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Mary Berens, 86, of Zeeland, passed away Sunday, April 26, 2026.

Mary Berens, 86

Mary Berens, 86, of Zeeland, passed away Sunday, April 26, 2026.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, James, and parents, Egbert and Julianna Kamphuis.

Mary was born on Oct. 25, 1939, in Zeeland. She graduated from Holland Christian High School. She and Jim married and raised their family in Zeeland. Mary waitressed at Community Restaurant and at Jerry’s Country Inn. Mary was a devoted and faithful member at Oakland Christian Reformed Church and North Street Christian Reformed Church.

Mary is survived by her children, Tom and Nancy Hall Berens, and Sue and Bryan Krommendyk; grandchildren, Anne-Marie Berens, Whitney and Jake Settlemyre, Haley Krommendyk, and Michael Krommendyk, twin brother, Bob and Ida Kamphuis; her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Lyda and Don Milburn, Larry and Paula Berens, Carol Johnson, Dan and Vicki Berens, Betty DiCesare, and Marlys Berens.

A funeral service to honor Mary’s life will be held at 11 a.m. today at North Street Christian Reformed Church, 20 E. Main Ave., Zeeland. Interment will be in Bentheim Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to North Street Christian Reformed Church or to Paradise Bound Ministries to build a house in Mary’s honor.

Esther DeVries, 98

Esther DeVries, 98, of Jenison, passed away on Friday, April 24, 2026.

Esther was the youngest of seven children. After the early loss of her mother, her uncle and aunt, James and Alice (Sterken) Wagenaar, were instrumental in raising her alongside her cousin, Leona (Wagenaar) Piers, with whom she shared a lifelong bond.

A graduate of Holland Christian High School and the Blodgett School of Nursing, Esther dedicated more than 50 years of her life to the care of others as a labor and delivery nurse at Blodgett Hospital before retiring at 75.

Esther was preceded in death by her husband, Lee DeVries; her parents, Henry B. and Anna Sterken; her beloved aunt and uncle, James and Alice Wagenaar; her siblings, and her cherished cousin, Leona.

Esther is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Jan and Paul Walcott; granddaughters and their husbands, Lauren Walcott and Sam Bowerman, and Jillian Walcott and AJ Monterusso; great-grandchildren, Esther Jean and Anthony J Monterusso III; as well as many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service to honor Esther's life was held on Wednesday, April 29, at Hudsonville Reformed Church, 3950 Highland Dr., Hudsonville. 

Special thanks to the staff at The Oaks at Jamestown Assisted Living community who cared so well for Esther for the last 18 months of her life and to Jessica and the Hospice of Holland team for their compassionate care.

Memorial contributions may be given to Grand Rapids Community College Foundation's Margaret Bowles Scholarship Fund (nursing program) or Hospice of Holland.

Marilyn Greiner, 86

Marilyn Kay Greiner, 86, of Ludington, passed away quietly at home on Thursday, April 23, 2026, surrounded by family. 

Marilyn was born Feb. 5, 1940, in Zeeland, to William Howard Crawford and Edna (Mast) Crawford, who preceded her in death.

The Crawford family moved to Free Soil in 1942. Marilyn and her younger brothers, Howard Dale (Susan) Crawford of Springville, Tenn., and Larry (Patricia) Crawford of Custer, attended school in Scottville. Her brothers survive her.

Marilyn and her husband Robert Greiner were married in Las Vegas in 1981. The couple made their home in Ludington. Her husband Robert also survives her.

Marilyn worked for Baywood Nursing Home for several years before joining the C&O Carferry Service in 1979. Her spent 22 total years of sailing with the Ludington Car Ferry Service.

Marilyn was married to Paul Rathburn of Custer in 1959. Together, they had four children, Tammy Crawford-Rathburn, Linnet (Garry) Bentz, Steven Rathburn, and Patrick Rathburn, whom all survive.

