Obituaries

Lee Wever, 79


Lee Allan Wever, age 79, of Holland, passed away Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 at his home after a courageous battle with advanced Parkinson’s disease.

Lee was born in Muskegon and grew up on the family farm in Fremont. He participated in 4-H where he met the love of his life, Sonja. 

Lee attended Michigan State University, where he received his undergraduate and master’s degrees in education technology. He taught agriculture and diesel mechanics for more than 30 years at the Fremont Area Career Center and Calhoun Area Tech Center. After his retirement, he managed the Habitat for Humanity Restore in Battle Creek.

Lee was a member of Christ Community Church in Battle Creek for more than 30 years, serving in countless roles; Harlem Reformed Church for eight years, serving as a Cadet leader; and was most recently a member of Faith Reformed Church of Zeeland.

Lee was preceded in death by his sister, Doreen Plaisier.

Lee is survived by his wife of 59 years, Sonja Wever; children, Jeff (Patti) Wever of Battle Creek and Craig (Toni) Wever of Zeeland; grandchildren, Megan (Andrew) Hurrle, Taylor (Mark) Lubin, Weston Wever, Savanna Park, Adeline Wever and Thomas Wever; great-grandchildren, Cole, Maddie, Cameron and Payton; siblings, Sheryl Miner of Georgia and Wayne (Sue) Wever of Fremont; and brother-in-law, Nihil (Char) VanderHoning of Sand Lake.

Funeral services are planned for 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 3, at Faith Reformed Church, 220 W. Central Ave., Zeeland, with Rev. Jonathan Elgersma officiating. Burial will be in West Drenthe Cemetery. Visitation is scheduled for tonight from 5 to 7 p.m., also at the church. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Kenya Hope and the Faith Student Ministry Mission Scholarship Fund.

Charles O’Connor, 78


Charles E. “Skip” O’Connor Sr., 78 of Holland, passed away Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025.

Skip was born in Holland May 12, 1947 to Charles and Delores (Katz) O’Connor. He was a member of New Richmond Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon for many years. 

Skip was a veteran of the United States Army, enjoyed keeping in contact with friends on his ham radio (WB8WTZ), worked for Woodward FST for many years prior to retirement, and enjoyed family time in a camping club for many years.

Skip is survived by his wife of 58 years, Alice (Armstrong) O’Connor; children, Charles “Chuck” (Callie) O’Connor, Kim (John) VanLaan, and David O’Connor; grandchildren, Margo O’Connor, Connor (Taryn) VanLaan, and Lexi VanLaan; sister, Vera (Jerry) Armstrong; many extended family and friends.

A funeral service to celebrate Skip’s life will be 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 3, at Lakeshore Memorial Services, 11939 James St., Holland, with Dr. Frank Senters officiating. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be tonight from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lakeshore Memorial Services.

Jane Moore, 67


Jane Ann Moore, age 67, of Jenison, passed away on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025.

Jane was born in Zeeland on Jan. 31, 1958. She spent part of her life in Michigan and a portion of her life in Florida. She worked at Ridge Technical College in Winter Haven, Fla. 

Family memories shared show how strong, independent, and stubborn Jane was. Jane is remembered for her loving nature towards her family and her involvement in her grandchildren’s lives. 

Jane is survived by her children, Lisa Monette and Ulee Moore; and grandsons Calvin Moore, Michael Monette, Carter Monette and Jaylen Monette.

A family gathering is planned for the near future. Arrangements are by Lakeshore Memorial Services, 11939 James St., Holland.

Sharon Bosch, 81


Sharon Bosch, 81, of Zeeland, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025.

Sharon was born in Shelby, on Oct. 24, 1943, to Clyde and Beatrice Van Arman. She graduated from Shelby High School and attended cosmetology school. She and Donald married and moved to Zeeland to raise their family there. Sharon enjoyed playing computer games, knitting, crocheting, and needlepointing, and raised Pomeranians.

