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Ethel Lorraine Snay, 80, of Zeeland, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, Oct. 12, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones.

Lorraine Snay, 80

Ethel Lorraine Snay, 80, of Zeeland, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, Oct. 12, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones.

Known as Lorraine by all she loved, she was born Oct. 28, 1945, in Lucas, Mich. to Albert and Bernice Warsen, coming into the world at home on the family farm near Stoney Corners. 

Lorraine graduated from Northern Michigan Christian School in 1963 and went on to work various jobs before landing at Keeler Brass and meeting her husband Jim. After getting married and starting a family, Lorraine and Jim relocated to Holland from Wyoming and Lorraine began working for Lifesavers, where she was employed for 25 years before her retirement. 

Lorraine was a longtime member of Niekerk Christian Reformed Church where she was involved in ministry with the church choir, assisting in nursery, church library support, knitting hats and mittens for Heights of Hope, and baby blankets for many families throughout the years.

Lorraine is survived by her beloved husband of 60 years, James (Jim) Snay; children, Jeff (Nancy) Snay and Pam (John) Jacobs; grandchildren, Aaron Snay, Adam (Brooke) Snay, Abby (Jonathan) Hop, Brooke Jacobs, and Derek (Anabelle) Jacobs; three great-grandchildren; sister, Jan (Roger) Moomey; several nieces, nephews, cousins; and her special uncle, Arnold Toering.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Bernice Warsen; father-in-law, William Snay, and special aunt, Lillian Toering.

The family would like to share their gratitude for the exceptional care provided to Lorraine by the staff of Quincy Place and Faith Hospice. 

A memorial service will be held Friday, Oct. 16 at 11 a.m. at Niekerk Christian Reformed Church, 545 Country Club Rd., Holland. Interment will be at Restlawn Cemetery.

A visitation will be today from 4 to 7 p.m. at Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St., Zeeland. 

Memorial contributions may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org) or Faith Hospice (faithhospicecare.org).

Andrew Machiela, 90

Andrew Machiela, 90, of Borculo, went to Heaven to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, Oct. 9, 2026.

Andrew was a lifelong farmer in Borculo as well as a lifelong member of Borculo Christian Reformed Church.

Andrew is survived by his wife of 67 years, Eileen Machiela; children, Ter (Doug) Sterk, Jeff (Anna) Machiela, Rod (Lynn) Machiela and Maria Mendez; grandchildren, Tom (Sarah) Machiela, Jill (Marc) Boeve, Michael Muirhead, Jr., Rebecca Machiela, Jack (Jenna) Machiela, Lee (Amberley) Machiela, Angela Machiela, Juan (Bridgett) Sarmiento, Erasmo Sarmiento and Xiomara Sarmiento; great-grandchildren, Kaylee Boeve, Holly Boeve, Lucas Boeve, Marigold Machiela, Sophia Buonodono and Shiah Machiela; sister, Geneva Diemer; and sister-in-law, Mary Koning.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, Oct. 13 at Borculo Christian Reformed Church, 6464 96th Ave., Zeeland, with Rev. Rylan Brue and Rev. Allen Petroelje officiating. Burial was in Borculo Cemetery. 

Contributions in Andrew's memory are encouraged to Faith Hospice (8214 Pfeiffer Farms Dr. SW, Suite 200, Byron Center, MI 49315) and Crossroads Prison Ministries (P.O. Box 900, Grand Rapids, MI 49509-0900). 

Hompheng Phimthasak, 85

Hompheng “Nate” Phimthasak, 85, passed away on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026.

Hompheng was born in Baan Na Thia, Laos on Dec. 6, 1940, to the late Kham and Tha Phimthasak. After graduation he enlisted in the Lao National Army and moved up the ranks to captain. He met the love of his life, Phay, while stationed in Kenthao. They married after one month of courtship in her hometown in August of 1962.

