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Dennis “Denny” Ellens, 70, of Holland, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026.

Dennis Ellens, 70

Dennis “Denny” Ellens, 70, of Holland, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026.

Denny was the chief executive officer for Hudsonville Ice Cream from 2003 to 2023. During that time, he played a central role in the relocation of the company from Hudsonville to a location on 48th Street in Holland.

A celebration of life service for Denny has been scheduled for Friday, Feb. 20 at 1:30 p.m. at Central Wesleyan Church, 446 W. 40th St., Holland. Burial will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery in Holland. Visitation has been scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 19, from 3 to 8 p.m. at Central Wesleyan Church.

Ruth Kamps, 91

Ruth Helen (Laninga) Kamps, 91, of Zeeland, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, at the Oaks of Jamestown.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Sherwin, in 2023; siblings, Carol and Gerald Rietberg and Gordon Laninga; and in-laws, Anna and Mel Huyser, John H. and Mary Ruth Kamps, Thelma and Henry Hoekman, Harvey and Lorraine Kamps, George and Joyce Kamps, Lois and Don Terpstra, Marcella and John Bosch, Irene Kamps, and Michael and Eunice Yankiv.

Her love for the Lord fueled her passion for serving Him with her musical talents. She taught piano lessons, played church organ and piano, directed youth and adult choirs, led worship and organized many musical programs. The family is very grateful to the many people who cared for Ruth recently including Faith Hospice, The Oaks, and Royal Park.

Ruth is survived by her daughters, Glenda (Bruce) Peters, Sandie (Rev. A. Joseph) Coffman and Kathy (Steve) VanderLaan; grandchildren, Sarah (Corey) DeGouffau, Jamie (Amy) Peters, Meg (Shaun) Page, Laura (Troy) Avery, Elijah (Natalie) Coffman, Zachary (Ashley) Coffman, John Paul (Sara) Coffman, Lindy (Andrew) Sprague and Michael (Katie) VanDerLaan; 37 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Marilyn Laninga; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life service is planned for 4 p.m. today, with visitation from 3 to 4 p.m., at First Byron Christian Reformed Church, 8541 Byron Center Ave. SW, Byron Center, with a meal following. Rev. A. Joseph Coffman will officiate. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Audio Scripture Ministries/Loker.

Julane Wiersma, 81

Julane (Julie) Wiersma, 81, of Zeeland, passed away Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026.

Julie was preceded in death by her son, Shawn Douglas Wiersma, in 2004; parents, John and Ada Mulder; parents-in-law, Sam and Jeanette Wiersma; brother, Walter Mulder; and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Marlene Mulder, Linda Mulder, Larry Wiersma, Nancy Wiersma, and Bonnie Wiersma.

Julie was born in Beaver Dam, Wis., and graduated from Central Wisconsin Christian High School. She and Pete were married and lived in Wisconsin where Chad and Brett were born. They then moved to Zeeland, where Shawn and Travis were born.

Julie had a servant’s heart and was a longtime member at Haven Christian Reformed Church. She served as the class administrator for more than 20 years at Bible Study Fellowship, and she served as a support driver for the Sea to Sea Bicycle Tour, driving across the country twice.

Julie is survived by her husband of 62 years, Peter; children, Chad and Cindi Wiersma, Brett and Jodi Wiersma, and Travis and Kristin Wiersma; grandchildren, Kristin and Travis Kuiper, Adam and Karli Wiersma, Zach Wiersma, Connor and Julia Ryan, Terah Ryan, Jenni and Peter Wierenga, Tyler and Marissa Wiersma, Sam and Hannah Wiersma, Ben and Courtney Wiersma, Lydia Wiersma and her fiancé Michael Byrne, Vincent Milito, Molly Milito, and Christian Milito; 12 great-grandchildren; brother, Ary and Dixie Mulder; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, James and Ruth Wiersma, Rick and Micki Wiersma, and Sue Wiersma.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, Feb. 11 at Haven Christian Reformed Church, 541 Alice St., Zeeland. Interment was in Zeeland Cemetery (Felch Street). 

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be given to Bible Study Fellowship International, Haven CRC Outreach Fund or the Alzheimer’s Research Association.

Shelley Walter, 71

Shelley Rae Walter, 71, of West Olive, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2026. 

Born on Dec. 14, 1954, Shelley lived a life defined by dedication, compassion, and a deep appreciation for the beauty found in everyday moments. She devoted more than 25 years of her professional career to Herman Miller, her years of service reflected her sense of responsibility and pride in her work, and she was valued by colleagues throughout her career.