Grandchildren from this marriage include Adam Steffens, Kortni (Jon) Hallberg, Kyle (Kei) Steffens. Danielle (Mike) Miller, Michael (Lauren) Bentz, Blake Bentz, Jennifer (Thomas) Hissong, Jennifer (Annie) Harkins, Dillon Rathburn, Brenen (Kayla) Rathburn, whom all survive; Brandon Bentz (deceased), as well as 16 great-grandchildren, and caregiver and friend, Malissa Taylor.

There was no celebration of life service for Marilyn at her request. Donations may be made to the American Heart Association. 

Jerry Boeve, 82

Jerry Lee Boeve, 82, of Holland, passed away on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.

He was preceded in death by his father, Donald; mother, Alma; brothers, Wayne, James, and Edward; and sister, Barbara.

Jerry was a member of Ridge Point Community Church. He started his career as an auto mechanic, working at various mechanic shops, including R.E. Barber Ford for 10 years. He retired from LifeSavers Company following 21 years of employment as a machinist and a machine adjuster.

Jerry is survived by his children, Julia and Thomas McIntire of Lowell, Jennifer Kraft of Martindale, Tex., and Jason and Rachel Boeve of Grand Rapids; adult grandchildren, Alyssa and Luke Start, and Joshua Swain; grandchildren, Troy, Jude, Isaac, Scott, Sean, Leila and Jonah; siblings, Doug and Mary Boeve of Zeeland and Steven and Shelly Boeve of Holland; and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Allegan County Commission on Aging for the care and assistance they showed Jerry in his home for the months leading up to his move to assisted living. A special thanks goes to Meals on Wheels as well for their assistance in providing Jerry with healthy meal options and delivery to his door. 

The family would like to thank Jerry’s longtime friend, Pete and his wife, Jan Alberta for their friendship, kindness, love, and assistance they showed him over the past several decades/years; and to David and Ellie Zeerip for their friendship and care of Jerry in the past couple of years.

A burial service was held in East Holland Cemetery in Fillmore Township on Saturday, April 25. 

Memorial contributions can be sent to Ridge Point Community Church of Holland.

William Russell, 94

William Edward Russell, 94, passed away on Thursday, April 23, 2026.

Born on Oct. 3, 1931 to Albert and Emma (Dolly Sluss) Russell in Canton, Ohio, he was preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Karen (Kay) McArtor. They had married shortly after his honorable discharge from the armed forces as a Korean War veteran.

Craving to understand the Bible, the newlyweds enrolled in Milwaukee Bible Institute, which became Grace Bible College (now Grace Christian University) when it relocated to Grand Rapids. 

After college, Russell was a mission builder in Ponce, Puerto Rico, where he built a college dormitory and a radio station, for the purpose of proclaiming the gospel throughout the island. After returning to the states, he began the Russell Construction Company. He founded the Ohio Grace Youth Camp and the Berean Bible Church of Minerva, Ohio. Russell pastored for 19 years, serving churches in Ohio, Michigan and Alabama. 

Others who preceded him in death were his parents and siblings, Jean (Leonard) Walmsley (Carl) Harrison, Alice (Myrl) Short, Glen Albert, and Josephine (Roy) Kelsey.

He is survived by his brother, George Dewey Russell of Seattle, Wash; children, Cindy Lippincott of Hudsonville, who has been his caregiver, Kimberly (Troy) Haynam of Alliance, Ohio, Lisa (Harold) Kimbel of Zeeland, Pastor William G. Russell (Tricia) of Allendale, Terry (Jodie Marie) Russell of Wayland, and Pastor Jody (Sue) Russell of Cadillac; 19 grandchildren; 21 (soon to be 22) great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 2 at 1 p.m. the Berean Bible Church at 4446 Meese Rd. NE, Louisville, Ohio. Military honors will be held at the graveside service after the funeral in Moultrie Chapel Cemetery. 

Kerry Verbeek, 73

Kerry Lynn Verbeek, 73, of Frederick, Md., formerly of Zeeland, passed away on Sunday, April 19, 2026 at Frederick Health Hospital. He was the loving husband of Lucinda "Cindy" Verbeek.