Hompheng immigrated to the U.S. with his family in 1980, seeking a better life for his wife and six children. He attended Milwaukee Area Technical College during the day and worked nights as an inspector at Aluminum Casting & Engineering. He became a United States citizen in 1989. Seeking more opportunity, he moved his family to Zeeland, and worked at Sligh Clock Company and Bil-Mar Foods before retiring in 2005.

A devoted Buddhist, he was instrumental in establishing both the Lao Buddhist Temple of Milwaukee and Holland. He served as president for two years and was a loyal part of the community.

Hompheng is survived by his wife, Phay; brother, Bounhome (Maly) in West Allis, Wis.; sister, Boung in Laos; brother-in-law, Houmphane (Seangthong) in West Allis; children, Souvannaseng Mark (Noi), Watsana Sandy (Vahn) Louangchandavong, Inpaeng Joey, Wanprada Debbie (Brian) Fowler, Toulee Kathy (Chad) Shaft, and Loupbee Robin (Shawn) Currier; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, Oct. 17 at 10 a.m. at the Lao Buddhist Temple, 5582 112th Ave., Holland. Visitation will be Friday, Oct. 16 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E. 16th St., Holland.

Douglas Larkin, 78

Douglas (Doug) Larkin, 78, of Zeeland, went into hands of our Savior through the light, love, and peace of our God on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026, from complications caused by Parkinson’s Disease.

Doug was born in Maple Rapids on Dec. 25, 1947 alongside his twin brother, Dennis Larkin as the youngest of four brothers. Doug’s mother, Doris Slagel, died when Doug was four. His father, Richard (Dick) Larkin, married Jean Geyer when Doug was nine.

Doug graduated from Midland High School in 1965. He was in the midst of earning his bachelor’s degree in accounting when he enlisted in the Air Force during the Vietnam Era. Doug married the love of his life, Terry, on May 15, 1971, just prior to Doug’s deployment to Germany. Doug and Terry enjoyed over four years in Germany together. Doug returned to finish his bachelor’s degree in corporate accounting at Ferris State University.

Throughout his career Doug worked in Denver and Shelbyville, Tenn. before settling in Zeeland in 1987. He served as chief financial officer in both Holland and Grand Rapids, and retired from Moss Telecommunications in 2015.

Doug and Terry raised three incredible sons: Jason, Jeremy and Jacob. Jason is married to Michele Page Larkin and they are parents to Doug’s grandchildren Jackson and Emma. Jeremy is married to Allison Larkin, living in sunny California. Jacob is married to Amanda Cade Larkin and parents to grandchildren Cade and Ellee.

Besides his wife, children, and grandchildren, Doug is survived by two of his brothers, Terry Larkin (Nancy) and Dennis Larkin as well as his stepsister, Marcia Alexander (Bill). He was preceded in death by two older brothers, Duane Larkin (Dolores) and Don Larkin (Chong Cha). Doug is also survived by many incredible nieces and nephews.

A visitation will take place on Friday, Nov. 13 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Dykstra Funeral Home - Mulder Chapel, 188 W. 32nd St., Holland.

A memorial service will take place on Saturday, Nov. 14 at 11 a.m. at Christ Memorial Church - Sanctuary, 595 Graafschap Rd., Holland.

In lieu of flowers, the family would be grateful for donations in memory of Doug Larkin to The Parkinson’s Foundation or Hospice of Holland.

When I talk about the upsides and struggles of smaller churches, I know I’ll get email.

By Jeff Gill

When I talk about the upsides and struggles of smaller churches, I know I’ll get email.

I also know what I will hear most often, which is how much people who like those sorts of churches like them. Which is true, and in line with much of Christian history. 

The “parish,” however defined, has been a core model for local faith community life across generations, a fairly tight geographic area with plenty of family and neighborhood connections undergirding the relationships within a congregation.
One big problem here, though, is like what you hear when you poll or survey in any form a community about retail. People will express significant preferences for “Mom and Pop” stores and family style restaurants; often they will even say they’ll pay more for such experiences. 

