Phyllis Brown, 89
Phyllis Elaine Brown, 89, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026.
Phyllis was born Dec. 10, 1936 to Martin and Jean Prins in Grand Rapids and was raised as an only child. She graduated from Grand Rapids Christian High School, then received her LPN nursing degree from Blodgett Hospital. From there she went on to receive her MRS degree (as she liked to call it) from Hope College where she met the love of her life, Harley Brown.
Phyllis and Harley were married June 9, 1960. They were married for 65 years before Harley passed away just three months ago on Oct. 12, 2025.
Phyllis was employed as a nurse throughout her career in Grand Rapids, Fremont, Holland Hospital, and lastly, Holland Family Medicine, where she was employed for many years. She even spent one summer as the nurse for Camp Geneva, while attending Hope College.
Phyllis was a member of Trinity Reformed Church for many years where she was a Shepherd Elder, a member of the Ladies Guild and the church choir. In her later years she was a member of Third Reformed Church where she also enjoyed a Ladies Guild group and sang in the church choir. She volunteered in many capacities at both churches.
She loved to travel and always said her bags were packed! Harley and Phyllis travelled with Blue Lake International Choir two times to Europe for an extensive time, where he was the choir director and she was the nurse for the choir.
In her retirement years, Phyllis enjoyed putting on skits through Evergreen Commons, attending classes at HASP (Hope Association of Senior Professionals), attending Hope men’s and women’s basketball games and continued to travel extensively. She also was a member of The Ladies Literary Club, was a volunteer driver for Good Samaritan Center, and especially loved being a Tulip Time volunteer step-on guide for bus tours for many years.
Phyllis is survived by her children, Dean Brown, Laurie and Paul Stears, and Sue and Dan Brookhouse; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, JulieAnne and Pete Kamps (Piper and Reid), Chad and Samantha Stears (Josie and Hank), Max and Kelsy Stears, Andrew and Kelly Brown, Patrick Brown, Griffin and Ashley Dekker (Clarke and Maggie), and Tate Dekker. She is predeceased by her husband, Harley; son-in-law, Jon Dekker; and daughter-in-law, Kelly Brown.
Visitation will be held Friday, Jan. 9 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Third Reformed Church, 111 W. 13th St., Holland, with the funeral immediately following at 4 p.m.
The family wishes to thank the staff at The Cortland Holland for their loving care and amazing service to Phyllis.
Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Hospice or to one’s choice.
Thomas Wiersma, 73
Thomas Eugene Wiersma, (Big T, Moose) 73, of Holland, passed away on Friday, Jan. 2, 2026 at Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids.
Tom was born in Zeeland to Joe and Lola Wiersma on Feb. 13, 1952. He graduated from Holland Christian High School in 1970. Tom worked as a lead car inspector for CSX Transportation Railroad for 41 years where he was recognized multiple times for his safe work practices. He was also a security officer at the Sundance Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas for one year.
Tom is survived by his wife of 53 years, Eileen (Vander Veen); sons, Christopher Lee (Gloria) and Chad Eric (Stacy), both of Holland; siblings, John (Helen) Wiersma of Zeeland and Mary Harris of Holland; sister-in-law, Diane (John) Ybarra of Holland; and by several nieces and nephews.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Lola; sister, Ruth and her husband Alfred of Tucson, Arizona; parents-in-law, Albertus and Donna Vander Veen; and sister/brother-in-law Pamela and Craig Kammeraad.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, Jan. 7 at Christ Memorial Church, 595 Graafschap Rd., Holland, with Rev. Dr. Timothy Brown officiating.
Memorial donations may be made to Corewell Health Hospice and Pine Rest Mental Health. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the staff of Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital for their exceptional care of Tom during his final days.
Scott Voet, 60
Scott Michael Voet, of Holland, 60, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025.
Scott was born to William and Joyce Voet on May 16, 1965, in Grand Rapids. He was the older brother of Greg Voet.
Scott was a graduate of Grandville High School, where he was a member of the football and track teams as well as the marching band. Scott earned his Bachelor of Arts in physical education from Hope College. While at Hope, he was active on the track team, Pull team, choir, cheerleading squad, and Fraternal Society.
Scott’s faith and family were the center of his life. His relationship with God shaped his character and gave him strength through life’s challenges. Even when diagnosed with cancer, Scott faced every treatment with a smile. Above all, he was a loving father who cherished his children deeply. If he wasn’t coaching his children’s sports teams, he was filming the games or giving the referees honest feedback.
For the last eight years of his life, Scott shared a joyful and loving partnership with Kasey Trombley. Together, they brought happiness and adventure to each other’s lives. Whether traveling to Europe, Denver, or simply spending time with friends, they were inseparable. Scott proudly called Kasey his person.
Scott is survived by his parents, William and Joyce Voet; partner, Kasey Trombley; children, Zach Voet, Mackenzie Voet (Spencer Gugino), Zoe Voet, Max Voet, Zack Trombley (Sarah) and Mikaylin Cochennic (DJ); granddaughter, Avery; brother and sister-in-law, Greg and Lisa Voet; nieces and nephews, Travis (Olivia) and Samantha (Erin); and many other close friends.
The family wishes to thank Dr. James Thompson for his compassion and care, along with countless other frontline workers.
A memorial service will take place on Saturday, Jan. 10 at 11 a.m. at Ridge Point Community Church, 340 104th Ave. Please use the parking lot on the north side of the building and enter through Door F. Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 9 at Ridge Point. Please use the parking lot on the north side of the building and enter through Door F.