Born on July 27, 1952 in Zeeland, he was the son of the late Kenneth Verbeek and Antoinette (Toni) (Overbeek) Verbeek. He attended Holland Public Schools and was a 1970 graduate of Holland Christian High School.

Kerry served in the Michigan National Guard as an infantryman from 1971 to 1977 where he served as a selected marksman. He worked for General Electric in Holland as a machinist for several years before transitioning to IT as a hardware engineer. 

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Julia (Ryan) Chorny, Travis VerBeek and three grandchildren in Michigan; stepson, Samuel Winters and two grandsons in Florida; brother, Dan (Michele) Verbeek of Statesboro, Ga.; sister, Vicki (Doug) Ball Vagabonds; and sister, Shelley (Bill) VanderMeulen of Florida.

In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by a stepson, Brett Winters, and niece, Aimee VerBeek Brown.

A celebration of Kerry's life journey will take place in Michigan this summer. Interment will be in Bentheim Cemetery in Overisel.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to your local animal shelter or local food pantry.

Sandra Houston, 81

Sandra E. Houston, 81, of Holland, passed away Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Holland Hospital.

Sandra was born on July 30, 1944, to Arthur and Fanny Nelson. In 1965 she married Ralph Houston, who she met at Bethany Church in Chicago. She ministered with Ralph at Doster Reformed (RCA) Church, Forreston RCA in Illinois and then later at Immanuel RCA in Fennville.

In 1979 the family went back to Holland where she served with her husband at the Holland City Mission (Gateway) until 1993. That same year she began working at Baker Book House and Resthaven Care Center and being a helpmate to Ralph at Immanuel RCA. 

Sandra was predeceased by her parents, Arthur and Fanny Nelson (VanderAa); her beloved husband, Rev. Ralph Houston; sisters, Arlene (Jack) Otto and Carol Burnam.

She is survived by her children, Susan and Bruce Smith of Holland; David and Helen Houston of Muskegon; Ann and Frank Wilson of Holland; and Daniel Houston of Lynden, Wash.; grandchildren, Brandon and Allie Broekhuizen of Hamilton, Nathan Broekhuizen of Zeeland, Emily and Levi Painter of Saint John, Ill.; and Lauren Broekhuizen of Zeeland; Tony and Peyton Houston of Muskegon; Sarah and Matt Hassell of Holland, Bethany and Todd DeGarmo of Grand Rapids; Sadie, Silas and Sawyer Houston of Lynden, Wash.; nine great-grandchildren; by her brother-in-law and special friends, Mark (Amy) Burnam of New Lenox, Ill.; Carole Scholten of Holland and Doug Broekhuizen of Holland.

Funeral services were held Friday, April 24 at Maplewood Reformed Church, 133 E. 34th St., Holland, with Rev. Dr. James Ellis officiating. Burial was in Pilgrim Home Cemetery.

David Vander Kooi, 75

David William Vander Kooi, 75, of Olive Township, passed away on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.

David was born Feb. 4, 1951, in Noordeloos to William and Beatrice (Boerman) Vander Kooi. David married Glenna Ellis on March 14, 1975, and they raised their two children in Holland and Olive Township.

David retired from Great Lakes Woods, and he and Glenna are members of Zion Chapel. He enjoyed reading his Bible and spending time walking in the woods.

David is survived by his wife of 51 years, Glenna; children, Michelle and Gerald Fassett of Sand Lake, and Eric and Diana Vander Kooi of Arkansas; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Felicia and Joe Donahoe (Braydon, Joseph), Crystal Zimmerman, John and Kenedi Zimmerman (William, Reagan), Rebekah Zimmerman (Aliyah), Jeremiah Zimmerman, Zackery and Megan Vander Kooi (Max), Madison Vander Kooi and fiance Austin Hartsfield; siblings, Alma and Larry Myaard, and Alan and Kellie Vander Kooi; and many extended family members.

A private family viewing and graveside service were held, and interment was in Olive Township Cemetery. 

I received a full dose of culture one recent evening. A family friend was getting her Master of Music in performance from a local university. 

By Traci Rhoades

I received a full dose of culture one recent evening. A family friend was getting her Master of Music in performance from a local university. 