In her personal life, Shelley found great joy in nature and in the company of those she loved. She was a devoted companion to her beloved dogs, Maddie and Riley, who brought her constant joy and comfort. 

Shelley will be remembered for her kindness, quiet strength, and appreciation for life’s simple pleasures. She leaves behind many who will miss her deeply and honor her memory always.

A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Paul Russcher, 70

Paul Allyn Russcher, 70, of Zeeland, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026.

Paul was born in Holland on July 27, 1955, to Glenn and Dorothy (Breuker) Russcher. He graduated from Holland Christian High School in 1974, and he worked for 30 years at Haworth Inc. He married the love of his life, Melva Rae Huyser, in 1976. Paul and Melva are members of Family Church-Grace Chapel.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Melva; siblings, Gary and Marilyn Russcher, Karen and Sam Keyzer, Dennis and Julie Russcher, Douglas and Dawn Russcher, and Philip and Pam Russcher; in-laws, Mavis and Merle Marsman, Marla and Randy Vander Kooi, and many extended family members.

An open house celebration of Paul will be held today from 4 to 7 p.m. at Family Church-Grace Chapel, 9530 Woodbridge St., Zeeland. Interment will be in Zeeland Cemetery (Original).

Memorial contributions may be made to the Disabled American Veterans (D.A.V.), 1185 Matt Urban Dr., Holland, MI 49423, or to Family Church-Grace Chapel, 9530 Woodbridge St., Zeeland, MI 49464.

Betty Tubergen, 97

Betty Jane Tubergen, 97, of Cadillac, passed away, Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026 at Royal Atrium Inn in Zeeland. 

Betty was born Dec. 10, 1928 in Ina, Mich. to Leonard and Maude E. (Dowlyn) Bazuin. She graduated from McBain Public Agricultural School and worked at Cadillac State Bank before getting married. On Oct. 6, 1950 she married Clarence Tubergen at Rehoboth Reformed Church in Lucas. 

After getting married, Betty worked at Carl T. Johnson Insurance in Grand Rapids for several years. After staying home to raise her children, Betty worked as a florist in Saginaw for 15 years. In 1997, Clarence and Betty retired to Cadillac, where they were members of Cadillac Christian Reformed Church.

She is survived by her children, Tim (Faith) Tubergen of Naples, Fla., Mark (Karen) Tubergen of League City, Tex., Paul (Deborah) Tubergen of Hamilton, and Melinda (John) Baur of Calamus, Iowa; grandchildren, Caitlin, Lauren, Stephen, Philip, Elizabeth, Aaron, Pieter, Claire, and Benjamin; seven great-granddaughters; and a sister, Esther Herweyer of Vogel Center.

In addition to her parents and husband, Betty was preceded in death by a grandson, Micah, in 1990.

Funeral services were held Monday, Feb. 9 at Cadillac Christian Reformed Church with Rev. Ron Klimp officiating. Burial took place at Mount View Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Cadillac Christian Reformed Church Benevolence Fund.

Charles Richline, 89

Charles Edward Richline, 89, of Zeeland, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026.

Charles was born in Harmony, N.J. on Sept. 4, 1936, to Charles and Charlotte (Williamson) Richline. After high school and technical school, Charles became an electrician and founded the family business, CNG Electronics, with his brother-in-law Gene Haushold and friend Norman Snyder. 

Charles met Norma Mae Powers and they married in 1957. Together, they raised two children and worked side-by-side at CNG. Charles and Norma enjoyed traveling. They moved to California and later Michigan to be near family.

A man of deep faith, Charles served as a deacon and elder at Calvary Community Church (NJ) and a deacon at Sovereign Grace Community Church (CA). 

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Norma; their children, Pastor Mark and Jeni Richline, and Denise and Pastor Brian Layman; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Sabrina and Joe Sato (Esther, Louis), Joshua and Samantha Richline 
(Charles), Julia Richline, Isaiah Richline, Jaxom Layman, Azia Layman, Julian Layman and Caleb Layman; brother, Carl Richline; sister-in-law, Pat and Jerry Hart; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, Feb. 11 at Grace Fellowship Orthodox Presbyterian Church, 435 W. Main Ave., Zeeland. 

Memorial contributions may be made to The Orthodox Presbyterian Church “in memory of Charles Richline” Attn: Committee on Foreign Missions, 607 N. Easton Rd., Bldg. E, Willow Grove, PA 19090-2539.

Helen Nephew, 92

Helen Irene Nephew, 92, of Zeeland, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026.

