Nancy Gebben, 80
Nancy Gebben, 80, of Zeeland, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Sunday, May 3, 2026.
Nancy was born on Oct. 15, 1945, in Holland to Donald and Ada Ver Hulst. She grew up in the city of Holland and attended Van Raalte Elementary School, E.E. Fell Junior High, and graduated from Holland High School in 1963. She then attended Hope College for one year before transferring to Grand Valley State College where she was a part of the first graduating class in 1967.
Nancy and Dennis met on a ski trip in college and were married within a year, as they knew they had found their person. They supported each other through graduate school, field work in New Mexico, career changes, raising and launching their children, and sprinkled in there somewhere, dance lessons.
Dennis and Nancy were active members of Third Reformed Church in Holland. Nancy supported Third’s Children’s Ministry her whole life. She was baptized and raised at Third Reformed and cherished the community there. In retirement, Nancy and Dennis thrived on their farm where they nurtured their love of horses.
Nancy took her calling to teach and to provide a strong and loving foundation for her students seriously. While her children were young, she taught at Cherry Lane Preschool. She then went on to get her masters in early childhood education from Western Michigan University and returned back to her alma mater, Holland Public Schools.
Nancy taught for HPS for 17 years, from 1987 to her retirement in 2004.
Dennis preceded her in death on March 16, 2025. Nancy is survived by her children, and grandchildren, Dan Gebben, Katie and Dayne Jarvis (Josie Kotowski and her fiancé Erek Pilarski, Stella Kotowski, Addy and Julio Torres, and Gabe Jarvis), Kristin and Duncan Jackson (Lily Jackson), and Kara and John Green (Penny Green, Lucy Green, and Owen Green); sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Helen Ver Hulst, Barb Schmidt, Ruth and Ron Grassmid, John and Jan Gebben, Steve and Bev Gebben; and many extended family members.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 8, at Third Reformed Church, 111 W. 13th St., Holland. A time of visitation and refreshments will follow the service in the church fellowship area. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Holland Education Foundation at hollandeducationfoundation.org.
Scott Bielby, 67
Scott Allen Bielby, age 67, passed away on Friday, May 1, 2026.
Scott was preceded in death by his oldest son, Travis Bielby, and parents, Pat and Dale Bielby. He is survived by his son, Cody Bielby, and brothers Steve (Gina) Bielby, Mark Bielby, and Curt (Laura) Bielby, along with nieces and nephews.
He dedicated many years of his career to Herman Miller, working in the seating department before retiring.
Scott had a deep love for the outdoors, especially deer hunting in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, a tradition he looked forward to each year with family. Fishing was another of his greatest passions. He cherished time spent at Hutchins Lake with his sons, Travis and Cody, where laughter and connection mattered just as much as the catch.
Even through his health challenges, Scott remained resilient, sustained by the love and support of those who cared for him — including the friends and family who stood by him and helped him continue pursuing the hobbies he loved.
Scott was a member of Beechwood Church. His life was one of love, faith, and enduring connection, and his memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Funeral services will be Friday, May 8 at 11 a.m. at Beechwood Church, 895 Ottawa Beach Rd., Holland. Burial will be in Lakeshore Cemetery. Visitation will be tonight from 6 to 8 p.m. at Dykstra Funeral Home-Northwood Chapel, 295 Douglas Ave., Holland.
Roger Sal, 81
Roger Lee Sal, 81, passed away on Monday, April 27, 2026, in Holland following complications due to Parkinson’s disease.
Roger was born on March 25, 1945, in Hamilton to Lawrence and Winifred Sal. He graduated from Zeeland High School and later attended Grand Rapids Community College.
Roger was a veteran of the Air National Guard and also worked faithfully for Fitzpatrick Electric and Kendall.
Above all, Roger was a devoted Christian. He was a member of Central Park Church for 53 years, and his commitment to the Lord was evident in the way he lived and served. During those many years, he gave his time and heart as a Sunday school teacher, deacon, and elder.
Roger was a dedicated and loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was married to Lois for 58 years. He is lovingly remembered by his children and their families, including Brent, Julie, Camden, and Aidan; Ryan, Tricia, Connor, Wyatt, and Nathan; Dan, Concetta, and Rosie; and Laura, Dean, Ramsey, and Summit Hron. He also leaves behind his aunt, Norma and Warren Wierda; his brother and sister-in-law, James and Vonnie Hopp; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Winifred Sal; his in-laws, Sidney and Lorraine Hopp; and his sister-in-law, Marlene Drenth.
A memorial service was held on Saturday, May 2 at Central Park Church in Holland. A private burial took place in Graafschap Cemetery.
