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Barry Lyn McAlpine, 80, of Holland, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 8, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Barry McAlpine, 80

Barry Lyn McAlpine, 80, of Holland, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 8, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on June 20, 1945, in Cass City to Jack and Dorothy McAlpine, Barry enlisted in the United States Army at age 20. He served with extraordinary courage during the Vietnam War, receiving two Silver Stars, one Bronze Star, and three Purple Hearts. 

Immediately following his service, Barry pursued his education at Palmer College of Chiropractic, graduating in 1971. He went on to build a long, successful, and respected career as a chiropractor, serving the Holland community with dedication and care for nearly 50 years. 

Barry was a devoted husband to his wife of 47 years, Kim McAlpine, and a loving father to his six children: Matt McAlpine (Julie Rowan), Brad (Abby) McAlpine, Hillery McAlpine, Elizabeth (Andrew) Lesperance, Ann McAlpine (Phillip Maletta), and Sarah (Ashton) Pienaar. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren: Callum, Carson, Annalise, Genevieve, Lake, Palmer, Micah, Lucas, Emery, Phillip, and Maximus; and siblings, Fred (Linda) McAlpine, Ed (Lil) McAlpine, Karen (Joe) Kata, and Jack McAlpine.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Dorothy McAlpine, and sister Gloria McAlpine. 

Funeral services will take place Saturday, May 16 at 11:30 a.m. at Christ Memorial Church, 595 Graafschap Rd., Holland. Visitation will be Friday, May 15 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Dykstra Funeral Home - Mulder Chapel, 188 W. 32nd St., Holland. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his honor to the McAlpine Scholarship Endowment Fund at Palmer College of Chiropractic.

James Brownson, 70

James (Jim) Brownson, 70, passed into the arms of his Creator on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Jim served as associate pastor at Faith Reformed Church in Traverse City, taught at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, then served at Western Theological Seminary in Holland as the James and Jean Cook Professor of New Testament and academic dean. Jim touched many lives through his teaching, his service to the Reformed Church in America, and the four books he authored. 

Jim was a tireless advocate for the full inclusion of LGBTQ+ people in the church through his book “Bible, Gender, Sexuality: Reframing the Church’s Debate on Same-Sex Relationships” and his work with The Reformation Project. 

Jim is survived by his wife, Kathryn Mostrom Brownson; children, Rachel Brownson Brazier (LJ Brazier), Anna Brownson Prinz (Mark Prinz) and Will Brownson (Michael Brownson); grandson, Wren Brownson Prinz; and brother, Jonathan Brownson. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Helen Brownson; brothers, Billy Brownson and David Brownson; and sister-in-law, Jeannette Shafer Brownson.

A memorial service to honor Jim’s life will be held Saturday, May 16 at 2 p.m. at Hope Church (RCA), 77 W. 11th St., Holland. 

Memorial contributions may be given to Hope Church.

Carol Zuverink, 65

Carol Ann (Huff) Zuverink, 65, of Zeeland and Sanibel, Fla., went to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, May 7, 2026 after a brave battle with a rare cancer. 

Carol was a speech and language pathologist with Holland Hospital for 30 years. She was a member of Community Reformed Church. 

She is survived by her husband of 35 years, Rick; children, Stacy Zuverink, Chris and Sammi Zuverink (grandson Zachary) and Derek Zuverink; siblings, David and Ginger Huff, Lisa Huff, John and Paula Huff, Janelle Huff, Michael Mullen, Molly and Ken Bassett, and Melissa and Rich Travers; in-laws, Sharon Walters, and Larry and Becky Zuverink; as well as many nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her mother, Jane Huff; father, Robert and stepmother, Jackie Huff; parents-in-law, Arnold and Joan Zuverink, and brother-in-law, Ron Walters.

A memorial service was held on Tuesday, May 12, at Community Reformed Church, 10376 Felch St., Zeeland, with pastors Kurt Henry and Trent Walker officiating. 

Memorials may be given to Harbor Humane Society.

Lester Luurtsema, 89

Lester Glenn Luurtsema, 89 of Holland, passed away Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at American House in Holland.

Les was born in Blendon Township to Anthony and Grace (Blaauwkamp) Luurtsema, and was a lifelong resident of the area.

He served our country at Fort Leonard Wood in the U.S. Army, was a member of Borculo Christian Reformed Church, and retired from Keeler Brass after many years of service.

His parents preceded him in death, along with his brother, Arthur.

Les is survived by his wife of 67 years, Myra; son, Dennis (Julie) Luurtsema; step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren; many in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.

Services were pending at press time. Burial will be in Borculo Cemetery.

Timothy Bosma, 72

Timothy Duane Bosma, 72, of Coopersville, passed away on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.

