Obituaries

Terrance Bazan, 80


Terrance Gerald Bazan, 80, of West Olive, died Friday, Feb. 14, 2025.

Terrance was born on Aug. 8, 1944 to Gerald and Rita (Hindert) Bazan. He was in the first graduating class of West Ottawa High School in 1962. Following graduation, he joined the U.S. Air Force. Upon returning, he worked many years for AT&T and drove a school bus for West Ottawa after retirement.

His parents preceded in death, along with brothers-in-law Donald Smith, Terry Fulmer and Tom Oleniczak.

Terrance is survived by his wife of 55 years, Yvonne (Hop); children, Jill (Sam) Hoyle of Mico, Texas, and Timothy (Amy) Bazan of Hamilton; grandchildren, Dylan Bazan Schofield of Maricopa, Ariz., Madison Bazan of Allendale and Cassandra Bazan of Allendale; step-grandchildren, Jessica and Andy Davenport of Dover, Del., Vanessa and Morgan Huegele of San Antonio, Texas; five great-grandchildren; siblings, Marilyn Smith of Walker, Sheryl Fulmer of Tullahoma, Tenn. and Kristy Oleniczak of Grand Rapids; in-laws, Laurie (Marv) Klooster of Plainwell, Jim (Tena) Hop of Grand Haven, Mary (Ted) Griffin of Lawrence, Tom (Rena) Hop of Lansing and Mike (Amy) Sims of Zeeland; many extended family and friends.

Per his request, no visitation or services are planned.

Verna DeWeerd, 82


Verna Ruth DeWeerd, 82, of Holland, passed away Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025 at home surrounded by family.

Verna was born in Zeeland April 5, 1942 to Vernon and Helen (Buikema) Volkers. She was a lifelong resident of the area, graduated from Holland Christian High School in 1960, worked for Warm Friend Resthaven for many years, and was a member of Niekerk Christian Reformed Church.

Verna was preceded in death by her son, Keith DeWeerd, and significant other, Jerry VanOosterhout.

She is survived by her daughters, Kris (Paul) Bulthuis and Pam (Scott) Devereaux; grandchildren, April and Jeff Dickey (Hayley, Hudson and Kinley), Travis and Sarah Bulthuis, James Devereaux, Jessica and Josh Cassiday (Mason, Cooper and Harper), Jackie and Tyler Taratuta (Gunner, Huntleigh and River); brothers, Rick and Sue Volkers of The Villages, Fla., Fred and Judy Volkers of Seattle, Wash., Bart Volkers of Otsego, Mark and Pam Volkers of Holland; many extended family and friends.

Funeral services to celebrate Verna’s life were held Monday, Feb. 17 at Lakeshore Memorial Services, 11939 James St., Holland.

Memorial contributions in her memory can be made to Good Days, 2611 Internet Blvd. #105, Frisco, TX 75034, or to Hospice of Holland.

Anneke Boomsma, 84


Anneke “Ann” Boomsma, 84, of Holland, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025.

Anneke was born Nov. 2, 1940 in Leeuwarden, The Netherlands. As a young woman she emigrated from the Netherlands to join her husband Gerry for a new life in America.

Anneke spent her career working in the health field, retiring as administrator of Fountainview Retirement Home. One of her proudest achievements was becoming a U.S. citizen.

Anneke was proceeded in death by Gerry, her husband of 59 years. She is survived by her children, Elly and Rick DeVries, Rev. Ron and Tami Boomsma, and Peggy and Brian Arnold; grandchildren, Brandon and Emily DeVries, Ben and Kristi DeVries, Zach and Andrea Boomsma, Courtney and Chris Frick, Sage Johnson, Taylor and Alex Hanson, Ashley and Shane Becker, Erin Arnold, Gary Arnold and Brian Arnold; and 16 great-grandchildren.

Anneke’s family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the staff at The Atrium at Royal Park Place, later at Medilodge of Holland and throughout her journey Hospice of Holland for the excellent care she received during the last years.

In keeping with Anneke’s wishes, there will be no visitation or memorial service. Memorial contributions may be donated to Hospice of Holland.

Arlene Hop, 89


Arlene Hop, 89, of South Olive, entered her heavenly home on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025.

Arlene was born in Oakland, Mich. on Oct. 2, 1935 to Harry and Hattie Lankheet. When Arlene was 13 years old, she and her family moved to South Olive. Soon after the move she met Alverne Hop. They were married on Dec. 30, 1954.

Arlene was a loving wife, mother and a doting grandmother. She cherished time with her family, especially spoiling her grandchildren. Arlene enjoyed time at the Christian Reformed Conference Grounds as well as time fishing in the UP. She also taught at the South Olive Church Saturday Morning Bible Club.

Arlene is survived by her husband of 70 years, Alverne Hop; children, Lonnie (Pam) Hop, Tammy (Howard) Baumann, Lorna (Bob) Miedema and Wanda (Joel) Miedema; 21 grandchildren, 66 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild; siblings, Howard and Grace Lankheet, Dennis Lankheet and Beverly Hulst; in-laws, Betty Lankheet, Delores Hop, Neil and Elaine Jacobson, and Judy Kronemeyer; as well as many extended family and cherished friends.

Arlene was preceded in death by her infant son, Rodney Dean Hop; brother, Harold Lankheet; sister and brother-in-law, Marian and Vernon Lohman; in-laws, Gary Hulst, Mildred Lankheet, Junior and Maxine Hop, Sherwin Hop, Robert and Thelma Hop, and Harold Kronemeyer.

Funeral services were held Monday, Feb. 17, at South Olive Christian Reformed Church, 6425 N. 120th Ave., Holland. Memorial contributions may be given to South Olive Christian School.