Helen was born on Jan. 22, 1934, in Grandville. She dedicated 35 years to teaching, earning the admiration and affection of all who knew her. She held a master's degree in education, reflecting her commitment to learning and sharing knowledge. Her passion for education was matched by her love for puzzles, as she was an avid crossword and sudoku puzzler. 

Helen married Harry Dale Nephew on Jan. 29, 1954, beginning a journey filled with love and shared experiences. Her life was a testament to the joy of living fully and loving deeply. 

Helen is survived by her children, Mike (Adele) Nephew, Mark (Kristi) Nephew, and Joel (Corina) Nephew; siblings, Alice Geurink, Bob Hamstra, Ed Hamstra, Jim Hamstra and Don Hamstra; 17 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Harry Dale Nephew; sisters, Frances Fox and Judith Hamstra; and grandson, Zech Nephew.

A memorial service for Helen will be held Sunday, March 1 at 2 p.m. at the Holland Seventh-day Adventist Church, 11279 Ottogan St., Holland. Visitation will be held on Saturday, Feb. 28, from 3 to 6 p.m., and Sunday, March 1, from 1 to 2 p.m., at the church.

Sue Brown, 61

Sue Brown, 61, of Zeeland, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026.

Sue was preceded in death by her sister, Lois Van Harn.

Sue graduated from Hudsonville High School and studied accounting at Davenport College. She worked at ITC for 22 years in the accounting department. 

She is survived by her husband of 33 years, Dave; her children and granddaughter, Tim Woudwyk (Everleigh), Tyler and Amanda Brown, and Kyle and Alivia Brown; siblings, Emma Schering, Miney and Keith Potter, and George and Jan Flokstra; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Ron and Robin Van Harn, Kathy and Jim Meindertsma, Mike and Janet Brown, and Chris and Jim Rietveld.

Funeral services were held Saturday, Feb. 7 at Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St., Zeeland. Interment was in Beaverdam Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions may be given to Hungry for Christ.

Karen VenRoy, 81

Karen Ann (Modderman) VenRoy, 81, of Windham, Ohio, formerly of Zeeland, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, in the company of her daughter. 

Karen was born June 22, 1944 in Zeeland, the daughter of John and Betty Modderman. She attended Coopersville High School.

Karen married Arthur F. VenRoy on March 24, 1964. She was a homemaker, crafter, and loved spending time with her family. 

Karen is survived by her daughter, Marilyn (Jay Vernon); daughter-in-law, Pamela; grandchildren, Jessica (Tim White), Melissa, Elizabeth, Nicole (Curt Miles), and Valerie; great-granddaughter, Charlea; and brothers, Robert (Carol), Roger (Linda), and Jay (Carolyn).

She is preceded in death by her husband, Arthur; parents, John and Betty; sister, Marilyn; son, Mark; and daughter, Connie.

A celebration of life will be held in Michigan.

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.” (Hebrews 11:1-3)

By Malinda D. Just

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.” (Hebrews 11:1-3)

On Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, my husband and I became members of the church we’ve attended for around five years. Without knowing our story, you might think, “What took you so long,” but for those with extra knowledge of our past, or for those with a similar tale, the delay might make sense - and maybe even feels short.

We arrived at this church three years after leaving our longtime former church in confusion, shock and deep, heartbreaking grief. In the earliest days after everything fell apart, we took refuge in a church 30 minutes from home. For 18 months, we were ministered to well and have a few lasting relationships years later, but the drive and the length of time we were away from home on a day of rest wore us down. 

With the blessing of leadership, we attempted to graft in, once again, into a church located in the community where we live. Another 18 months went by in a church where we didn’t fit well, though we gave a dedicated effort to make it work. And then, in the fall of 2020, we stepped into the foyer of another new place, feeling every bit the visitor.

Working through the lasting wounds of church events that were traumatic for me didn’t go away as we continued to attend this new church. By that time, it almost felt embarrassing that I couldn’t just “move on” and “forget about it.” As much as I wanted to, my body and my brain just wouldn’t let me. Church had become hard, and being in a new place didn’t change that fact. 

I’ve likened the experience to that of my adoption. The man who raised me — the one I cherish and love as my Dad — didn’t do the initial wounding. He didn’t know my mom and me when my biological father was making life-altering choices. But, in marrying my mom and adopting me, he took on all the trauma stored in my little life. None of it was of his own making, but he was the one that had to deal with all the hurt, pain, and confusion I brought with me.

It took years of me pushing against him, testing his endurance as a Dad, for me to truly trust his presence in my life - to truly trust he wasn’t going to leave.

And this is a similar task set before our new church family.