Born in Grand Rapids and raised in Gaines Township, Tim lived a life shaped by curiosity, faith, and a steady devotion to serving others. A two-time graduate of Calvin University (then Calvin College), he first earned his bachelor's degree in history in 1978. On Dec. 19, 1981, he married the former Grace Hoeksema of Grandville, beginning a partnership marked by deep loyalty, quiet strength, and 45 years of unwavering love.

Tim began his career in education, teaching at Valley Christian High School in Bellflower, Calif. Later, sensing a new calling, he returned to Calvin to earn a second degree in civil engineering in 1988. This launched a distinguished 30-plus-year career in commercial construction, a field in which he earned the respect of colleagues through his diligence, integrity, and calm, thoughtful leadership. 

A longtime and active member of Sunrise Ministries Church in Jenison, Tim's steady, unflappable nature anchored his family and shaped the lives of those around him. 

Tim is survived by his wife of 45 years, Grace; children, Adam Bosma (Sarah) of Annapolis, Md., Aubrey Rodrigo (Kevin) of Holland, and Alayna Prest (Jonathan) of Zeeland; grandchildren, Brooklyn, Scarlett, Blake, Autumn, Kaia, Adrielle, Alexandra, Asher, Cambria, Luka, and Annika; siblings, Sue Vander Wel (Bill), Janet Purdy, and Allen Bosma (Sandy); and siblings-in-law, Joyce Vander Klok (Bernie), James Hoeksma (Cathy), Judy Funk (Craig), and Shirley Bosma. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gelmer and Gertrude Bosma; brother, John Bosma; brother-in-law, James Purdy; and parents-in-law, Hendrik and Rachelina Hoeksema.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, May 18 at 11 a.m. at Sunrise Ministries, 7754 28th Ave., Jenison, with Rev. Dennis Moles and Rev. Bill VanderWerp officiating. Burial will take place at Floral View Memorial Gardens. Visitation is scheduled for Sunday, May 17 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St., Zeeland. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Christian Reformed Conference Grounds.

Mae Van Ark, 92

Mae Alice (Naber) Van Ark, 92, passed away on Monday, May 4, 2026, at Warm Friend in Holland. 

Mae was born on May 17, 1933, on the family farm outside of Zeeland, the youngest of seven siblings. 

She will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 70 years, Myron (Mike) D. Van Ark; children, Jonathan (Gwen) Van Ark and Elizabeth (Alexie Robbert) Van Ark; grandson, Daniel Van Ark; and nieces and nephews.

Mae was an active member of Trinity Reformed Church, singing in the choir, playing first base on the softball team and participating in countless activities, giving of her many gifts. At Christ Memorial Reformed Church, she served as a care elder, a Compassionate Friend, sewed Chemo Caps, and, as a member of the Arts Committee, designed the inscriptions for The Rock.

Mae was her one-room schoolhouse “artist,” but growing up during the Great Depression didn’t offer opportunities for artistic development. She was exposed to fine art while Mike was business manager of Ox-Bow Summer School of Painting. 
She took art classes at Hope College. 

Mae was an accomplished watercolorist showing at Castle Park Gallery, and displaying in many venues, painting over 500 framed pieces. Later, Mae taught watercolor, “Art for All,” handmade paper, and adults’ and children’s classes at the Holland Area Arts Council. 

A memorial service will be held at Saturday, May 30 at 11 a.m. in the Chapel at Christ Memorial Church, 595 Graafschap Rd., Holland. Burial will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery. A memorial visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Please use entrance D or E.

Memorial contributions may be made to encompassKids.

As a teen, Mike began hanging out with people who influenced him in negative ways and encouraged him to make unhealthy decisions. 

By Brandi Hafler

As a teen, Mike began hanging out with people who influenced him in negative ways and encouraged him to make unhealthy decisions. 

He eventually found himself in a lonely emotional pit, filled with pain, guilt, and shame. He was unsure of how he got there, or how to pull himself out. 

His job in sales allowed him to take potential customers out for lunch, which is how he met Josh. What began as a discussion over a burger about ways that Mike’s electrical contracting company could partner with Josh’s security system business ended in a fast friendship. 

They both enjoyed hockey, country music, and hunting. Their friendship grew into more of a brotherhood. Josh helped Mike understand that his past did not overshadow the value of his presence or his future, and he no longer felt alone. 

Over time, their friendship began to change. They still did things together, but their interactions became fewer. Conversations at hockey games were short and shallow. Car rides that were once filled with off-tune twangy singing were spent in silence. They were still together, but Josh seemed to be invisible. Mike went about the activities, working around Josh, as if he was a lamp, there to shine light when needed but otherwise, unimportant. 

For some of us, this is our relationship with Jesus. When we first met Him, we were excited. Overjoyed. For the first time, we felt the opposite of lonely, experiencing a level of companionship that we did not know was possible. We wanted to spend every moment with Him. We talked to Him. We read about Him. We listened to Him. We told others about Him. We could not get enough. 