Stephen Schout, 48


Stephen Marc Schout, 48, of Zeeland, died unexpectedly on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025.

Stephen was born in Kwangju, South Korea in 1976. When his parents’ missionary assignment ended, Stephen came to Zeeland while still an infant. Stephen graduated from Zeeland High School in 1995. He lived with an uncontrolled seizure disorder his entire life, but now he is in heaven with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ — and his health limitations and challenges are over.

Stephen was a member of Grace Fellowship Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Zeeland, and enjoyed his Wonderfully Made Sunday School class.

Stephen is survived by his parents, Lloyd and Melva Schout; brothers, David Schout and Michael and Naomi Schout; nieces and nephews, Sadie Schout, Eli Schout, Lydia Schout, and Titus Schout, all of Zeeland; plus many aunts, uncles, cousins, and cherished friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Marvin and Mary Schout, and Raymond and Gertrude Morren.

Funeral services were held on Monday, Feb. 17 at Grace Fellowship Orthodox Presbyterian Church, 435 W. Main Ave., Zeeland, with Stephen’s brother, Rev. Michael Schout, officiating. Burial was in Zeeland Cemetery (original/settlers). Memorial contributions in Stephen’s memory may be given to Kenya Hope.

The family wishes to thank the many healthcare professionals over the years who helped Stephen live with his seizure disorder, his loving church family at both Covenant PCA and Grace Fellowship OPC, and Jackie Yeomans for her care teaching and mentoring Stephen over the last five years.

Donna Koppenaal, 100


Donna Koppenaal, 100, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025.

Donna was born on Jan. 9, 1925 in Holland to Amy and William Lokker. A graduate of Holland High School class of 1943, Donna maintained lifelong friendships with many of her classmates.

After high school, Donna went to work at the Holland Furnace Company where she was a trusted typist and secretary. While working at Holland Furnace in 1951, she married her husband Robert Shank and subsequently took on the role of homemaker and supporter to her husband in the running of a beloved local restaurant, Bimbo Burger. Donna’s work ethic and record-keeping skills helped make the restaurant a success, but the untimely death of Robert cut short their planned golden years together.

In 1979, Donna married her second husband, John Koppenaal. Donna and John enjoyed many happy years together, and often spoke of the special pleasure they found attending local big band performances and picnicking at Holland State Park.

She is survived by her stepchildren, Betsy (John) and Ted (Mary Jo); nephew, Bill (Joy); nieces Janice (Todd) and Linda (Bill); sisters-in-law, Donna, Jackie, and brother-in-law Pete (Raelene) as well as many special friends from Fellowship Reformed Church.

Donna was preceded in death by her mother, Amy; father, William; brothers, Robert, William and Paul, and husbands, Robert and John.

Funeral services were held Saturday, Feb. 15 at Lakeshore Memorial Services, 11939 James St. in Holland. Burial was in Pilgrim Home Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Fellowship Reformed Church in Holland.

Willis Vander Berg, 89


Willis “Bill” Vander Berg, 89, of Holland, died Friday, Feb. 7, 2025 at his home surrounded by his family.

Bill was a lifetime member of Fourteenth Street Christian Reformed Church and owned and operated Bill’s Automotive for more than 40 years. He graduated from Holland Christian High School and attended Hope College. Bill and his wife, Margo, were long-time members of the Macatawa Bay Yacht Club.

Bill is survived by his wife of 69 years, Margo (Woltman); children, Laurie Honor, Kristine and Stu Solomon, Mark and Diane Vander Berg; grandchildren, Tina (Phil) Michmerhuizen, Alesha (Tim) Dewit, Sarah (Tim) Smith, Daniel (Anna) Vander Berg, Nicholas (Daniel) Byrd, Andrea (Tim) Thielke; 12 great-grandchildren; sister, Phyllis (Flip) Heerspink; in-laws, Dee Post; Rich (Bev) Woltman, Roger (Bev) Woltman and Linda (Art) Gonzales. Bill was preceded in death by his sister, Sandy Elzinga, and brothers-in-law, Chuck Elzinga and Stu Post.

A memorial service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025, at Fourteenth Street Christian Reformed Church, 14 W. 14th St., Holland, with Rev. Benj Petroelje officiating. Interment will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21, at Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E. 16th St., Holland.

Pauline Kolean, 102


Pauline (Victor) Kolean, 102, of Holland, passed into eternity on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025, with loved ones at her side.

Pauline was born May 12, 1923, to John and Myrtle (Hoover) Victor in Slaty Fork, W. Va., one of eight siblings. In 1947, she married Egbert (Eggie) Kolean, who passed in 1989. Together, they owned and operated Ottawa Glass on River Avenue for many years.

Although Pauline and Eggie had no children of their own, their nephews and nieces always saw her as their unconditionally loving “second mom,” and Eggie the always playful uncle. They enjoyed entertaining family and friends at their home. In winter, there were big Sunday breakfasts, and in summer there was always a weekend crowd socializing and playing in their pool.

Eggie was a World War II veteran who served on the North African and European fronts. Pauline worked many years at Baker Furniture where, as part of the war effort, she made wings for infantry gliders; she later worked there as an upholsterer. The couple truly were members of “The Greatest Generation.”

The extended family gives special thanks to niece Janie Driscoll and to nephew James Driscoll for their loving care during Pauline’s final years. Also, thanks to Hospice of Holland for all they did that allowed her to remain at home until her passing.

Pauline is survived by her sister, Mabeline Stahel of Bradenton, Fla., as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and their children around the U.S., all of whom loved “Aunt Pauline.”