Except when tested, they don’t.

Big box retail comes in, marks down 5% or 10% below the Main Street locally-owned store, and the tide turns. Chain restaurants and fast food show up on the edge of town, and the downtown diner sees traffic drop off. 

That’s how malls hollowed out urban cores, and then major discounters gutted the malls, and now online ordering and to your door delivery start to rattle even the supercenters.

Likewise, the historic churches built a block off of courthouse square or parallel to Main Street, almost all with no parking off-street, took a beating as retail moved to the margins; A-frame worship spaces popped up in the suburbs, then the giant worship spaces which dwarfed the kinds of sanctuaries many Boomers grew up in, sometimes in the malls that were themselves starting to lose retail tenants.

If you have a faith you were raised in, and a taste for having a church family, you can be an adult or even an empty nester and like a moderately-sized building with just enough people each Sunday to challenge your ability to remember names.

 Yes, there’s a bunch of us, and quite a few of you also still read newspapers (even print versions!) and aren’t put off by the word “Faith” in the header of, say, a column.

There are also not a few people who are interested in spirituality, but didn’t grow up with or perhaps chose to not stay in a faith tradition from your youth, maybe even stayed away from such weekly gatherings for a season or two of your life, but read about prayer and meditation and God with interest. Some of you read here, and email me occasionally. And tell me how you’d prefer an anonymous space in which to gather with like-minded others over a pew-furnished room with a couple dozen people who all turn to look at you as you enter.

I think there’s a desire for family-style church, but it’s not for everyone. That can be hard to hear: it shouldn’t be. 

I like to remind my peers that in the halcyon days of blue laws and Sunday closings the average weekend in most communities saw maybe 40% of the population in church. That leaves 60% choosing otherwise. 

Today, it’s closer to 20%, which is a halving to be sure, but it’s not new to see a solid majority of our neighbors deciding not to attend worship.

The big question for me about church size is that the rise of megachurches has not swept in as many new attenders as we once thought the seeker-sensitive model might. 

If a windowless space for image projection with excellent graphics, and a quality sound system for a skilled praise band and solid preaching, would bring in even 52% of the population, I’d set aside some of my hesitations and sing the praises of that approach.

I don’t think it’s bad, I just don’t see it making the difference we once anticipated in reaching new audiences, in changing hearts. But neither is business as usual. What comes next?

               —————

Jeff Gill is a writer, storyteller, and preacher in central Ohio; he’s more familiar with family style traditional than not. Tell him how you think worship is most effective at knapsack77@gmail. com, or follow @Knapsack on X.

Many believers live like stained glass windows glowing beautifully in public, hiding the mess within. Outwardly, they appear strong, but inwardly, they struggle with fear, guilt, shame, and unspoken pain. Yet God already knows every thought, motive, and weakness (vv. 1-4). He does not ask for perfection; he invites transparency. 

By Rev. Shadrack Ogwal

Read: Psalm 139
“Search me, O God, and know my heart. Try me and know my thoughts.” (v. 23)

Many believers live like stained glass windows glowing beautifully in public, hiding the mess within. Outwardly, they appear strong, but inwardly, they struggle with fear, guilt, shame, and unspoken pain. Yet God already knows every thought, motive, and weakness (vv. 1-4). He does not ask for perfection; he invites transparency. 

You cannot surprise or overwhelm God, and he simply invites you to lay it all out before him. As an African proverb says, “The child who hides his wound will never find healing.”

David’s prayer in Psalm 139 was not a plea for God to discover something new, but a humble desire to see himself as God saw him. He longed for divine light to expose anything that hindered perfect fellowship with his God. 

True intimacy with God begins where pretense ends. The One who formed your heart is also the only one who can fully heal it. God can only cleanse what you are willing to uncover before him.

