Columns

Alnora (Engelsman) Mast, 89, of Zeeland, passed away peacefully on Monday, Sept. 14, 2026.

Alnora Mast, 89

Alnora (Engelsman) Mast, 89, of Zeeland, passed away peacefully on Monday, Sept. 14, 2026.

Born June 29, 1937, Alnora grew up with a strong work ethic, working on the family farm in Oakland. It was there that she met the love of her life, Erwin "Erk" Mast. Together, they shared 63 wonderful years of marriage.

A faithful and devoted member of Drenthe Christian Reformed Church, Alnora attended regularly until the final weeks of her life. She treasured the simple, joyous moments, especially breakfast outings with family and friends and traditional Saturday night family pizza times.  

Alnora was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Erwin; brothers, Warren and Allyn; and son-in-law, Calvin Boeve.

She is survived by her children, Scott (Nancee) Mast, Pam Boeve and Sandra (Mike) North; grandchildren, April and Pete VanVolkinburg, Dan Mast, Emilee and Joe Mally, Katie and Steven Kroll, Josh and Jessica DeJong, Kendra Kulier, Lexi and Mitch Schutter, and Braden North; step-grandchildren Meagan and Mark Hoffman, and Tyler Boeve; 12 great-grandchildren; siblings, sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Hildreth Van Dyken, Sharon Engelsman, Jerold Engelsman, Janice Loew, Glenn Engelsman, Carol and Jim Timmer, Cindy Engelsman, and Myra Mast.

A funeral service will be held Friday, Sept. 18 at 11 a.m. at Drenthe Christian Reformed Church, 6344 Adams St., Zeeland. Visitation will be today from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St., Zeeland. Interment will be in West Drenthe Cemetery. 

Memorials may be made to The Bridge Youth Center, or Faith Hospice-Trillium Woods.

John Bok, 73

John Bok, 73, of Zeeland, formerly of Forest Grove, passed away peacefully early Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026 after a long period of illness. 

He was born on Feb. 13, 1953 to Henry and Verna (Clayton) Bok. 

He is survived by two children, Erin (Bryan) Hare and Andy Bok, and four grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and three half-sisters, Lois Kane, Edna Wagner and Rose Bos. 

John was employed in machine maintenance at ODL, Inc. in Zeeland for many years. He enjoyed being involved in ham radio as part of the Holland Amateur Radio Club, known by his call sign N8WVN.

In accordance with his wishes, cremation took place and there will be no service. Contributions in his memory may be made to Faith Hospice.

Cremation arrangements were entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids.

Nancy Bredeweg, 71

Nancy Lynn Bredeweg, 71 of Zeeland, passed away Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026 in Grand Rapids.

Nancy was born on July 27, 1955 to John and Judy (Van Ommen) De Jonge. She was a lifelong resident of the area, working as a daycare provider for many years. Nancy will be remembered for love of family, camping, going to beaches with her family and sisters, but mostly for her love of her children and grandchildren. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Zeeland.

Nancy was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald Bredeweg, in 2023; and her parents-in-law, Margaret and Gerald Bredeweg.

Nancy is survived by her sons, Mark (Melissa) Bredeweg and Scott (Katie) Bredeweg; grandchildren, Kendall, Erin, Noah and Emma; “special daughter” Sandy Binnendyk; parents, John and Judy De Jonge; siblings, Vicky (Allen) Tubbergen, Joy (Doug) Smith, Julie (Kelly) Blauwkamp and Douglas (Ranae) De Jonge; sister-in-law, Sharon (Jeff) Nienhuis; and many extended family and friends.

A funeral service to celebrate Nancy’s life will be Friday, Sept. 18 at 4 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 246 W. Main Ave., Zeeland. Burial will be in Zeeland Cemetery. Visitation will be prior to the service on Friday from 2 to 4 p.m. at First Baptist Church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Bredeweg’s grandchildren’s college fund c/o Scott Bredeweg.

Elizabeth Rios, 47

Elizabeth “Beth” Rios, age 47, of West Olive, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026.