She embraced her moment in the spotlight, approximately 60 minutes on stage, performing solo, accompanied mostly by a pianist. 

For two pieces, she welcomed two longtime friends to join her: one on french horn, the other on cello.

A 60-minute set, with thousands of hours behind it. A lifetime of peaks and valleys leading to this milestone, with a lifetime of ordinary days and faithful commitment still ahead long after the evening’s applause fades.

She’s one of those people who comes alive on stage. It’s a joy to witness. Even before a single note is sung, her presence shifts. Ever an actress, she inhabits the words she sings.

On the back of the evening’s program was an acknowledgements section. Her attempt, however incomplete, to name the many who shaped her. Teachers who invested their own thousands of hours, mentors and musicians who found a way to live inside their love of music in a world that still achingly longs for song.

Amid selections in French, Italian, and German (even I recognized the name Handel), there were two songs in English. From the first few lines, I recognized her first song, “How Can I Keep From Singing.”

The writer in me was delighted to find program notes for each piece, along with printed lyrics. This translates into biography, story, and poetry all in one. And yet, this song refuses to be neatly summarized.

Originally a Christian hymn from the mid-19th century, “How Can I Keep From Singing” later found new life as an American folksong in the 1960s. It has crossed genres and generations, carried by a wide range of voices - Keith and Kristyn Getty, Martin Sheen, Enya, Chris Tomlin, and the Muppet, Rowlf the Dog, to name a few. In the 1970s, it first appeared in the popular Catholic Glory & Praise hymnal, is beloved among Quakers, and continues to echo through many corners of the Church.

The original melody was composed by Baptist minister Robert Lowry, while lyrics were attributed to a Pauline T, first appearing in print in The New York Observer in 1868. Nearly a century later, author and songwriter Doris Plenn, who had learned the original hymn from her Quaker grandmother, added one of its most enduring verses: 

“When tyrants tremble sick with fear, and hear their death knells ringing, 

When friends rejoice both far and near, how can I keep from singing?”

A testament to a song’s ability to transcend time, place, and persuasion.

The bookends of this special evening hint at a deeper story, and I found that especially beautiful. Before us stood a woman who kept singing, no matter what life brought. She closed with “Dream With Me,” written by American composer Leonard Berstein for the stage production of Peter Pan (though it didn’t make it into the final production). 

In that final piece, Rebekah encouraged us to dream with her, tonight and every night, as the future stretches wide before us.  

Bravo my friend. From your own penned acknowledgments: “Praise and thanks to the creator of all good things, who put a song in my heart and has faithfully guided me every step of the way.”

             —————

John Bunyan’s classic allegory, “The Pilgrim’s Progress,” begins with the main character, Christian, and the terrible burden he carries upon his back. The burden, the weight of his sin, causes him to cry out to Evangelist, “I fear this burden on my back will make me sink lower than the grave, and I’ll fall into Hell.” The Evangelist sends Christian out of the City of Destruction, and Christian eventually loses his burden at the foot of the cross.

By Laura N. Sweet

Read: Matthew 11:20-30
“For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (v. 30)

John Bunyan’s classic allegory, “The Pilgrim’s Progress,” begins with the main character, Christian, and the terrible burden he carries upon his back. The burden, the weight of his sin, causes him to cry out to Evangelist, “I fear this burden on my back will make me sink lower than the grave, and I’ll fall into Hell.” The Evangelist sends Christian out of the City of Destruction, and Christian eventually loses his burden at the foot of the cross.

Christian was blessed because he was aware of his sin and came to repent and believe. In Matthew 11, Jesus denounced the cities where many of his miracles were performed because they did not believe. 
Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum had not repented; they rejected the gospel of Christ. But the Father graciously revealed the truth about Jesus to those whom he had chosen.

To those who believed, Jesus extended this invitation, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (v. 28). Jesus would remove the heavy yoke they wore — the yoke of working to earn their salvation through the Pharisees’ legalistic rules and traditions. 

In contrast to those proud religious leaders, Jesus was gentle and lowly in heart. He offered the people rest for their souls.