Then, the newness wore off. Normal life continued. As we went about our daily routines, with its schedules and bills and responsibilities, the “first love” feelings faded and now we talk to Him less. 

We pray before meals, ask Him to provide, but otherwise work around Him as if He is just part of the furniture. We might even forget that He is there, or begin to believe that He has abandoned us. 

David wrote, “Where can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence? If I go up to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in the depths, You are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there Your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast.” (Psalm 139:7-10 NIV) 

King Saul falsely accused David of treason, tried to kill him, and caused him to hide in caves in the wilderness, literally making his “bed in the depths”. David still recognized the presence of God in every moment of his life. He knew that there is no place that we can go where God is not.

I have had days when I could constantly sense the presence of Jesus, and I have had days when I felt like He was distant. I believed that, if I did not see a display of His power or feel Him near, He must not be here. 

I have come to understand that the absence was not of His presence, but of my acknowledgment of His presence. I can even spend time in His Word in the morning, and go through the rest of my day without thinking of Him as I complete the tasks before me. Yet He is always near, always listening, always waiting. 

He is the friend who stands by, watching us go about our daily lives, desiring awareness, connection and attention. He is not forceful. He is patient. He is faithful. 

One way that I battle my own obliviousness to His presence is to set a daily alert in my calendar at 3 p.m. that reads “Hosea 6:3.” When I see this in my notification, I recite the verse. “Let us acknowledge the Lord; let us press on to acknowledge Him. As surely as the sun rises, He will appear. He will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth.” Then I pause to acknowledge Him and seek Him. And as Jeremiah 29:13 reminds us, “You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.”  

How can you acknowledge your Savior throughout your day? 

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Brandi Hafler is the Connections Pastor at All Shores Wesleyan Church in Spring Lake. She loves spending time with her family, telling stories, and wearing silly socks. You can read more of her writing online at FoundUpon TheWaves.com.  

The great medieval Notre-Dame Cathedral of Paris reopened to the public in December 2024 after a devastating fire. Thanks to new techniques for removing smoke, reports are that the remodeled cathedral is spectacular. However, the earliest Christians met in much more humble places.

By Kent Fry

Read: Romans 16:5; Acts 20:17-20
“Greet also the church in their house.” (Rom. 16:5)

The great medieval Notre-Dame Cathedral of Paris reopened to the public in December 2024 after a devastating fire. Thanks to new techniques for removing smoke, reports are that the remodeled cathedral is spectacular. However, the earliest Christians met in much more humble places.

Paul recognizes that all the churches of the Gentiles were thankful for the Jewish couple Priscilla and Aquila, who were leaders of the Jewish church (Rom. 16:5). These churches were not cathedrals or even church buildings of 100 or more people but house churches. 

We learn in Acts 20:17-20 that when Paul stayed in Ephesus he shared the gospel “house to house.” In Romans 16, Ampliatus, Julia, and Urbanus are Latin names listed, and may have been part of one of the Latin-speaking house churches. 
Many other people listed have Greek names such as Tryphaena, Tryphosa, and Persis, who may have been leaders in a Greek-speaking house church. Greek most likely was the majority language among the house churches. Most Roman houses were large enough to accommodate 20 people, so that’s likely about the number of people in any given house church in that area.

It also seems likely that the church in Rome was made up of five or more house churches; thus Paul was writing to about 100 people! And yet their faithful love across languages and customs eventually led to the conversion of the empire. 
When we get too concerned about numbers in our churches, let’s remember that Paul wrote to house churches, not cathedrals.

As you pray, ask that your love deepens for one another in your church.

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Kent Fry is a retired pastor and visiting research fellow at the Van Raalte Institute in Holland. He and his wife, Joyce, are active members of Second Reformed Church in Zeeland. 

My preferred exercise is bike riding. One particular ride is short in distance but difficult in effort. 

By Gary Miller

My preferred exercise is bike riding. One particular ride is short in distance but difficult in effort. 

Here I was, climbing this hill, my legs hurting, my heart racing, and my Garmin watch telling me that my heartbeat was on the “easy” side. I wanted to reach the aerobic level, but it was telling me in essence that while you’re struggling, this should really be easy. 

At that moment I was reminded of the young boxer who was taking on the world champion. The youngster was getting pummeled by the champ during the first round. At the end of the round, he went to his corner. His encouraging manager said, “You’re doing great. He hasn’t laid a hand on you!” To which the young boxer replied, “Then keep an eye on the referee, because somebody is beating the daylights out of me.” 

I wanted to find out whose arm my watch was on. Because whatever I was doing, it was not easy. 