Sharon is survived by her children, Dan and Cathy Bosch, David Bosch, Heidi and Chuck McClintic; grandchildren, Kaylee Bosch, Brady Bosch, Anaka and Jaret De Vries, and Lance McClintic; and sister-in-law, Catherine Wasson. She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald, in 2022.

Visitation was held Sunday, Sept. 28, at Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St., Zeeland. A private graveside service was held at Zeeland Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions may be given to Hospice of Holland.

Glenda Grassmid, 76


Glenda Kay Grassmid, 76, of Holland, passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025.

Glenda was born March 8, 1949, in Rock Rapids, Iowa, to John Sr. and Gertje (Vanden Brink) Scholten. They eventually moved to West Michigan, and Glenda graduated from Hudsonville High School. She married Larry Grassmid on Sept. 29, 1970. 

Larry bought Dairy Maid Milk while Glenda did bookkeeping and raising the three Grassmid children. They were longtime members of Grace Reformed Church where Glenda played piano, was a Bible study leader, and volunteered for Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. She was more recently a member of South Olive Christian Reformed Church. 

Glenda is survived by her husband of 55 years, Larry; their children and grandchildren, Eric and Melissa Grassmid (Grant, Natalie, Megan), Travis and Renae Grassmid (Micah, Levi, Noah, Caleb), Melissa and Todd Nienhuis (Abbigal and Kam Goebel, Annaley and Trevor Teunis, Addison Nienhuis and fiance Matt Hoekstra); siblings, Don and Betsy Scholten, and Roger Scholten; in-laws, Sonie Scholten, Carol Scholten, Ron and Betty Grassmid, Jim and Judy Grassmid, Bob and Alma Grassmid, Steve and Marie Grassmid, Lavonne and Les Gemmen; and many extended family members. 

Glenda was preceded in death by her brothers, Howard Scholten and John Scholten Jr.

A memorial service was held Monday, Sept. 29 at South Olive Christian Reformed Church, 6425 120th Ave., Holland. 

Debra Sheridan, 70


Debra Ann Sheridan, 70, of Hamilton, passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 24.

Debra was born to Ruby McDonald Sept. 13, 1955. She was preceded in death by her sister and brother in-law, Margaret and Marv Clawson.

Debra retired early from Woodward FST of Zeeland. She was an avid reader and traveler of the world. Living a quieter life in retirement, she tended to the people, plants and animals that lived around her.

She is survived by her children, Michael and Becca Sheridan, John Sheridan, and Ruby and Tom Stevens; grandchildren, Yulessia Sheridan-Ortiz, Tagen and Kat Sheridan, Lilith Sheridan, Travis Stevens, Alivia Stevens and Jaelene Arredondo; great-grandchild, Layke Sheridan-Mitchell; and siblings, David and Patricia McDonald, Gene and Tony McDonald, Donna and Larry Kelch, Kenneth (Ray) McDonald, Ramona Numerick and Rolanda Brown.

The family would like to give special thanks to the first responders that attempted lifesaving measures, as well as the Lena Meijer Heart Center, Lemmen-Holton Cancer Pavilion and Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home.
There was a private viewing for family.

Bryan Gras, 63


Bryan Gras, 63, of Rockford, formerly of Zeeland, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025.

Born in Zeeland to Howard and Marjorie Gras, Bryan was a lifelong learner and dedicated professional. He graduated from Hope College, earned a teaching certificate from Grand Valley State University, and a master’s degree in economics from Western Michigan University.

His career reflected his deep commitment to service, community, and financial stewardship. He held leadership and financial roles throughout his life, most recently as director of finance and operations at Senior Neighbors. He worked in the banking sector and with several nonprofit organizations, including Habitat for Humanity.

Bryan is survived by his life partner, Robin Cymbal; children, Andrew Gras (Julia) and Lauren Wandell (Brandon); grandchildren, Evan, Theodore, and Owen Wandell; sisters, Brenda Pegg (Scott) and Barbara Chalmers (Todd); niece, Emily Jacobson; nephews, Joshua Pegg, Nathan Chalmers and Tyler Chalmers; and aunt, Linda Garvelink.