Beth was born in Alice, Tex. to Arnulfo and Isabel Rios. She was a loving mother, grandmother and friend. Beth had an adventurous spirit and was always trying something new. She had a great sense of humor and an easy smile. Beth loved to cook for her family any chance she could get. 

Beth is survived by her children, Gabriella (Coty) Koopman, Keely (Erik) Suarez and Alexandria (Mark) Ortiz-Campbell; eight grandchildren; father, Arnulfo Rios; siblings, Arnulfo (Heather) Rios and Michael (Marjie) Rios; and many extended family and friends.

Beth was preceded in death by her mother, Isabel Rios; brother, Danny Rios; nephew, Brandon Rios and Beth’s furry best friend, Sophie.

Funeral services were held Friday, Sept. 11 at the Dykstra Funeral Home - Mulder Chapel, 188 West 32nd St., Holland, with Pastor Jordan Humbarger presiding.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Rios family to offset funeral costs.

Carl Slotman, 73

Carl Slotman, 73, of Bentheim passed away Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026.

Carl graduated from Hamilton High School and Michigan State University. He proudly served in the Air National Guard for six years. Carl married Kathie Berens and they raised their family in the Bentheim area and were members of Bentheim Reformed Church where he served as a deacon, elder and cadet leader. 

In 1997 Carl started his own business, Long Drive Farm Trucking. Carl found the most joy in watching his grandkids in their sports and activities, family vacations and riding cycles and trips with dear friends.

Carl is survived by his wife of 53 years, Kathie; his children and grandchildren, Cory and Ellen Slotman (Jack, Cole, Luke and Reid), Marcy and Eric Yonker (Reese and Cambry), Michael and Erin Slotman (Ava, Emma and Lucy); mother, Frances Slotman; brother, Don and Mary Slotman; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Gloria and Jake Toering, Al and Mary Berens, Wanda Schout and Gene Bobeldyk, Linda and Wayne Harmsen, and Duane and Sue Berens. 

Carl was preceded in death by his father, Paul Slotman; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Clarence and Johanna Berens, and brother-in-law, Wayne Schout.

Funeral services were held Saturday, Sept. 12 at Bentheim Reformed Church, 3997 38th St., Hamilton. Interment was in Bentheim Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions may be given to Hospice of Holland.

Connor Weaver, 17

Connor Zachary Weaver, 17, of West Olive, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026. 

Connor was diagnosed with cancer in January 2025, and he fought through treatments all of 2025. Connor rang the bell cancer-free in December 2025. His cancer was found to have returned on Aug. 5, 2026. Connor received his Make-A-Wish gift in April. It was a blessed and profound experience for Connor and his family.

Connor was born Aug. 20, 2009, in Grand Rapids. He is the oldest of the three children of Justin and Sara (Barendse) Weaver. Connor liked mowing grass. He mowed the family lawn, he mowed for grandparents, and anyone else who needed their grass cut. 

Connor also enjoyed many science and engineering toys, and especially Lego projects. Connor and the Weaver family attend Life Church Grand Haven.

Connor is survived by his parents, Justin and Sara Weaver; sisters, Ella and Aliya; grandparents, Steve and Donna Barendse, and Scott and Carlene Weaver; great-grandparents, Neil and Elaine Jacobsen; aunts, uncles, and cousins, Darrin and Rachelle Geurink (Jacob, Eli), Jonathan and Amy Barendse (Sebastian).

Funeral services were Friday, Sept. 11 at Life Church Grand Haven, 1000 Waverly Ave., Grand Haven. Interment was in Olive Township Cemetery. 

Memorials may be made to Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Kristina Machiele, 79

Kristina A. Machiele, 79, of Zeeland, passed away Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.

Kris grew up in Muskegon and moved to Holland in her 20s. She worked for Hudsonville Celery Co-op and Plant Growers for more than 30 years. She was a member of Faith Reformed Church in Zeeland.

Throughout her life, Kris found great joy in singing praises to the Lord and was a longtime member of the Faith Church choir. She also enjoyed playing bingo, visiting the casino, working crossword puzzles, and playing volleyball.

Above all, Kris treasured her family. Time spent with those she loved was among her greatest joys, and her grandchildren held a particularly special place in her heart. 