The cost of following Jesus includes vulnerability and the courage to be honest before the Lord. When we open our hearts, his grace flows freely into the deepest places of our pain. Hidden wounds cannot heal in darkness; rather, they fester in hiding. 
But when brought into the light, they lose their power. 

Transparency is not weakness; it is a form of worship and invitation for God’s truth to make us whole. May his light heal your wounds and his grace make your heart whole.

—————

Rev. Shadrack Ogwal is a vicar in rural northern Uganda. This devotional was first published in Words of Hope Uganda’s devotional book.

I can remember the first time I decided to learn to hunt with a bow. I was about 30 years old. 

By Gary Miller

I can remember the first time I decided to learn to hunt with a bow. I was about 30 years old. 

Yeah, I know this seems old to some of you, but at that time I did more fishing than hunting. I can also remember my friend Tim easing my mind concerning my ability to use one. He was one of the owners of the store I frequented. 

To me, the complexity of this weapon seemed overwhelming. His calm admonition to me was that once he tuned my bow and adjusted the sights, the principle would be the same as my gun. Put the sight on the target, hold steady, and slowly squeeze the trigger. 

Of course, he was right, and the more I practiced, the more I became comfortable with the whole process. 

Since that day, I have hunted with archery equipment more than any other way. And it all started with one thing: encouragement. It is perhaps the most powerful tool in existence. It has been the single greatest catalyst for more inventions, discoveries, and accomplishments, than any other motivation. Much of the time it is the difference between success and failure and always between fatigue and perseverance. 

Encouragement is the offense on any team. It does not allow one to stand still, but is ever motioning to gain ground. 

I remember the time my granddaughter came in from soccer practice. The only thing she mentioned was how the coach bragged on her. What do you think that caused her to do? Gain ground. 

Encouragement is the gift that keeps on giving. Are you an encourager? There is absolutely nothing you will ever do that will move your interests forward more than encouraging those who work with you or for you. And while encouragement may even take monetary sacrifice, it will always return in multiplied and varied profits.

Is it any wonder the number one reason God wanted his people to come together each week was to be encouraged and to encourage others? It shames me how we have twisted this original idea into a knock-off from the Old Testament law. We have placed everything else above this main purpose. 

Instead of worship, praise, giving, and preaching becoming the means for encouragement when we gather, we have made each of these an end in themselves. And many times we even do it at the expense of encouragement. 

There is one thing for sure, when encouragement becomes absent, so will the people who need it. Everything else they will be able to do at home. 

If you want your faith family to gain ground, encouragement will do the trick. You can do it!

—————

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@outdoor truths.org.

Douglas L. Larkin, 78, of Zeeland, passed away Friday, Oct. 2, 2026 at his home. 

Douglas Larkin, 78

Douglas L. Larkin, 78, of Zeeland, passed away Friday, Oct. 2, 2026 at his home. 

A visitation will take place on Friday, Nov, 13 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Dykstra Funeral Home - Mulder Chapel, 188 W. 32nd St., Holland. 

A memorial service will take place on Saturday, Nov. 14 at 11 a.m. at Christ Memorial Church - Sanctuary, 595 Graafschap Rd., Holland. 

Please check dykstrafuneralhome.com for more information and a full obituary.

Mary McCleery, 98

Mary "May" Elizabeth McCleery, 98, of Zeeland, passed away on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.

Born and raised in Northern Ireland, May immigrated to the United States in 1973 with her husband, Alan, and their two sons. The family eventually found their community and settled in Zeeland.

May's Christian faith was strong. She was active at First Reformed Church of Zeeland, where she found joy in worship and fellowship. Music brought her and her husband together as they delighted in singing duets throughout their years together. May was a ­devoted wife, loving mother and doting grandmother, and great-grandmother. 