They didn’t do the initial wounding. They weren’t part of the leadership that set life-altering decisions in motion. They weren’t part of the shattering of trust and community that followed. But now, like my Dad, they are tasked with helping our family learn to trust again. For my part, trust in a church exists only as a tiny flicker of hope, and becoming members took a great emotional toll. 

People asked me after we were finished if I felt relief, and the truth is, I don’t. It wasn’t the public speaking I was afraid of - it was the commitment. It’s the knowledge that sometimes the best intentions don’t stave off painful experiences. It’s the knowledge that behind closed doors, things can go really, really wrong, even in a church.

So, if I’m still afraid, why did we do it? The answer is, that flicker of hope. I’m confident that I’m not the source of it. This hope is beyond what I can muster alone. This is a hope sourced in Christ. It’s a hope that survives the tension of living life in between the Advents - between the already and the not yet — between the first and second coming of Christ. 

Becoming members on Nov. 30 wasn’t accidental. I purposefully requested to become members on the first Sunday of Advent. On Hope Sunday. I needed the symbolism. For me, it meant something deeply profound to have the Hope candle burning as my husband and I shared our testimonies, told of how God is currently working in our lives, answered why we wanted to become members, and finally, as we made an official commitment to the body set before us. 
The candle continued to burn as in turn, the body reaffirmed their own commitment to the church and also, to us. 

This step is scary, but I hope it will also prove redemptive. I hope that I can eventually experience a rebuilt trust in church and church leadership. I hope this new commitment will be a positive step. I hope, I hope, I hope.

—————

Malinda D. Just is a writer and librarian living in Kansas with her husband and three teenagers. You can read more of her work at ­malindadjust.substack.com.

When the ocean’s waves swell, bashing and jolting violently against ships, only a strong anchor will be able to withstand the attack. An anchor’s efficiency is dependent on its two main parts: the shank and the flukes. The shank must be heavy enough for the size of the ship; the flukes must be well sharpened and barbed. 

By Arijeta Ajeti

Read: Hebrews 6:13-20
“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” (v. 19 NIV)

When the ocean’s waves swell, bashing and jolting violently against ships, only a strong anchor will be able to withstand the attack. An anchor’s efficiency is dependent on its two main parts: the shank and the flukes. The shank must be heavy enough for the size of the ship; the flukes must be well sharpened and barbed. 

When the anchor is dropped into the sea, the weight of the shank brings the anchor to the bottom of the sea, making the ship remain in one place. But when the strong winds pick up and the ship begins to swing, the sharp flukes of the anchor dig in, going deeper until they are firmly embedded.

When Paul was writing his letter to the Hebrews, he certainly had this picture in mind. In his own life he had already experienced this hope that penetrates deep into the life of a fervent Christian, beyond the veil of superficial religiosity, where Christ has already entered. The promise that God offers us cannot be moved by the storms of life, and when we rest in that sure promise, we won’t be shaken either.

Paul says that the hope we have is a “firm and secure” anchor (v. 19 NIV). And so, we can say today with Paul, that, our hope is like a very heavy shank with sharp flukes that penetrates the inner parts of our soul, making our life unwavering against life’s tidal waves, and going with him where Christ has already entered—in heavenly places!

As you pray, put your hope in Christ alone.

—————

Arijeta Ajeti is an actress, director, playwright, public speaker, producer and teacher living in the country of Kosovo. She is also an innovator of the ARK (Artists Reflect the Creator) initiative which brings Christian artists together to showcase their art.

Vernon Lee Huyser, age 86, passed away on Sunday, February 1, 2026.

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.

Life is not balanced, can’t be balanced, and would not be balanced, just like our human fingers are not of equal length. Life is going to deal with all of us one way or the other; we are going to experience the different shades of it - the joy, the sorrow, the happiness, the sadness, the betrayal, the solidarity, the sobriety, the ups, the downs, the lefts, the rights, and so on. 

By Samuel Akinola

Life is not balanced, can’t be balanced, and would not be balanced, just like our human fingers are not of equal length. Life is going to deal with all of us one way or the other; we are going to experience the different shades of it - the joy, the sorrow, the happiness, the sadness, the betrayal, the solidarity, the sobriety, the ups, the downs, the lefts, the rights, and so on. 

Now, the question is, can your faith sing out loud in the days of sorrow? When life throws every bad thing it can at you, can you stand firm and say your hope is built on Christ, the solid foundation?

Our Lord Jesus Christ himself was a man of sorrow; he didn’t live in palaces. He faced life challenges as a human, mourned, wept, felt sorrowful, and was killed too at a young age (he triumphed over all these). 

