Marianne Tarr, 98
Marianne J. Tarr, 98, of Zeeland, passed away on Wednesday, April 30, at her home at the Royal Atrium Inn.
Marianne was born in Monchengladbach, Germany, on Feb. 16, 1927. During her adolescent years, her life was greatly affected by World War II, during which she endured many hardships. Her life took an unexpected turn when she met Edward Tarr, a British soldier who was stationed in her hometown of Neersen at the war's end. A courtship ensued and she moved to Weston-Super-Mare, England, and the two were married on Dec. 30, 1947.
Marianne and Ed lived a full life in Weston-Super-Mare. While there, Marianne taught herself English (with Ed's help) and as she was a trained seamstress, she found a job at a dress shop in town. She eventually became a supervisor and continued to enjoy sewing and fashion throughout her lifetime.
In 1972, Ed and Marianne took another leap of faith and moved to Zeeland, to be near Marlies and Jack H. DeWitt, her sister and brother-in-law, and their young family. Their mother, Sabine G. Totten, also arrived in Zeeland, and the family was reunited. Marianne and Ed were active in the upbringing and daily lives of Jack and Marlies' children - Tom, Sabina, and John. Marianne became a U.S citizen after Ed's death in 2005.
Marianne was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Edward W.H. Tarr; and her parents, Franz and Sabine Totten; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Kenneth and Pat Tarr; and brother-in-law Jack H. DeWitt.
She is survived by her sister, Marlies DeWitt; her nephews Thomas (April) DeWitt and John DeWitt and niece Sabina DeWitt Otteman (Andy), all of Zeeland; eight great-nephews and great-nieces; and extended family in England and Germany.
Services will be 2 p.m. on Monday, May 12, 2025, at Second Reformed Church of Zeeland, 225 E. Central Ave., Zeeland, with visitation beginning at 1 p.m. prior to the service. A time of fellowship will be held after the service with committal following at Zeeland Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made to Second Reformed Church, Building Fund.
The family would like to thank Royal Park Place and Royal Atrium Inn, as well as Corewell Health Zeeland Hospital and Hospice of Holland for their care of Marianne. Also a special thank you to Linda Hopkins, her niece in England, for her many calls to Marianne over the years.
For those wishing to watch a livestream of the service, please go to bit.ly/tarr051225.
Constance Petroelje, 92
Constance L. Petroelje, 92, of Holland, passed away Saturday, May 3, 2025 at Resthaven Maple Woods in Holland.
Connie was a member of Niekerk Christian Reformed Church where she had been a choir member, a member of the Ladies Society, and an organist for 40 years.
Connie was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Justin, in 2018; brother and sister-in-law, Philip and Donna Michmerhuizen; and sisters-in-law, Rose Marie Michmerhuizen and Nelva Michmerhuizen.
Connie is survived by her children, Rob (Sally) Petroelje of Villa Park, Ill., Dawn Walters-Folkert and Melvin Busscher of Holland, Nancy (Jack) Engelsman of Hudsonville, John (Brenda) Petroelje of Holland, Joel (Deb) Petroelje of Holland and Dan (Kathi) Petroelje of Holland; 21 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren; siblings, James Michmerhuizen of Boston, Mass., Joyce (Jack) Koeman of Holland and Terry Michmerhuizen of Kalamazoo.
Funeral services are planned for 11 a.m. on Friday, May 9 at Niekerk Christian Reformed Church, 545 Country Club Rd., Holland, with Rev. Benj Petroelje and Rev. John Nyitray officiating. Burial will be in Zeeland Cemetery.
Visitation is scheduled for today from 4 to 7 p.m., also at Niekerk CRC.
Memorial contributions may be made to Holland Christian Schools and Mercy Ships.
Beatrice Schreur, 87
Beatrice Schreur, 87, of Oakland, died Friday, May 2, 2025.
Bea, daughter of John and Anna Arends, was born in Zeeland and graduated from Holland High School in 1956. She was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, and a loyal friend. She was a longtime member of Oakland Christian Reformed Church.
Bea is survived by her husband of 58 years, Gordon; her children, Susan (Rodney) Mannes, Michael (Brooke) Schreur, and Jonathan (Gary Kott) Schreur; and her daughter-in-law, Stephanie Tjapkes; six grandchildren; sisters, Mary (Will) Huizing and Ruth Maguire; her sister-in-law, Georgia Arends; her brothers-in-law, Junior Schreur and Jay (Carolyn) Schreur; and sister-in-law, Juella Boerman.
She was preceded in death by her sons, Brian and David; and brothers, Chuck, Don and Bob Arends.
A memorial service was held Tuesday, May 6 at Oakland Christian Reformed Church. A family graveside service was held in Bentheim Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to I Understand Love Heals at iunderstandloveheals.org. or at P.O. Box 822 Ada, MI 49301. Bea was an early advocate for survivors of suicide.
Sherill Riemersma, 90
Sherrill Riemersma, of Zeeland, passed away Saturday, May 3, 2025, at the age of 90.
Sherrill was born was born April 29, 1935, to Harriet and Gerrit Swart in Chicago. She grew up in Roseland, Ill. and Mokena, Ill. After graduating from Joliet High School, she moved to Holland to attend Hope College.
While at Hope, she met Nelson Riemersma and they married in 1956. Sherrill then moved to Zeeland where they started their life and family together. In 1968, they started building Dutch Treat Camping, opening in 1969.
She stayed active and interested in the business until her death. Sherrill was married for 64 years until Nelson’s death in 2020.