Kris was preceded in death by her parents, Harry Erickson and Elma (Kindy) Erickson; and her daughter-in-law, Kelly (Perysian) Machiele.

Kris is survived by her husband of 55 years, Elton Machiele; children, Dirk (Kelly) Machiele, Dawn (Randy) Van Klompenberg, Daniele (Jason) VanDeWege and David (Lynn) Machiele; grandchildren, Pamela (Michael) Tammingam, Tyler (Felicia) Prins, Kaleigh VanDeWege, Parker VanDeWege, Drew VanDeWege, Ethan Machiele and Noah Machiele; eight great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; brother, Fred Erickson; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held Friday, Sept. 11 at Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St., Zeeland, with Rev. Jonathan Elgersma officiating. Burial was in West Drenthe Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Faith Reformed Church Choir.

Recently, a friend and I saw “Come from Away” at the Meadow Brook Theatre on the campus of Oakland University.

(Ed. Note: The following was previously published by Detroit Legal News.)

By Tom Kirvan

Recently, a friend and I saw “Come from Away” at the Meadow Brook Theatre on the campus of Oakland University.

It was a magical and meaningful performance before a sellout crowd that literally rocked the quaint venue during the closing number. 

For me, it was the fourth time I had seen the musical since it made its world premiere in 2015, catching it first in Toronto, then on Broadway, the Fisher, and lastly Meadow Brook. 

The most recent performance – like all of the others – touched a historical nerve, serving as a reminder that this month marks the 25th year since 9/11, which redefined perceptions of security in the Western world and created a lasting legacy of increased fear of terrorism and anti-Muslim sentiment.

For those who have not seen or heard of “Come from Away,” the critically-acclaimed musical is based on a book written by the Canadian husband-and-wife team of Irene Sankoff and David Hein. It tells the true story of the small town of Gander, Newfoundland, which doubled its population overnight when 38 planes were diverted to its airport following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. The show follows 7,000 stranded passengers (forever known as “come from aways”) and the local residents who opened their homes and hearts to them during a week of global tragedy. 

The cast (of 12 actors) plays multiple roles, frequently switching between portrayal of the townspeople in the remote Canadian province and the travelers and airline crew members, including Beverley Bass, the trailblazing pilot who was the first female captain of an American Airlines commercial plane. 

The show’s charm centers on its emotional exploration of community, humanity, and resilience, balanced by the lows of navigating intense grief, fear, and the logistical chaos of the 9/11 disaster.

In short, it is a “must-see,” especially with the 25th anniversary of 9/11. 

That late summer day, of course, is seared into the American memory, functioning for younger generations much like the JFK assassination did for older generations. Both serve as landmark “flashbulb memories” where most people remember exactly where they were, creating a shared, traumatic national experience.

For me, that tragic day in 2001 became personal when my work morning was interrupted by a call from a longtime friend and former colleague who was screaming hysterically into the phone, reporting to me that “kamikazes are hitting the World Trade Center.”

At that moment, I was unaware of what was unfolding in the skies of New York or of the thousands of casualties that the terrorist attacks would ultimately claim. Instead, I was trying to make sense of what my friend was saying – punctuated by the fact that her son was in one of the New York skyscrapers that were suddenly ablaze.

Minutes later she called back to report that another aircraft had hit the Pentagon, and that she still couldn’t reach her son to see if he was unharmed. 

It was then that my thoughts shifted to the whereabouts of my wife (now former), a Northwest flight attendant who departed early that morning on a plane bound for somewhere along the East Coast. 

Repeated attempts to reach her proved fruitless, as I was left wondering about whether she was in peril as word spread that both of the Twin Towers had been toppled.

In the meantime, my friend kept calling back, seemingly more frantic each time as she watched in horror as workers trapped in the World Trade Center buildings jumped to their deaths minutes before the iconic skyscrapers were reduced to rubble. 

Her son, who made a name for himself on Wall Street, was in the World Trade Center complex when it was the target of another terrorist plot, this time in 1993 when a bomb exploded in the parking garage below the North Tower, killing six people and injuring more than 1,000 others. 

Miraculously, he survived both the first (1993) and the second (2001) terrorist attacks, finally reaching his family some six hours after the first plane plowed into the North Tower on 9/11.