May is survived by her husband, Alan McCleery; sons, Colin and Nancy McCleery, and David and Linda McCleery; grandchildren, Eric and Annie McCleery, Kevin and Nicky McCleery, Heather and Josh Matvey, Jessica and Paul Gort, Jonathan and Gaby McCleery, and Jacob McCleery; 20 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Elsa McCleery; as well as nieces and nephews. May was preceded in death by her brother and sister-in-law, Lyle and Irene DeBoys; and brother-in-law, Eric McCleery.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 9 at First Reformed Church of Zeeland, 125 E. Lincoln Ave., Zeeland. Visitation will be tonight from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St., Zeeland. 
Interment will be in Zeeland Cemetery. 

Memorials may be made to Mission Aviation Fellowship.

Ellen Sprik, 87

Ellen Carol Sprik, 87, of Holland, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Ellen was born on Oct. 5, 1938, in Holland to Richard and Jeanette Taylor.

She was employed by Holland Public Schools in administration for 24 years. She was a member of Maranatha Christian Reformed Church, where she was active in ministry including Sunday School, Calvinettes, and Ladies Guild.

Ellen was a woman of deep faith whose love for the Lord was evident not only in her words, but in the way she lived her life. She had a generous heart and found joy in serving others and helping those in need.

After retirement, Ellen and Lyle enjoyed the opportunity to travel together and experience new places. Their travels created cherished memories as they shared new adventures. Those years were a special chapter in Ellen’s life, filled with discovery, companionship, and time together.

Ellen is survived by her husband of 67 years, Lyle; children, Laurie (Loran) Peerbolt, Julie Sprik and Steven (Karla) Sprik; grandchildren, Rachel (Brian) Ten Harmsel, Lisa (Joshua) Konynenbelt, Lindsey Sprik, Joshua (Jessica) Sprik, Emily (Eric) Plaehn and Andrea Sprik; nine great-grandchildren; sisters, Mary (Jay) Frericks, Kathy Borowicz and Kristen Taylor; in-laws, Frank Parkinson and Harlan (Cheryl) Sprik; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Katelyn Sprik; sister, Janice Parkinson; and brothers-in-law, John Sprik and Ben Borowicz.

A memorial service was held Tuesday, Oct. 6 at Maranatha Christian Reformed Church, 918 Central Ave., Holland. Interment was in Pilgrim Home Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Maranatha Mission Fund or World Renew.

Loren Harbison, 51

Loren Ray Harbison, 51, passed away on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026.

Loren was a "Jack of all trades" and willing to help his family and friends however he could. He was smart as a whip. 

He is survived by his parents, Larry and Delores Harbison; brother, Leon Harbison; sister, Amy and David Snow (Brianna and Tony Brink, Samuel and Synthanderia Snow, Andrea Snow, Matthew Snow (Lexi Zalokar)); and brother, Luke Harbison; and brother, Ryan Harbison (Kaidence Harbison, Bryce Harbison).

Funeral services will be held Saturday, Oct. 10 at 11 a.m. at Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St., Zeeland. Visitation with the family will be prior to the service from 10 to 10:50 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will take place in Blendon Township Cemetery.

Coralee De Jonge, 95

Coralee De Jonge, 95, of Holland, passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026 at Resthaven Care Center in Holland.

Coralee was born Sept. 21, 1931 in Drenthe, the daughter of the late Henry and Dena (Horling) Walcott. After her mother’s unexpected death in 1934, she was raised by Richard and Nellie Nies. 

On Sept. 15, 1950, Coralee married Lavern De Jonge and he preceded her in death on July 22, 2024. Coralee was a faithful member at First Baptist Church in Zeeland for many years. She was a meticulous seamstress. Word puzzles and hand stitching occupied her later years. Family was important to her and she always enjoyed hearing what activities her grandchildren were involved in.

Survivors include her children, Connie (Russ) Wolbers, Karen (Denny) Minnema, Mark (Jan) De Jonge, and Rachel (Kraig) Pike; grandchildren, LeeAnn (Tim) Suman, Joel (Whitney) Wolbers, Ellen (Cory) Slotman, MaryJo (Ben) Lacy, Nicole (Taviin) Simmons and Alex (Ashley) Pike; 12 great-grandchildren; and sisters, Geri Walcott and Hazel Marett.