Please consider making a donation to Optimal Hospice of Michigan, Central Park Church, or Parkinson’s Foundation.
Joseph Singer, 56
Joseph Edwards “JoJo” Singer, 56, passed away on Saturday, April 25, 2026.
Joseph was born April 14, 1970, to Dorothy Singer and Joseph Edwards in South Haven. He graduated from Covert High School, where he developed lifelong friendships. During his school years, he also served as a basketball manager for the team, a role he carried out with dedication and pride. He later worked for Van Buren County State Park and Walmart in South Haven and Holland.
Joseph's life was enriched by his commitment to his community and involvement in various organizations. Above all, his love for God and devotion to the church were the foundation that shaped his life and touched those around him.
Joseph flourished as a resident of Skilled MediLodge in Zeeland. The family is especially grateful for the residents who became his friends, as well as the compassionate staff who cared for him and built meaningful relationships with him.
Joseph was an active member of Maple Avenue Ministries in Holland, where he sang in the choir. He was also a loving member of 14th Street Christian Reformed Church. Joseph loved his family and writing. He faithfully called and sent birthday and greeting cards to family, friends, and church members. He enjoyed writing recipes and poems and generously shared all that he wrote.
He is survived by his sisters, Christine Woody and Bernice Cherry; and his brother, Oscar Woody Jr. Special thanks to Kristen DeVries, who stood by him through life's joys and challenges, along with a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Joseph was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ossie Burton and William Edwards, and Gladys and Earnest Singer; his parents, Dorothy Louise Singer and Joseph Edwards; and his brothers, Bruce Woody and Curtis Singer.
A wake for Joseph will take place on Friday, May 8 from 11 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at noon at Gospel Tabernacle Baptist Church, 32605 M-140 Covert. Pastor Henry Allen will officiate. Joseph will be laid to rest at Covert Cemetery.
Alma Wolters, 98
Alma Jean Wolters, 98, of Holland, passed away Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Faith Hospice of Trillium Woods.
Alma lived a life defined by strength, humor and a fearless spirit. "Can't" was simply not in her vocabulary, and she proved it time and time again. She proudly raised five boys, pouring her energy and heart into her family above all else, loving fiercely while never losing her stubborn streak.
Inspired by her youngest son, who had Down syndrome, Alma became a school bus driver for West Ottawa School District - Ottawa Area Center, a role that reflected her deep compassion and understanding. She embraced life with a sense of adventure - powder puff racing in her younger days and even waterskiing despite not knowing how to swim.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Willis J. Wolters; son, Kirk Douglas Wolters; and a grandson.
Alma is survived by her children, Willis Wolters of Bradenton, Fla., Robert (Deb) Wolters of Fennville, David (Carol) Wolters of Holland, and Michael (Hollie) Wolters of Zeeland; 14 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and brother, Jerry (Nona) Kiekover of Spring Lake.
A funeral service was held Wednesday, May 6, at Dykstra Funeral Homes – Mulder Chapel, 188 W. 32nd St., Holland, with Chaplain Caleb Walcott officiating. Burial was in Restlawn Memorial Gardens.
Memorial contributions may be given to Faith Hospice, 8214 Pfeiffer Farms Dr. SW, Byron Center, MI 49315.
Dawn Nagy, 69
Dawn Marie Nagy, 69, of Zeeland, passed away on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Her children were by her side as she left this earth and gained her wings.
Dawn married her husband, Steve Nagy, on Nov. 9, 2002. On March 30, 2018, Dawn received a diagnosis of early onset Alzheimer’s. Just two weeks later, Steve was diagnosed with Stage IV cancer. Sadly, Steve died on Nov. 18, 2018, just nine days after their 16-year wedding anniversary.
In 2004, Dawn completed her Inflight Training Certificate and became a flight attendant; a lifelong dream. She worked for Continental Express from 2004-2011. A natural “people-person”, she was drawn to others and enjoyed getting to know passengers. She even met a few celebrities.
Dawn is survived by her children, Sarah (Shawn) Heckelman, Michelle (Jason) Scherley, Steven (Stacy) Kramer, Rachel (Nick) Widman, and Brian (Kelly) Kramer, and her beloved dog, Nicky. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Jacob, Ava, Joshua, Rileigh, Emerson, Roman, Easton and Daisy.
Dawn’s family would like to express their extreme gratitude to the Memory Care team at MediLodge of Zeeland and Emmanuel Hospice for providing such wonderful care. She was always treated with compassion and dignity.
A private life celebration for Dawn will be held by her children and grandchildren.
