Vernon Huyser, 86
Vernon Lee Huyser, age 86, passed away on Sunday, February 1, 2026.
Vernon was a "Jack-of-all-trades," holding a variety of jobs throughout his life. His longest was owning and operating the Hudsonville Bowling Alley. He enjoyed boating and maintained boat slips in both Saugatuck and Grand Haven over the years.
In his later years, he attended Evergreen Covenant Church in Branch, Mich. and enjoyed volunteering with them in food distribution throughout the years. He loved his family, particularly his grandkids and great-grandkids.
He is survived by his children, Scott and Lisa Huyser, and Leanne and Dave Ash; grandchildren, Tiffany and Andy Plaska, Tabatha and Kyle Kwaske, Taylor Ash, Tori Ash, Adam and Michelle Huyser, Amelia Huyser, Annie Huyser and Adrianna Huyser; eight great- grandchildren; sister, Gayle Evenhuis; and sister, Eve Warren.
Visitation with the family is Friday, February 6 from 3 to 6 p.m. at Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St., Zeeland.
In lieu of flowers, the family would encourage memorial gifts be given to Evergreen Covenant Church in Baldwin at evergreencovenant.org or by mail to 7296 S. Evergreen Rd., Branch, MI 49402.
Willard Kloosterman, 93
Willard Kloosterman, age 93 of Zeeland, passed away Friday, Jan. 30, 2026.
Willard was born on Sept. 22, 1932, the 12th of 14 children, at the family farmhouse in Beaverdam. Raised on the farm, Willard learned the value of hard work early in life and grew up speaking Dutch, the language his parents used in prayer around the supper table.
A true farm boy at heart, Willard worked hard and played hard. He proudly served in the United States Army and later met a pretty brunette named Arlene, whom he courted in his beloved 1957 Chevy. They shared 64 years of marriage filled with faith, family, and steadfast love.
He retired from the Ottawa County Road Commission (Hudsonville Garage) in 1995 after 26 years. Willard enjoyed many hobbies over the years, including tractor pulling, hunting, trapping, NASCAR, and go-cart racing. He also found joy in the quieter things - birdwatching and searching for arrowheads. Whatever he did, he did with enthusiasm and curiosity.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Rolena Kloosterman; as well as siblings and in-laws.
Willard will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 64 years, Arlene; his children and grandchildren, Beth Kloosterman (Shelby and Zac Blouw), Debbie and Steve Maxwell (Jacob, Taylor and Mitchell), Jayne and Brian DeKraker (Zach and Sierra); and two great-grandchildren, River and Koast.
Funeral services with military honors were held Feb. 3 at Holland Heights Christian Reformed Church, 836 E. 8th St., with Rev. Ralph Biedler officiating. Burial was in Pilgrim Home Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Hospice or Heights of Hope.
Bernice Ekema, 97
Bernice G. Ekema, 97, of Zeeland, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026 at Corewell Health - Zeeland Hospital.
Bernice was born in Hamilton Oct. 2, 1928 to John and Sena (Rankins) Kalmink. She was a longtime member of Maplewood Reformed Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Vern Ekema, in 2018.
She is survived by her sons, Gene Ekema, Terry (Nancy) Ekema and Paul (Stephanie) Ekema; grandchildren, Chris, Ashley (Cody), Michael, Arthur (Lexi), Miranda, Grace, Maddie, and Katie; great-granddaughter, Madison; brother-in-law, Donald (Kathy) Ekema; and many extended family and friends.
A visitation gathering to celebrate Bernice's life was held Saturday, Jan. 31 at Lakeshore Memorial Services, 11939 James St., Holland.
Memorial contributions may be made to Maplewood Church or to Compassionate Heart Ministry.
Janice Fredricks, 81
Janice (Springvloed) Fredricks, 81, of Zeeland, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, at her home.
Janice was born March 13, 1944, in Grand Rapids to George and Jeanette (Potter) Springvloed, She was raised in Grand Rapids and graduated from Kelloggsville High School. She later married and raised three children.
Janice worked for Roper Bauer Attorneys, and then in patient registration at Holland Hospital. Janice bravely battled cancer three separate times. She adored her children and grandchildren and will be dearly missed.