I think about this same scenario in my Christian life. If you’re a Christian, you do too. What we want to be easy is anything but easy. And to be honest, many have quit trying. Not because of a lack of desire, but because of overwhelming guilt coming from one failure after another. 

If that’s you, I have some good news. Quitting is the best thing you can do. But if you quit the right way, there will be no guilt. 

Let me explain. The Apostle Paul quit too. In fact, because he quit, he was then able to live the life God wanted him to live. To the Roman church he said this. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. (Romans 7:18-19 NLT) 

Does this sound like you? Well, let me show you what he did. “For when I tried to keep the law, it condemned me. So, I died to the law. I stopped trying to meet all its requirements so that I might live for God.” (Galatians 5:19 NLT) 

There you have it. He tried. He failed. He quit. He lived for God. 

The truth is, the Christian life is not hard to live. It’s impossible. Naturally, anyways. And that’s why Paul quit. He was trying to do something naturally that could only be done supernaturally. So, he quit and decided to just let Christ live through him and bring about whatever He wanted to in his life. 

After Paul quits, he says this in the very next verse, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 5:20 NIV) And this is when he experienced freedom and ease. 

So, my friend, if you’re struggling with guilt from your inability to live the Christian life, you are in good company. If you want to stay in that same company as Paul, move where he moved. To the unemployment line. God will take it from there. 

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Gary Miller has written Outdoor Truths articles for 23 years. He has also written five books which include compilations of his articles and a father/son devotional. He also speaks at wild-game dinners and men’s events for churches and associations. Write to him at gary@outdoor truths.org.

Nancy Gebben, 80, of Zeeland, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Sunday, May 3, 2026.

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.

There’s a bumper sticker out there saying “If you can read this, you’re too close!”

By Jeff Gill

There’s a bumper sticker out there saying “If you can read this, you’re too close!”

That has to do with typeface size and traffic speed, but you get the point. If you’re close enough to make out the words, you probably should slow down, unless you’re standing right behind the vehicle in a parking lot.

If you are reading this column, whether on a screen or phone online, let alone in print, you may be “too close” to the question of literacy and religion. Preachers talk about Biblical literacy all the time, as do many church leaders, lay or ministerial, but the reality is our relationship to reading is different than that of most of our congregation, let alone to the wider culture.

Some of us, a fair number of people even in 2026 Ohio, like to read. We do it for fun; a healthy audience turned out this week in Newark to hear an author speak about books, and the process of writing.

And I know as a pastor there are people who read their Bibles regularly, faithfully, diligently.

I also know there are many who wrestle with the topic, and find it hard to maintain a regular, consistent pattern of devotional reading, over time or just day to day.

What I hear much less directly about, but am painfully aware of, is how many people do not read. I’m not talking about literacy per se, and I’m not even sure calling it functional illiteracy is fair, but the practice of reading as measured by a number of metrics is on the decline.

Reading for pleasure by adults has been widely reported to have dropped by half in my adult lifetime. That sounds terrible, and I won’t say it isn’t, but that’s actually a decline from around 30% to 15%. If you think about it, that means even in the halcyon days of the 1970s, 70% of adults did not read for pleasure. That’s what’s generally referred to as a majority.

A few years back, it was widely trumpeted in book circles that the number of adults who had read a book, one book, at least a single volume, in the previous year had dropped below half. This isn’t even asking if you enjoyed it, just “have you read a book this year?” Over half now say “nope.”

As a born and raised American Protestant, I’m used to a mindset in my faith community of thinking that Bible reading is well-nigh equal to belief in general. If you don’t read your Bible, your faith is heading for the rocks. Not reading the Bible is dangerously close to not believing in God. 

Directly and indirectly, that’s what I internalized. But the unfair part here is two-fold: one, I enjoy reading, and read fast, but that doesn’t necessarily mean I’m more religious or a better person, I just read more. Trust me, I know that’s true.

The other thing that seems off here: up until good old Johannes Gutenberg and circa 1450, reading in your own copy of the Holy Scriptures was simply not possible. Monks and priests had handwritten, illuminated copies of the Bible, and the wealthy had beautiful psalters and breviaries or a “Book of Hours” for their prayers, illustrated and artistically written out, but Jane and Joe Average had their ears. They heard the Bible read in worship, through the year in the lectionary, echoed in bells ringing to let farmers know in their fields what was being sung and said in the parish church, but their Bible was largely auditory. If you missed church, you didn’t hear or receive your Bible text for the week.

Now, we can skip public worship, and read in our paperback “The Way” or on our Bible app across phone screens to get divine content that way… or do we? How should we think about Bible reading, and relating it to worship, today?

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Jeff Gill is a writer, storyteller, and preacher in central Ohio; he likes all manner of translations, which is a column all its own. Tell him how you read scripture at knapsack77@gmail.com, or follow @Knapsack on X.