Are you weary? Are you heavy laden? The invitation is to come to Jesus—right now, as you are, without delay. His yoke is easy, and his burden is light.

As you pray, seek the rest that Jesus gives to those he loves.

 —————

Laura N. Sweet is a wife, mother, grandmother, and former Christian school teacher from Midland. She writes devotional material for both adults and children.

The toms are gobbling all around. Their call is one of the most recognizable in all of nature. 

By Gary Miller

The toms are gobbling all around. Their call is one of the most recognizable in all of nature. 

Whether one is a turkey hunter or not, everyone knows this familiar sound. And even though a tom turkey will gobble the entire year, he is especially vocal during the spring mating season. 

The turkey is an amazing bird. Just a few decades ago there were so few that most hunters turned into fishermen during the spring. Now, the turkey is in every state except Alaska. And not only are they surviving, they are also thriving. 

The reintroduction of the turkey has been a great success story for fish and game commissions all over the country. There has been a concerted effort between them, some conservation groups like the NWTF, and the turkey themselves. 

Yes, the turkey has really done its part in this process as well. They have adapted. It seems no matter what type of terrain the turkey is placed in, it survives. And not only does it survive, but it seems to accept its environment and make it its own. It doesn’t care if it is placed in the mountains or the flatlands, in the cold or hot temperatures. It is going to not only endure its situation; it is going to enjoy it.     

That’s how I want to be. I want to be an enjoying Christian and not just an enduring one. And it’s really not up to anyone or anything but me. 

All of my life, my circumstances have changed. I have noticed as I have gotten older that nothing stays the same. It seems just as I get a grasp on some new thing, it is replaced by a newer thing. 

I could grumble, complain, long for the good ole days, refuse to change, and endure the rest of my life as a cantankerous old man. Or I can choose to relish the opportunity to learn, be thankful for the opportunity to live in this new arena, adapt, and enjoy every minute I am blessed to be here. That is an easy decision for me. I hope it will be for you. 

When I think about this, I’m always reminded of Apostle Paul’s reminder of what the Holy Spirit is trying to produce in me. He writes this: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” 

This means, if I mature in my faith, my old age will not be characterized by cranky or cantankerous, or even just enduring. It will instead be seen as one that is characterized by these nine flavors of this fruit. 

Because while society, culture, and circumstances change, what the Spirit wants to produce in me, will not. It will fit in every generation. This means if I’m looking for stability, I don’t need to look at what world I’m in, but what world is in me. 

 —————

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.    

Donald Lee Timlowski, 87, of Zeeland, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Thursday, April 16, 2026.

Donald Timlowski, 87

Donald Lee Timlowski, 87, of Zeeland, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Thursday, April 16, 2026.

Donald was a member of First Baptist Church in Zeeland and for 38 years was an active member of First Baptist Church in Otsego. He served in the U.S. Army, both active and reserve, for six years. 

Donald was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Maria Timlowski; in-laws, Rev. John and Susie Tillman; and a nephew.

Donald is survived by his wife of 62 years, Martha "Faye" Timlowski; Jocelyn Janis Riddle and Rev. John Tilden Cread Riddle, II and Donald Tibor "Tibby" Timlowski; grandchildren, Devin Riddle, Caleb Riddle, Samuel Riddle, Connor (Lizz) Timlowski, Aiden Timlowski and Madelyn "Maddie" Timlowski; sister, Shirley Selzer; and numerous special nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held Monday, April 20 at First Baptist Church, 246 W. Main St., Zeeland, with Revs. Paul Mann, John Riddle, and Tom Vanden Berg officiating. Burial was in Mountain Home Cemetery in Otsego.

Memorial contributions may be made to Upward Bound Ministries and Faith Promise Mission.

Leverne Baumann, 87

Leverne Baumann, 87, of Olive Center, passed away on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.

Born Sept. 23, 1938, in North Holland, he was the son of John and Grace (Weener) Baumann. He graduated from Holland Christian High School.