Janice was preceded in death by her parents, and her siblings, Carole Lankheet, Ronald Springvloed and George Springvloed.
She is survived by her children and grandchildren, Kerri Fredricks Tibbs (Ethan and fiance Kate Livingston, Megan), Greg and Lisa Fredricks (Jacob, Amaya, Ellie, Grace), and Scott and Michelle Fredricks (Aidan, Clayton, Gabby, Joseph); brother, James and Lynne Springvloed, in-laws, Ron Lankheet, Belle Springvloed and Judy Springvloed; and many extended family members.
A family visitation and funeral service was held on Saturday, Jan. 31 at the Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St., Zeeland.
Memorial contributions may be made to Holland Christian High School Tuition Grant Fund at Holland Christian Schools.
Carol De Jonge, 78
Carol De Jonge, 78, of Zeeland, passed away peacefully on Monday, Jan. 26, 2026, at her home, surrounded by family.
Carol was born March 13, 1947 in Zeeland to Julis and Millie (Lokers) VanderHill. She married her high school sweetheart, Robert De Jonge, in 1965. They were happily married for 60 years. Robert and Carol are members of First Reformed Church in Zeeland.
Carol was known for her smile and dedicated service at Mobil for 30 years. Being a God-fearing wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, she battled the last few years with leukemia. We praise the Lord that He promises us eternal life. (1 John 2:25)
“For I am sure that neither death nor life ... nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus, Our Lord and Savior.” (Romans 8:38-39)
A celebration of Carol’s life will be held Saturday, Feb. 7 at 1 p.m. at First Reformed Church, 148 E. Central Ave., Zeeland.
Memorial contributions may be made to Corewell Health Hospice, 1239 E. Beltline Ave. NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525, or by calling 866-542-7945.
Maribeth Katerberg, 76
Maribeth Katerberg, 76, of Tekonsha, formerly of Zeeland, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, Jan. 26, 2026, at her home.
Maribeth was born on Jan. 10, 1950, to Arther and Beth (Michmerhuizen) Engelsman in Zeeland. She graduated from Zeeland High School in 1968. She married Hendrik “Henry” Katerberg on Sept. 20, 1969, in Zeeland. Henry preceded her in death on Feb. 26, 2018.
Maribeth was an active member of the Union Church of Tekonsha. She enjoyed all animals (especially cats and horses), playing guitar, and was very active in the community.
Maribeth is survived by her son, Mike (Mary Jane) Katerberg of Springfield; sister, Ann Arnoldink of Holland; and grandchild, Abbi Katerberg of Marquette, where she is attending college. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her brother, Arthur Engelsman, and her parents.
In keeping with Maribeth’s wishes, she was cremated and a memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 23 at 12 noon at Union Church UCC, 206 W. Randall St., Tekonsha. She was privately laid to rest with her husband at Riverside Cemetery in Tekonsha.
Memorial contribution may be made to Calhoun County Animal Center, 165 Union St. South, Battle Creek, MI 49014 or the Union Church (UCC) 206 W. Randall St., Tekonsha, MI 49092.
Kurt Mokma, 62
Kurt Mokma, 62, of Holland, unexpectedly passed away after a brief illness on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, at Corwell Health Meijer Heart Hospital.
Kurt, an avid outdoorsman, was a lifelong resident of Holland and a 1981 graduate of Holland Christian High School. Those who knew hum know that he enjoyed to discuss and debate on many topics. He enjoyed reading, which assisted in his vast knowledge of many topics.
Kurt was also the family historian. His ability to retain memories was beyond amazing and will be greatly missed.
Kurt's greatest achievement was becoming a father. He treasured the times he was able to share his hunting, fishing and marksmanship knowledge with Case. He was so very proud of Case and his career and enjoyed sharing that with everyone.
Kurt was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Donna Mokma, and step-mother Marcia Mokma.
Kurt is survived by his son, Case Mokma of Colorado; sister, Kathy (Mike) Nutting of Holland; former wife, Bonnie Batjes of Zeeland; nephews, Nicholas (Becca) Reinink, and Nathan Hathaway; and several aunts and other extended family.
No services are planned. A celebration of Kurt's life may be planned in the future. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holland Christian Schools or Bethany Christian Services.