Coralee was also preceded in death by a son, Jack De Jonge; son-in-law, Jack Van Dyke; grandson, Michael and his wife, Kandie, Van Dyke; sister, Maggie Lokers; and brother, Leon Nies.

Funeral services were held on Monday, Oct. 5 at First Baptist Church, 246 W. Main Ave., Zeeland, with Rev. Jeremy D. Cobb and Rev. Thomas VandenBerg officiating. Burial was in Zeeland Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions may be given to Faith Hospice, 2100 Raybrook St. SE, Suite 300, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. 

Bruce Hop, 79

Bruce Alan Hop, 79, born on May 14, 1947 in Zeeland, passed away in Saugatuck on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, leaving behind a life marked by hard work, devotion, and a deep appreciation for the things he loved most.

Bruce lived a life rooted in craftsmanship and quiet dedication. He spent many years working in automotive body work, where his skill, patience, and attention to detail earned the respect of those who knew him professionally. 

He later served as a nurseryman for Wavecrest Nursery, a role that reflected both his steady work ethic and his appreciation for growth, care, and the natural world. In addition to his work in the community, he was also a Mason at the Masonic Order of Saugatuck Temple, where he valued fellowship, tradition, and service.

Those who knew Bruce will remember him as a man with a remarkable talent for restoring antique cars. He was a masterful restorer whose love for antique automobiles went far beyond admiration. He took great pride in bringing old vehicles back to life, and his work reflected both his technical ability and his genuine passion. Antique cars were not simply a hobby for him. They were a lifelong interest that brought him joy, purpose, and a sense of connection to the past.

Bruce also found great happiness on the water. He loved to charter fish on Lake Michigan, where he enjoyed the beauty of the lake and the excitement of the catch. He also cherished deep sea fishing in the Florida Keys, a place that held special meaning for him. For 20 years, he owned a home there, and it became a treasured part of his life. 

Bruce is survived by his wife of 40 years, Carol Tomayer Hop. Their long marriage was a testament to love, companionship, and shared years of life together. He is also survived by his siblings, Joy Michmerhuizen, Wayne Hop and Mark Hop.

Bruce will be remembered as a hardworking, talented, and deeply devoted man whose life reflected both strength and warmth. He had a gift for turning his interests into lasting contributions, whether through his work, his involvement in the Masonic Order, or the care and skill he brought to every antique car he restored.

Ian Reinink, 38

Ian Gene Reinink, beloved father, son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend, born Nov. 11, 1987, passed away on Friday, Sept. 18, 2026, at the age of 38.

Ian was a country boy at heart. From the time he could walk, he loved a lifted Chevy and could appreciate a truck that was just a little bigger, louder, and tougher than it needed to be. He loved being outdoors and spending time in nature. He also had a deep love for animals, especially dogs, and had a soft spot for the unconditional loyalty and companionship they gave.

More than anything, Ian wanted to have a great relationship with his children, Tyler Malanowski and Mackenzie Reinink. His love for them ran deep, and his family knows how much he wanted to be the father they deserved.

Ian will be lovingly remembered by his mother, Glenda (Karle) Reinink; children, Tyler Malanowski and Mackenzie Reinink; sisters, Heather Pringle and Amber Reinink; brother, Dylan Reinink; stepmother, Christal (Lange) Reinink; nephews, Aydan Herrera and Jordan Garcia; nieces, Genevive Pringle and Ezmea Navarrol and by his nine cousins on his mother’s side and nine cousins on his father’s side.

