandchildren, Jacob and Jaiden Edwards, Brady Ver Beek, Hudson Ver Beek, Nathan and Jessica Ribbens, Eli, June, Anna, and Colleen Ver Beek; sister, Doug and Mary Sawyer, Alex Sawyer, Annie Stewart; mother-in-law, Henrietta Ver Beek; brother- and sister-in-laws, Robert and Sally Hoffman, Don and Mary Slotman, Randy and Jane Schutter; along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Visitation with the family is 5 to 7 p.m. tonight at Langeland Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E. 16th St., Holland. Private memorial services are being planned with family. Burial will take place in Bentheim Cemetery.
Memorial contributions in Barbara’s honor may be given to City on a Hill Ministries at coahm.org or by mail to 100 Pine St., Zeeland, MI 49464.
Roger Howard, 89
Roger Dale Howard, 89, of Zeeland, passed away Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025 at home surrounded by family.
Roger was born in Holland March 22, 1936 to Harold and Irene (Kievet) Howard. He was a lifelong resident of the area, working for Holland Die Cast for more than 30 years and retiring from Donnelly Corporation. Roger was a member of the Holland VFW, and could be found in his spare time tending to any gardening chores that would come up.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Joel Howard; sister, Karen Jordan; daughter-in-law, Pamela Howard; and grandson, Timothy Howard.
Roger is survived by his children, Timothy (Vicky) Howard, Stuart Howard, Wendy (Daniel) Humbarger and Jay (Connie) Howard; grandchildren, Jessica, Thomas, Leslie, Brian, Mark, Ashley, Austin and Aubrey; 10 great-grandchildren; sister, Marie Postma; and many extended family and friends.
A memorial service to celebrate Roger’s life will be Saturday, Sept. 13 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 246 W. Main Ave., Zeeland.
Gretchen Petroelje, 55
Gretchen Diane Petroelje, 55, of Zeeland, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025. Gretchen was a beloved daughter, sister, and friend, cherished by all who knew her.
Gretchen loved Jesus as her Lord and Savior and had a deeply expressed faith that was especially evident in her joyful worship.
Gretchen faced life’s challenges with a bright smile and an exceptional sense of humor that could light up a room and had an unforgettable personality.
She attended the Ottawa Area Center and later worked at KANDU Industries, where her spirit and determination shone brightly. She was a resident at Benjamin’s Hope, where she thrived in the supportive community and actively participated in numerous activities.
Gretchen is survived by her loving parents, Aud and Cathryn Petroelje; sisters, Kim and Larry DeGroot, and Susan and Vern Sommers; several nieces and nephews; her guardian, Eric Peterson; and her many special needs friends at Benjamin’s Hope. Gretchen was preceded in death by her sister, Sandy Fehrenbach.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 6 at Benjamin’s Hope, 15468 Riley St, Holland. Rev. Eric Peterson will officiate. A private family graveside at Zeeland Cemetery is also planned.
Memorial contributions are to Benjamin’s Hope to honor Gretchen’s memory and the joy she found in her time there. Arrangements are by Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St., Zeeland.
Marcia Fagerstrom, 79
Marcia Ann Fagerstrom, 79, passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025, at her home in Holland, surrounded by her loving family and under the care of Trinity Hospice, after a brief illness following her diagnosis with Lewy Body Dementia.
Marcia was born on July 3, 1946, in Holland to Benjamin and Margaret Kragt. After Benjamin’s passing, her mother later married Andy Westenbroek, who became a special part of Marcia’s life as an adult.
Marcia attended Holland Christian Schools and began her career as a phone operator with Michigan Bell. She later worked at Howard Miller and then with State Farm. Marcia will be remembered for her kindness, caring spirit, and radiant smile.
Marcia was dearly loved by many, especially her husband of 60 years, David Fagerstrom. Together they raised three children, Scott (Amy) Fagerstrom, Heidi (Todd) Berens and Nicole (Derek) Prins. Family was the greatest joy of her life, and she especially treasured her grandchildren - Brie (Geoff) Rouwhorst, Curtis Berens, Victoria (Spencer) Boeve, Marcus Brown, and Simon, Scarlett, and Iris Prins; as well as her step-grandchildren, Tiyana Eklund, and Shaelyn Espuet; and step-great-grandchild, Tevea Espuet.
Marcia’s faith in the Lord was the foundation of her life, and she lived it out through her kindness, love, and care for others.
A celebration of life service will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 10 at 11 a.m. at Immanuel Church, 325 104th Ave., Holland, with lunch to follow. Visitation will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 9, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Langeland–Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E. 16th St., Holland.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lewy Body Dementia Resource Center, Trinity Hospice, or Immanuel Church.
Keith Volkers, 67
Keith Volkers, 67, of Zeeland, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025.
Keith was born on Nov. 7, 1957, to Marvin and Hazel Volkers. He was raised in Zeeland and graduated in 1976 from Zeeland High School. Keith worked for 30 years for Corlett-Turner as a tool grinder, and Keith worked another five years for SPI before he retired.