Memorial contributions may be made to Shields of Hope.
Tristen Martinie, 28
Tristen Martinie, 28, of Zeeland, passed away unexpectedly of a heart attack on Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025.
Born and raised in Zeeland, he loved spending time with his family and many friends. Tristen will be remembered for his zest for life, outgoing personality, contagious laughter, sense of humor, kind heart, and especially his beautiful smile that lit up the lives of anyone who met him.
Tristen graduated from Zeeland Public Schools and was on the water polo, swim, baseball, and football teams. His teachers fondly remember Tristen as “Mr. Personality” who was always so entertaining and fun to have in class.
Tristen’s working career spanned a variety of restaurants in the Zeeland, Holland, and Douglas communities, where his smile and humor touched so many lives: Public, Seventy-Six, Poquito, Obstacle #1, Boatwerks, and Everyday People Cafe (EPC). Tristen was a proud bartender and labeled by all that loved him as the Master Mixologist.
Tristen is preceded in death by his grandparents, Sandy Katsma and Gordon Martinie; and his great-auntie, Gloria Slagter. He is survived by his parents, Chuck and Susan Martinie; sister, Ellie Martinie; grandparents, Bob Katsma and Betty Martinie; aunts and uncles, Tim Katsma, Betsy (Tom) Goldsmith, Nancy Armock, Randy (Cindy) Martinie and Tom Martinie; and multiple cousins.
A memorial service was held on Tuesday, Jan. 6, at Matthysse-Kuiper-DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4145 Chicago Dr. SW, Grandville, with Pastor Dennis Gilbert officiating. Burial took place at Zeeland Cemetery (Felch Street location).
Those that wish to make a memorial contribution can do so to Tristen’s passion and donate in his honor to Great Barrier Reef Foundation of the USA at greatbarrierreefusa.org.
Yvonne Wissink, 86
Yvonne Faye Wissink, 86, passed away of a broken heart on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, after she lost her soulmate and husband, Carl Wissink, eight weeks ago.
Yvonne was Carl’s primary care giver the last three years. For more than 33 years, she served as secretary at Zeeland High School before retirement. She was a member of First Reformed Church of Zeeland, where she generously gave of her time and talents for many years.
Yvonne was preceded in death by her husband, Carl Wissink; and brothers-in-law, Jim Huisingh, Al Kooi and Jim Wissink.
She is survived by her son, Curt and Kelly Wissink; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Rebekah and Ryan Claveau (Rhea, Beckham); Bethany and Alec Duzan (Hugo, Otto) and Caleb Wissink; sisters, Cheryl and Dar Lefers, Ruth and Alden Jelsma, Lillian Huisingh, Sally Kooi, and Lois and Ken Weenum; brother, Ben and Karen Gras; brother-in-law, Rick and Sally Wissink; sisters-in-law, Karen Wissink and Shirley Wissink; and her nieces, nephews, and extended family.
A private family celebration is being planned for a later date. Condolences for the family may be left online at yntemafh.com.
Memorial contributions in Yvonne’s honor may be given to First Reformed Church, 148 E. Central Ave. Zeeland, MI 49464.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Quincy Place and staff for their excellent care and especially to Robin and the BrightOn Hospice team.
Arturo Bustinza, 74
Arturo Bustinza, 74, of Holland, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025 with his family by his side.
Born in Brownsville, Tex., Feb. 26, 1951, to Irene (Pena) and Rodulfo Bustinza, Arturo moved to Michigan as a young boy and grew up in Montcalm County. He graduated from Montabella High School in 1970, joined the U.S. Army and served his country as a mechanic. Arturo earned a sharpshooter medal during his service.
After leaving the military, Arturo attended Montcalm Community College. He was employed as a first-line supervisor all of his working years - first at Double D Plastics in Greenville for eight years, then Electrolux in Greenville for 22 years and retired from Tyson Foods in Zeeland after 12 years.
Arturo married Susan Caswell June 28, 1973, and had two children, Teresa and Jason. He is survived by his wife, children Teresa (Christopher) Burnett of Benton, Ky. and Jason (Katie) Bustinza of Lakeview, and his beloved little dog B.J.; grandchildren, Jordon Zamora, Gracie (Cody) Ballard, Desie Yeager, Aspyn Faith Burnett, Mariana Bustinza; seven great-grandchildren; mother, Irene Sanchez; sisters, Jayne Bustinza and Laura Bustinza; brothers, Jim Adrian, Rick Bustinza and Frankie Sanchez.
He is preceded in death by his brother, Rudy Bustinza, and father, Rodulfo Bustinza.
Cremation has already taken place. Interment and celebration of life will be held in the spring.
JoAnn Staat, 74
JoAnn Staat, 74 of Zeeland, passed away Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026.
JoAnn worked in the bakery at Meijer for many years, she retired approximately 20 years ago to take care of her grandchildren. JoAnn enjoyed watching game shows, shopping at different Goodwill stores, going to the family cottage and especially spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Fred; children, Amy and Keith Lindquist, Jill Staat, and Katie Staat; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Sara and Andrew Meaney (Avijah and Ivy), Derek De Witt and Chase Witt, Reymond De Witt and Gabby Rhodes; brother Dave and Danuta Wyngarden; and sister-in-law, Kathleen and Bill Marino.
No services are planned. Arrangements are by Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St., Zeeland.