So, who are we to think that life will be kinder to us? Even if you have the whole wealth on earth and live in glamorous palaces, don’t be foolish to think you are immune to life's adversity. 

Just take King Solomon in the Bible, for instance, who was regarded as the wealthiest and wisest man who ever lived on earth, who gave himself to all pleasures, and at the end loathed everything and called them ‘vanity, a striving after the wind’.

Life adversity is going to deal with us in one form or another; our Christianity is not meant to immunize us. In fact, Jesus said, “…In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, NIV). 

We can die or be killed before our time, fall to sickness and diseases, and fade away. We can be persecuted and fall into persecution; the enemies can gather around us and slaughter us with alarming success. Our finances/wealth can suddenly disappear, and we find ourselves scratching to make a living.

Now, why does God often allow these to befall the faithful? Well, there are no definite answers; but we can take courage in the knowledge that nothing ever happens to us behind God, and he declares to us in the Bible, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways … As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9, NIV) 

Here is where faith comes in - one of the most beautiful words in the Bible. One that totally defines your relationship with God; without which you cannot walk with Him nor please Him.

Have this in mind: this world is not our home. You become a stranger the moment you give your life to Jesus and bear the mark of Christ. The spiritual forces of wickedness have marked you as someone to take out in whatever way they can, or make life on earth super miserable. We have the supernatural grace to triumph over all these, but it does not always go according to our expectations. God can allow them to have their ways just like Job in the Bible, or He defends us according to His will. At times, our choices, too, come to play and put us in the snare of the spiritual forces of darkness.

Now, can your faith sing in the days of sorrow/adversity? Are you walking with God because He is good to you? What about the period He does not look good to you, will you still walk with Him? Do you accept Jesus Christ because he is cool, or because he is the LIFE?

In every situation of my life, my faith will sing out loud. If I lose everyone that I love, I will weep, grieve, lament, mourn like a human, and thereafter get up, wash my face, and follow Jesus faithfully. If I lose all my wealth, my health, etc., like Job in the Bible, I will lament my misfortune, mourn my misery, wash my face thereafter, and continue following Jesus faithfully. 

Why? Because Jesus is LIFE that I have come to know - the only lifeline I have for a brighter tomorrow in this world and the next.

Let your faith in Christ sing out loud at all times, especially louder in days of sorrow/adversity. Take courage in this that God’s ultimate plan for you is to lie in prosperity in His heavenly kingdom. 

Your life on earth is just temporary, whether you live your days on earth in full or not, all is well, and all must be well in Jesus' name. Jesus Christ is the light and life we have come to know and follow, and by his grace we will fulfil our divine destiny on earth. Remain blessed.    

Samuel Akinola is a professional writer, content creator, graphic designer, web designer, photographer, videographer, and computer tutor. 

Visit his website at trilovemedia.com/samuel-olusegun-akinola.

Our experiences shape our lives in ways we cannot always know. The God who “knitted me together in my mother’s womb” knows this (Ps. 139:13). 

By Jon Opgenorth

Read: Exodus 2:10
“He became her son.” (v. 10)

Our experiences shape our lives in ways we cannot always know. The God who “knitted me together in my mother’s womb” knows this (Ps. 139:13). 

For example, my parents paid me to memorize Scripture. At a dime a verse, I learned that longer passages earned money quicker! I thought of memory work as a means to get the next toy, but years later, I became a preacher. This practice of memorizing God’s Word became a lifelong habit that has allowed me to step out of the way and let Scripture speak to the soul of the hearer.

It’s a big deal that the daughter of Pharaoh made Moses her son. Moses learned the language, manners, and indeed, the whole culture of the Egyptian king. For 40 years he breathed the air of Pharaoh’s world. God was preparing Moses for a task he couldn’t imagine, but one for which he was uniquely qualified. 

We see this pattern repeated in the New Testament when the Holy Spirit confronts the apostle Paul in Acts 9 with a stunning vision and a command to proclaim the name of Jesus. His past? A scholar trained to know the Hebrew Bible inside and out. Who better than the top student in Pharisee school to proclaim how all Scripture leads to Jesus.

Just as God uses people to shape our lives, God also plans experiences to prepare us for his future, even if we cannot understand them now. What past experiences is God using now to shape your life?

As you pray, ask God to help you see your past as a gift from him for your future.

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Rev. Jon Opgenorth serves as president of Words of Hope. Previously, he served for 18 years as senior pastor at Trinity Reformed Church in Orange City, Iowa. In preparation for ministry, he received a BA in Religion from Northwestern College, and an MDiv from Fuller Theological Seminary.