Keith married his wife Sue on Sept. 27, 1997. Keith and Sue are members of Faith Reformed Church where Keith served as a Kids Hope volunteer.
Keith was a University of Michigan fan. You rarely saw Keith not wearing U-M gear, and you always knew what Keith was doing on fall Saturday afternoons. Keith was also a member of the Holland Elks Club and Pioneer Club. Keith also considered himself “the grillmaster” and he always loved a good joke.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Marv and Hazel; siblings Sharon, Marcia, Jay, Carol and Deb; father-in-law, Les Wiersma; and brother-in-law, Phil Wiersma.
He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Sue; their children and grandchildren, Bethany and Brian Bartman, Brandon and Megan Volkers, Josh and Sarah Wilson (Riley, Avarey, Karstyn), Becky and Steve Sharda (Caleb, Jaedyn, Kinley) and Lindsay and Mitch Vander Kooi (Alexis, Brady); brother, Larry and Volkers; mother-in-law, Jane Wiersma; in-laws, Pat and Michael Gentry, Mike and Pat Wiersma, and Kurt and Jan Wiersma; and many extended family members.
A memorial service was held Saturday, Aug. 30 at Faith Reformed Church, 220 W. Central Ave., Zeeland.
Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Reformed Church-Kids Hope, or Hospice of Holland. Arrangements were by Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St., Zeeland.
Gertrude Renkema, 98
Gertrude Renkema, 98, of Hudsonville, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025.
Gertrude was a member of Hudsonville Reformed Church in Hudsonville. She enjoyed living independently in her own home until she was just shy of her 99th birthday. She enjoyed baking and helping others in any way she could. Gertrude had a very strong faith and understanding of God.
She is survived by her children, Louisa Raguckis, Margaret Van Der Mark, Art and Dawn Renkema, and Bernie and Valerie Renkema; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Eric Raguckis, Adam Raguckis, Annie Muir and Adam Dertein (Brynn, Braydon), Ryan Van Der Mark, Ben and Racquel Renkema, Jon Renkema (Skylar), Daniel Renkema, Corey and Emily Bruursema (Lincoln, Cambria), Jordan and Danielle Bruursema (Annika, Noah, Aiden, Cannon), Josh Renkema, Lucas and Tavia Renkema (Parker, Hudson).
Gertrude was preceded in death by her husband, Bernard, in 1992; son, John Renkema; son-in-law, Ron Van Der Mark; grandsons Alex Raguckis and Curtis Bruursema; and great-grandson Sawyer Bruursema.
Funeral services were held Thursday, Aug. 28 at Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St., Zeeland. Interment was in Zeeland Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be given to Hudsonville Reformed Church.
Rita Vander Vliet, 75
Rita Darleen Vander Vliet, 75, of Holland, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025, after a courageous battle with Multiple System Atrophy (MSA).
Rita was born on Sept. 24, 1949, the firstborn to Ken and Mick Northouse, in Grand Rapids. She graduated from Unity Christian High School. It was there that she met her future husband, Bill Vander Vliet.
After getting married and graduating from Calvin College, Bill and Rita moved to the Detroit area where Rita taught elementary school at Southfield Christian while Bill was in medical school. After moving to Grand Rapids for Bill to complete his residency, they started their family, giving birth to Joel and then Bethany.
Their next move took them to Big Rapids where Rebecca was born. In 1986, they moved to Holland. Rita worked hard raising her young family and also worked as the manager for the Holland Chorale.
Rita returned to teaching after the kids were all in school. She taught many years at Holland Christian Schools, primarily as an eighth-grade teacher. After retirement, Rita volunteered at numerous organizations including The Bridge, Community Action House, Kids Hope USA, Holland Public Schools, Christ Memorial Church and Young Lives.
Bill and Rita were married more than 50 years before Rita was preceded in death by Bill in May of 2024. Rita was also predeceased by her parents; in-laws, William and Shirley Vander Vliet; sister, Lori Harrington; and three nephews.
Rita is survived by her children, Joel (Kelly) Vander Vliet, Bethany (Colin) Mulder and Rebecca (Brad) Kuipers; grandchildren, Mila and Willow Vander Vliet, Abby (fiancé Charlie Morton), Henry and Johanna Mulder, Josh, Luke, Gabe and Sam Kuipers; siblings, Terri (Harlan) Byker and Ken (Cheryl) Northouse; brother-in-law, Tom Harrington; in-laws, Vonna (Dave) VanWyk and Brad (Darleen) Vander Vliet; and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.
Memorial services were held Friday, Aug. 29 at Christ Memorial Church, 595 Graafschap Rd., Holland. Burial was in Pilgrim Home Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Camp Shout Out, PO Box 5336, Muskegon, MI 49445, or Hospice of Holland, Inc., 270 Hoover Blvd., Holland, MI 49423.
The family also wishes to extend a special thank you to the wonderful caregivers at Anchor Home Health Care, her overnight care team and her nurses and aides at Hospice of Holland for the wonderful care they provided over the past year and a half.