Leverne owned and operated North Holland Garage, serving others through practical skill, reliability, and the pride of work done well. He was a longtime member of South Olive Christian Reformed Church, where he served as an elder and deacon, before joining Victory Point Church, and eventually retiring in the Zeeland area.

Leverne is survived by his wife of 67 years, Yvonne; sons, Mark (Beverly) Baumann, Kelvin (Barbara) Baumann, Jeffrey (Kimberly) Baumann, and Daniel (Lori) Baumann; 11 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters, Bernard (Burdetta) Baumann, John (DeeAnn) Baumann, Nancy (Ronald) DeBoer, and Mary (David) Esther; brothers and sisters-in-law, Vern VandenBrink and Coral Swierenga; nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Grace Baumann; in-laws, Peter and Kate Dalman; and brothers and sisters in-law, Howard and Helen Dalman, Preston and Cylinda Dalman, Glenn and Clara Dalman, Cynthia and Ray Rouwhorst, Alaine and Dewey Knoll, Zella VandenBrink, and Lester Swierenga.

A celebration of life service will be Monday, April 27 at 2 p.m. at Victory Point Church, 11530 Ransom St., Holland, with visitation prior to the service from 1 to 2 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Victory Point in memory of Vern.

Susan Vesley, 71

Susan Lynn Vesely (Loetz) of Grand Rapids, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. 

Susan was born to Robert and Lois Loetz in 1954, and grew up in West Michigan, attending school in Zeeland and Grand Rapids. After graduating from Central Michigan University, Sue spent several years as a high school English teacher and theatre director.

In 1981, she was married to Eric Vesely, and together they shared 45 wonderful years, had three children and three grandchildren. Sue enjoyed theatre, Disney, Meijer Gardens, and trips to Lake Michigan. She also enjoyed supporting local performing arts organizations by volunteering.

Sue is survived by her husband, Eric; children, Ryan, Nathan and Sarah; grandchildren, Alex, Kylee and Jada; mother, Lois; and siblings Patricia, Eric and Paul.

A celebration of Sue’s life will be held on Saturday, May 2 at 11 a.m. at Fifth Reformed Church, 2012 Griggs St. SE, Grand Rapids.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Frederik Meijer Gardens at meijergardens.org.

David Beverwyk, 83

David “Dave” Allen Beverwyk, 83, of West Olive, passed away on Monday, April 13, 2026. 

Born on Dec. 25, 1942, in Holland, to Simon and Marian Beverwyk, Dave lived a life marked by steady devotion - to family, to community, and to the everyday work of doing things well. He graduated from Holland High School in 1961.

After graduation, Dave spent time in the National Guard, where he attained the rank of sergeant. He was also part of the American Legion. In his working life, Dave served as the parts manager for VerHage of Holland, a role he held with pride and consistency until retiring at the age of 57.

On Oct. 14, 1965, Dave married his lovely wife, Grace Ann Beverwyk. Dave and Ann had just celebrated 60 years of marriage  together.

Dave was an active member of Beechwood Church in Holland for many years before attending Community Reformed Church in his later years.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Simon and Marian Beverwyk; brothers, Rodger (Carol) Beverwyk and Don Beverwyk; son, Jeff Beverwyk; and grandchild, Jacob Merlino. He is survived by his wife, Ann Beverwyk; sister, Sandra (Chuck) Goulooze; sister-in-law, Marilyn Beverwyk; children, Julie (Wayne) Beverwyk, Chris (Rachel) Beverwyk and Brent (Lisa) Beverwyk; eight grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

A funeral service was held Friday, April 17 at Community Reformed Church, 10376 Felch St., Zeeland.

Joyce Earle, 94

Joyce Elaine Earle, 94, passed away at home on Sunday, April 12, 2026, while under the care of Heartland Hospice in Portage. 

Joyce was born on March 27, 1932, in Prairieville Township, the daughter of Earl and Coral Anson (Teerpenning). She graduated from Plainwell High School in 1949. 

Joyce met Kenneth Earle at PHS, and they married after she attended Western Michigan University for one year. They built a home on M-89 where they lived for 30 years, later moving to Zeeland in the early 1990’s. Soon after, they settled back on Joyce’s woodland property near Pine Lake, living there for an additional 30 years. They were married 54 years until Ken’s passing in 2006. 