Sherrill is survived by her children, Darlene (Tim) Vloedman, Gary Riemersma, Steve (Holly) Riemersma, Ken (Kathy) Riemersma, and Linda (John) Veenema; 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, May 7 at Lakeshore Memorial Services, 11939 James St., Holland.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Oaks of Jamestown or Interim Hospice.
Marlene Breuker, 82
Marlene "Molly" Breuker, 82, of Zeeland, passed away on Thursday, May 1, 2025.
A naturally shy individual, she was a remarkable listener, always ready to lend an ear to those in need. Molly never complained and approached life with grace, always willing to support those she loved in their endeavors, finding joy in helping them shine.
Her professional journey as a bookkeeper took her to various places, but most notably, she made lasting contributions at Russ' Commissary.
Molly is survived by her husband, Paul Breuker; children, Pamela Lenters, Connie and Steve DeZwaan and Sheri Lamar Johnson; grandchildren and great-grandchildren; stepchildren and step-grandchildren; in-laws, Mike and Nancy Breuker, Beth and Jerry Hungerink, Ruth Plasman, Dave and Mina Breuker; Joel Glashower; as well as extended family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her sister, Joyce Dreyer-Glashower.
Funeral services for Molly were held Tuesday, May 6, Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St., Zeeland. Burial was in Pilgrim Home Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to World Renew or Faith Hospice.
Karen Vander Yacht, 82
Karen Beth Vander Yacht, 82, of Holland, passed away on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.
For more than 30 years, Karen served as a receptionist at Metal Flow, where her warm personality and dedication made a lasting impact on her colleagues and customers alike.
Karen is survived by her daughter, Denise (Frank) Bookie; daughter-in-law, Victoria Vander Yacht; four grandchildren; many beloved great-grandchildren; and brother, Craig (Judy) Hungerink.
Karen was preceded in death by her husband, Glen Vander Yacht; and her son, Scott Vander Yacht.
Visitation to remember and celebrate Karen's life will be tonight from 6 to 8 p.m. at Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St., Zeeland.
Bruce Ramaker, 64
Bruce Ramaker, 64, of Zeeland, died Sunday, April 27, 2025.
He was the son of Albert and Doris Ramaker and graduated from Hamilton High School. He worked for Brummel's Appliance for many years as a repairman.
Bruce was preceded in death by a son, Andrew Jon Ramaker in 2023; sister, Judy Ramaker; and his parents.
He is survived by his son, Chris Ramaker of Zeeland.
A time of visitation for Bruce was held Wednesday, May 7 at Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E. 16th St. Holland.
Memorial contributions may be given to the American Cancer Society.
Sarah Geurink, 32
Sarah Geurink, 32, of Overisel, passed away on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.
Sarah was born June 23, 1992, in Zeeland to Sherwin and Mary (Kalman) Geurink. She graduated from Hamilton High School and Grand Valley State University.
Sarah started her education career as a para-pro in East Kentwood from 2016 to 2018, then Spring Lake in 2018-2019. She taught in the South Haven School District at Baseline Middle School for six years. Sarah was also a youth group leader at Hope Reformed Church in South Haven.
She is survived by her mother, Mary Geurink; her brothers and their families, Scott and Michelle Geurink, and David and Emily Geurink; many aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her father, Sherwin Lee Geurink; brother, Arlyn Geurink; and grandparents, Eli Kalman, Margie Kalman-Gras, Jake Gras, Alvin and Lorene Geurink.
The Geurink family is grateful for the excellent care that Sarah received from the entire care and medical team that assisted Sarah in the last three years.
A funeral service was held Monday, May 5 at the West Campus of Overisel Reformed Church, 4724 142nd Ave., Holland. Interment was in East Holland Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hope Reformed Church of South Haven-Youth Group.
Delwyn Lankheet, 65
Delwyn Jay Lankheet, 65, of Zeeland, passed away after a battle with glioblastoma brain cancer on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.
Del was devoted to his family and had a deep and inspiring faith. He worked for Herman Miller for 45 years.
He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Lynn; their children, Kayla and Isaac Koert and Travis and Tara Lankheet; two grandchildren; his parents, Howard and Grace Lankheet; siblings, Bruce and Bonnie Lankheet, Brenda and Bryan Roels, and Marcia and Mike Kwantes; sister-in-law, Deb Hengst; many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his in-laws, Harold and Janice Van Orman, and brother-in-law, Ken Hengst.
A celebration of Del's faith and life was held Wednesday, May 7, at Community Reformed Church, 10376 Felch St., Zeeland. Interment was in Restlawn Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, please donate in Del's honor to Faith Hospice at faithhospicecare.org/donate/#make-donation.
Terry Isenga, 76
Terry Paul Isenga, 76, passed away on Monday, April 28, 2025.
He is preceded in death by his grandson, Tyler Alberda; brother, Lewis Isenga; sister-in-law, Carol and Wayne Kragt; and brother-in-law, Doug Boze.
He is survived by his wife, Kristy Isenga; daughter, Heather and Ryan Alberda (Elliot, Olivia); son, Travis and Lindsey Isenga (Jozette, Tyson); sisters, Linda Isenga and Gloria Dykema; sisters-in-law, Ellen Isenga and Betty Boze; brother-in-law, Terry and Carol Glass; and his extended family.
Visitation with the family was Monday, May 5 at Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St., Zeeland. Burial took place in East Drenthe Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are encouraged in Terry's honor and may be given to Gateway Mission, hopefoundhere.org/about or send to Gateway Mission, 661 E. 24th St., Suite 300, Holland, MI 49423.