On the Reinink side of his family, Ian was preceded in death, in order of loss, by his father, Thomas Gene “Grub” Reinink; grandmother, Janis (Ten Have) Reinink; uncle, Rodney Reinink; and grandfather, Terry Reinink.
On his mother’s side of the Karle family, Ian was preceded in death, in order of loss, by his grandfather, Robert Karle; his Nana, Berdean (Karle) Brifnek; aunt, Kathleen (Karle) Schutte; and step-grandfather, known as Papa, John Brifnek.

A funeral service honoring Ian’s life was held Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026 in the Mosaic Room at Community Reformed Church, 10376 Felch St., Zeeland.

In Ian’s memory: If you or someone you love is struggling with substance use, help is available. In Michigan, call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for free, confidential information and referrals to treatment and recovery services. You do not have to face this battle alone.

Among a number of our couple friends, we’re known as the card-playing friends. It’s a great way to gather around a table and have good conversation, while also working your minds a little. What’s a little friendly competition among friends?

By Traci Rhoades

Among a number of our couple friends, we’re known as the card-playing friends. It’s a great way to gather around a table and have good conversation, while also working your minds a little. What’s a little friendly competition among friends?

Except for the one guy who turns his hat around backwards when he decides it’s time to get serious. Also, the neighbor who seems to have an extraordinary amount of good luck. Then there’s the time we were camping and I chose to be a sore loser by flipping my cards across the picnic table onto the ground. 

Friends, we always have a choice. Yes, this unfortunate incident has gone down in friendship lore and I get to relive the memory often. 

In today’s society, where loneliness is spreading like wildfire, and we’re so tired from doing all the things we have to do that hanging out feels like a chore, we intentionally get together and play cards. My competitive streak really has gotten better. It’s fun! At least, we keep getting invited to play.

Growing up in Missouri, the primary four-person card game we played was Spades. Occasionally Hearts, and oh, how it stung to end up with that pesky Queen of Hearts (I’m pretty sure she’s related to the Old Maid). Ten-Point Pitch was another option.

Upon graduation, a high school friend of mine went off to Purdue University, and he came back with a new game he wanted to teach us. 

Euchre. Never heard of it. Then I married a Michigander.

Is it possible to grow up in southwest Michigan and not know about Euchre?

Most articles attribute the origin of Euchre to Alsace, France, where it was called “Juckerspiel.” German-speaking immigrants brought it to America in the early 19th century. Similar games were played in Switzerland, “Jucker,” and “Jeu de Trente.” The game even has its own official club in Detroit, founded in 1873.

So where’s the Euchre Belt in the United States? Ohio, western Pennsylvania, southern Michigan, eastern Indiana, and parts of Illinois and Kentucky. 

While there are common rules and strategies among these partner card games, each feels distinct. For the most part, however, if you know how to play one, you can pick up on the others pretty quickly. At least your partner hopes you will.

When we play cards on the weekends, we don’t play traditional Euchre. Our camping friends taught us a variation of the game called Pepper. It appears to be even more centralized, particularly popular in Wisconsin and Iowa. 
It’s also played with four people, but instead of calling a trump, you go around the table and bid. It’s like Euchre, without the secret, hidden cards. My husband prefers Pepper.

Pepper is also thought to have European roots, originating from an older German game, “Hasenpfeffer,” which might explain why another card opponent felt it necessary to quote Bugs Bunny all night long, from an episode where Yosemite Sam tries to trick him Bugs into going into a pot to be cooked as rabbit stew. “Cook! Bring me Hasenpfeffer!” 

I’m not entirely sure that’s why he kept saying the quote, but he definitely thought it was funny. We lost more than a few games that night, so the humor was lost on me. 

In all seriousness, I really do like playing cards, I just take it too seriously sometimes. Knowing my readership here, I bet you have your own Euchre memories. 

Fight back against the loneliness epidemic, invite a few friends over this weekend and make some new memories around the card table. In the words of Porky Pig, “That’s all Folks!”

—————

Traci Rhoades is a faith writer who advocates for an integrated life rooted in Christ. Her family of three loves living near the beach towns of Lake Michigan.