Also preceding her in death was her daughter, Brenda Jo; brother, Marvin Anson; and beloved pet, Tucker. She is survived by her daughter, Vicky Earle of  Vancouver, B.C., Canada; and son Kevin (Bonnie Truax) Earle of Brown’s Summit, N.C.

Funeral services were held Monday, April 20, at the Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego, with Pastor Dan Minor officiating. A committal service followed at Hillside Cemetery, Plainwell.

Florence Lampen, 95

Florence Lampen, 95, passed away on Thursday, April 9, 2026, in The Villages, Fla.

Florence was born July 22, 1930, in Grant to Martha and Gerrit Plaisier. She worked in the floral business for 40 years, and she was also an avid golfer. Florence was a member of Third Christian Reformed Church in Zeeland.

Florence was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 50 years, James Lampen; first husband, Kenneth Krikke; daughter, Karen Vogel; granddaughter, Lisa Vander Zwaag; and siblings, Webb Plaisier, Angie Vogel, Polly Hoeckman and Henrietta Plaisier.

Florence is survived by her children, Roger (Terry) Krikke and Debbie (Mark) Wheeler; son-in-law, Bob Vogel; stepchildren, Jim (Donna) Lampen, Jeff (Kathy) Lampen, Tami (Dan) Bolhuis and brother Jerry (Karen) Plaisier; 12 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.

A private funeral for Florence was held on Friday, April 17, at Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St., Zeeland. Interment was at Zeeland Cemetery. 

Memorials may be given to Zeeland Christian Schools.

A local event tied to the National Day of Prayer for our country will take place next Tuesday at the Holland Civic Center Place.

By Greg Chandler
Zeeland Record

A local event tied to the National Day of Prayer for our country will take place next Tuesday at the Holland Civic Center Place.

The event will begin at 6:30 p.m., and will feature speakers as well as special music, said Ann Henriksen, a Zeeland resident who is one of the event organizers.

“We want Holland, Zeeland, everyone to come together and pray for our nation, our state and our city,” Henriksen said.

The theme verse for the event is 1 Chronicles 16:24: “Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among the peoples.” (NIV)

The National Day of Prayer was established in 1952 as a joint resolution of Congress and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman. In the U.S. it is typically held the first Thursday of May, but the local event is being held in late April because the Civic Center is unavailable for rental because of the Tulip Time Festival, Henriksen said.

A time of intercessory prayer will be held at 5:30 p.m., and the doors will open to the general public at 6 p.m. Free concession stand food will be available, Henriksen said.

The keynote speakers for the National Day of Prayer event are Winning at Home founder Dan Seaborn and Pastor Massey Campos, founder and chief executive officer of Self-Evident Ministries, a Florida-based ministry that seeks to educate “Americans about the Biblical heritage of our nation, of government, and preaching the gospel to all who will hear,” according to the ministry’s website. A former pastor at Holland’s Central Wesleyan Church, Seaborn has written 16 books, and his commentaries on faith and family can be heard on more than 350 radio stations across the country.

Music will be provided by a local worship band, the Evergreen Chorale singing group from the Evergreen Commons senior center in Holland, and a children’s choir from Calvary Schools of Holland.

About 400 people attended last year’s National Day of Prayer event, Henriksen said.

Holland Mayor Nathan Bocks issued a proclamation at the April 15 City Council meeting recognizing National Day of Prayer. In his proclamation, Bocks cited the settlers of our area seeking to practice their faith as integral to their settling in the region.

“We acknowledge our local history is closely bound to the privilege granted by our Constitution as early settlers in Holland, Michigan under the leadership of Albertus Van Raalte came to Holland to find the freedom to express their faith according to their conscience,” Bocks wrote in the proclamation.

An informal outdoor prayer gathering will take place on May 7 at 12 noon at Centennial Park in Holland. That gathering will take a couple of hours before the Tulip Time Kinderparade.

For more information, email hollandnationaldayofprayer@gmail.com.