Bryan was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Marjorie Gras; aunts, Beverly Lubbers and Sue Heinlein; and uncle, William Garvelink. 

A funeral service was held on Monday, Sept. 29 at Third Reformed Church, 111 W. 13th St., Holland.

Memorial gifts can be made to Habitat for Humanity or Senior Neighbors.

Paul Dunning, 93


Paul Laverne Dunning, 93, known by his friends as “Tex” because of his love for horses, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025, at Appledorn Assisted Living in Holland.

Paul was born on Jan. 16, 1932, in Holland to the late Martin and Anna (Kool) Dunning.

A graduate of Holland High School and lifetime member of First Reformed Church, Paul’s life was marked by his great humbleness, sacrifice, service, loyalty, and a strong, abiding faith in God.

Paul served in the Korean conflict as an Army telephone lineman. After the war, he worked at Chris-Craft Corporation before taking on custodian positions for First Reformed Church, Hamilton Community Schools, VanRaalte Elementary School, and the Women’s Literary Club. 

Paul married the first love of his life, Joyce Dornbos, soon after returning from the war. Married for 32 years, they brought up four children on a hobby farm, where Paul shared his love for horses through his active participation in the Holland Western Saddle Club. He modeled Christ’s love by caring for Joyce for the 20 years she suffered with Tubulous Sclerosis until her death at 52.

Paul was blessed to find another great love in Marilyn Stryker DeWitt. Married for 34 years, they enjoyed horses, traveling, and living in Arizona during their retirement years. Paul also cared for Marilyn as she progressed through dementia, which ended her life at 89.

Paul is predeceased by his parents; two wives; sister, Mildred Roelofs; stepson, Christopher DeWitt; and step-grandsons, Brandon and Luke DeWitt.

Paul leaves behind his children, Don (JoAn) Dunning, Jim (Jan West) Dunning, Sally (Tom) Swift, and Paula (Brian) VandenBrink; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; stepchildren, Kerry (Kaaren) DeWitt, Karen (Antonio) Rodriguez, Tom (April) DeWitt, Dale (Patti) DeWitt and Dave (Michele) DeWitt; seven step-grandchildren and 17 step-great-grandchildren.

A private graveside service for close family and friends was held Monday, Sept. 29 at Restlawn Memorial Gardens, 994 Paw Paw Dr. Holland. 

Della Farkas, 72


Della June Farkas, 72, of Holland, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, surrounded by her children while praising and worshipping Jesus.

Della was born on Jan. 17, 1953, in Olive Hill, Ky., to Glenn and Esther (Burton) Maggard. She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Mary Elizabeth Maggard, Glenna Sue Buckler (and husband Larry), and Bertha Ellen McCoy; daughter-in-law, Kimberly Sue Bledsoe; and great-grandchild, Alphonse Lee Rose.

Della will be remembered most for her unwavering devotion to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She was a true prayer warrior, a woman whose faith ran deep and steady. 

Della was also known for her incredible work ethic. She gave 33 years of service to Haworth, followed by 12 years at Magna. Whether at work, at home, or in her community, Della poured her heart into everything she did. 

She is survived by her children, Kathryn Dyer, Donna Lubbers, Joseph Bledsoe, Matthew Bledsoe, and Frank Farkas III; grandchildren, Alexander Lubbers, Angelica Uehling, Anthony and Amanda Postma, Brittany and Jared Rose, Timothy Dyer, Robert Lubbers, Damien Bledsoe, Aragon Troeger, Frank Farkas IV, Rosemary Dyer, Lilyanna Farkas, Leigha Grant, Amadeus Grant, and Shiloh Farkas; great-grandchildren, Dale Uehling and Olivia Rose; siblings, Evelena and Charles Cooper, and James Maggard; brother-in-law, Robert McCoy; and many extended family members.

Funeral services were held Monday, Sept. 29 at Zeeland Church of God, 6441 Byron Rd., Zeeland. Burial was in Oakland Cemetery in Olive Hill, Ky. 

Memorial contributions may be given to Zeeland Church of God.