It took nearly as long for me to receive word from my wife that she also was safe after being stranded on the runway in Detroit for hours as the FAA grounded all air travel in the U.S. 

Years later, in 2017, the memories of 9/11 were rekindled when I paid a visit to the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Pa., located some 80 miles southeast of Pittsburgh. 

There, in a remote field, rests a sacred site honoring the 40 passengers and crew who died on Sept. 11, 2001 while thwarting a terrorist attack, presumably on the U.S. Capitol.

The National Memorial encompasses more than 2,200 acres, and features a “Wall of Names” of the crash victims and a “Tower of Voices,” a strikingly symbolic 93-foot monument built to commemorate the 40 passengers with one wind chime for each.

The hallowed ground serves as a solemn opportunity to walk the flight path and imagine what might have been in the minds of the passengers as they performed their ultimate acts of heroism and sacrifice. Seen in the distance is a slice of American heartland that became the scene of a dreadful tragedy.

“A common field one day,” reads the inscription overlooking the crash site. “A field of honor forever.”

Discover the beauty, symbolism, and craftsmanship found within some of Zeeland's most treasured landmarks during “Stained Glass & More: The Art of Zeeland's Churches,” a special self-guided tour presented by the Zeeland Historical Society this Saturday.

Discover the beauty, symbolism, and craftsmanship found within some of Zeeland's most treasured landmarks during “Stained Glass & More: The Art of Zeeland's Churches,” a special self-guided tour presented by the Zeeland Historical Society this Saturday.
From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (with check-in beginning at 9 a.m.), participants will explore a selection of Zeeland churches at their own pace, taking in breathtaking stained-glass windows, inspiring interior artwork, and distinctive architectural details.

The experience begins at the Dekker Huis Museum, where guests will enjoy complimentary coffee, explore a special pop-up exhibit, and receive a beautifully illustrated tour booklet and map before setting out on their journey through the eight participating churches. 

The booklet includes the history of each church, information about its stained-glass windows, and interpretive descriptions highlighting the symbolism, artists, and craftsmanship behind these remarkable works of art.

At each church, visitors will have time to experience the beauty of the stained glass up close while also exploring other artistic and architectural features, including woodwork, furnishings, and historic interiors. Admission to the Dekker Huis Museum is included with every ticket, along with access to a special exhibit featuring church history and the stained-glass artistry of Zeeland artist John Vander Burgh from the museum's collection.

Here is a list of participating churches:

• Community Reformed Church

• Faith Reformed Church

• First Baptist Church of Zeeland

• First Reformed Church

• Haven Christian Reformed Church

• North Street Christian Reformed Church

• Second Reformed Church

• Third Christian Reformed Church

Whether you're an admirer of stained glass, an architecture enthusiast, a local history buff, or simply looking for a unique way to spend the day, this tour offers a rare opportunity to step inside some of Zeeland's most beautiful and inspiring spaces. Many visitors drive past these churches every day without realizing the extraordinary artistry and history found inside. This special event provides time to slow down, appreciate the craftsmanship, and discover the stories reflected in each window and sanctuary.

Two ticket options are available:

• Regular Admission – $15

• Patron Admission – $25, which includes an exclusive stained-glass notecard set available only through the tour.

“We're excited to invite the community inside these remarkable churches to experience the artistry and history that many people pass by every day,” said Audrey Rojo, interim director and curator of the Zeeland Historical Society. “Each church tells a unique story through its architecture, artwork, and stained glass, offering visitors a deeper appreciation for Zeeland's rich cultural heritage.”

Advance ticket purchase is encouraged, but tickets will be available for purchase the day of the event, Rojo said. 

For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit the Zeeland Historical Society website at zeelandhistory.org or contact the museum at (616) 772-4079.

One who carries the true Spirit of Christ should not be resistent to following the words and doing the work of Christ.

By LoriJo Schepers

One who carries the true Spirit of Christ should not be resistent to following the words and doing the work of Christ.

Feed the hungry. House the homeless. Clothe the naked.

Reach those far from Jesus with the message of freedom, hope, and healing found only in Him.

Too often those in the Western church need programs, prodding, gimmicks to convince them to support the mission and the message of the Cross.

If the spirit within you is truly the Holy Spirit of God Himself, your core will resonate with the things of God. Your heart will break with the things that break His heart. Giving would be the core of your nature. For God so loved the world, that He gave…

If your mind needs to be convinced or your emotions need to be stirred to move you from building your own kingdom to supporting His, there may be a reset needed.

Matthew tells us if we seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, all things we need will be added to us.

Yet….so consistently we toil and strive and spin and work to build our own kingdoms, often at the expense of honoring His.

If our heart doesn’t break over the things that break His heart…

If we are not compelled to care for the hurting…

If we do not weep over the lost who have no eternal hope…

Can we be certain our heart is truly, fully His?

Which kingdom is more prominent on your prayer list?

Whose priorities drive your finances?

Take a “Selah” moment and reflect. Pause and consider.

Hit the spiritual reset of your heart, let Holy Spirit priorities rise to the top once again.

May His Kingdom come, His will be done in – and through – each of us.         

—————

LoriJo Schepers is founder and executive director of Barnabas Ministries, an organization that ministers to at-risk teenagers and families in Ottawa and Allegan counties. Visit their website at barnabasmin.org.

Have you ever experienced a moment in which the gap between heaven and earth felt beautifully thin? Perhaps it came during prayer or somewhere in God’s creation or in time with other believers. 

By Justin Kuiper

Read: Exodus 3
“Moses … came to Horeb, the mountain of God.” (v. 1)

Have you ever experienced a moment in which the gap between heaven and earth felt beautifully thin? Perhaps it came during prayer or somewhere in God’s creation or in time with other believers. 

The story of Scripture is about a God who constantly thins this gap so that heaven might come rushing back in. In the famous story of Moses and the burning bush, we witness one such instance.

Moses, a shepherd with a complicated past, leads his flocks to the slopes of Mount Horeb and is stopped in his tracks by a flaming bush that doesn’t burn up (v. 3). As the heat of the fire beats at his face, Moses hears his name called from the fire. “Do not come near,” God tells him, “… for the place on which you are standing is holy ground” (v. 5).

I’ve asked God to show me signs, to call my name from the depths of a burning fire, and when I don’t experience a moment like Moses did, I easily become discouraged. But I wonder whether we’re sometimes so busy looking for a sign as irrefutable as a burning bush that we miss the way God is speaking to us. Moses was prepared to stop and wonder, to listen to God’s voice. 

When God seems silent, could it be that our hearts are just too calloused to hear his voice? Could it be that we tread on holy ground without even realizing it?

As you pray, ask God to open your eyes to see him in the world around you.

—————

Justin Kuiper is a student from Holland, studying English literature at Hope College. His own writing explores the many intersections of faith, storytelling, and the created order.

The last time I mowed my grass, I think it had reached about 10 inches tall. It didn’t look that bad, but I had let it go. 

By Gary Miller

The last time I mowed my grass, I think it had reached about 10 inches tall. It didn’t look that bad, but I had let it go. 

The time before that, I mowed but didn’t take time to weedeat. And the bushes around my house need a little shaping. A few of them need elimination. There are some holes in my yard as well. They have appeared where trees used to be - trees that had been cut down. Now the roots have rotted and left some unwanted cavities that need to be filled.

I had planned to clean the garage so I could get at least one car in there, but I put that off for another, more suitable time. The same goes for my storage shed. I have been meaning to do an extreme makeover on it for the last couple of years. Add shelves and hangers and replace the door.

Maybe it will happen this year.

Maybe not. 

The fence needs staining. It’s looking a little sun-parched. I need to replace a few boards as well. I’m not sure when I’ll get to that. 

And let’s not talk about the inside of my house. There’s enough there to keep me busy for months. Blinds hung. Doors painted. A few pieces of tile replaced where they have released their hold from my kitchen counter.

Age and atrophy go hand in hand.

And what goes for a house of brick and mortar goes also for a house of skin and bones.

And that’s why I went fishing.

—————

Gary Miller has written Outdoor Truths articles for 24 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@outdoortruths.org.