Obituaries

Lila Bouwens, 96


Lila Bouwens, 96, of Zeeland, went home to the loving arms of Jesus on Mother’s Day, May 11, 2025.

Lila showed God’s love to all with her kindness and tender words. She loved her family and friends deeply. She will be greatly missed for her grace, kind presence and loving support.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Glenn; parents, Howard and Jennie Myaard; brother, Howard Myaard; sister, Ruth Walters; and special friend Don (Bud) Pyle.

She is survived by her sons, Joel (Marianne) Bouwens, John (Holly) Bouwens and Jim (Patti) Bouwens; seven grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Mary Bouwens.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, May 19 at Second Reformed Church, 225 E. Central Ave., Zeeland. Interment will be in Zeeland Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, May 18 at Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St. Zeeland.

Memorial contributions may be given to Words of Hope or Second Reformed Church.

Thomas Harrier, 69


Thomas Harrier, age 69, passed away on Sunday, May 11, 2025.

Thomas was employed at Haworth for more than 30 years. He was known for his one-liners, funny personality, and big heart. He was always there when needed and was a great husband and step-dad.

He is survived by his wife, Susan Harrier; son, Jesse Hayes; son, Joseph and Ameilia Hayes; brother, Jim and Winn Harrier; brother, Gary and Sandy Harrier; brother-in-law, Robert Brewer; brother-in-law, Larry Brewer; brother-in-law, Daniel and Donna Brewer; nieces, nephews, and extended family.

A private celebration of life is being planned for a later date. Burial took place in Holland Township Cemetery.

Keith Berens, 84


Keith Berens, 84, of Holland, passed away Thursday, May 8, 2025.

Keith was born in Bentheim and graduated from Zeeland High School in 1959. He was a self-employed semitruck driver and delivered for, and to, many local companies throughout his career. In his younger years, Keith was a pitcher for the Drenthe Church fastpitch softball team. After retirement, Keith enjoyed tractor pulls and flea markets.

Keith was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Lottie Berens; siblings and in-laws, Bob and Alice Berens, Eugene and Evelyn Berens, and Evelyn and Bernie Capel.

Keith is survived by his wife, Selinda Berens; children, Travis Berens, Tessa (Larry) Gilbert, Tyrone (Lorrie) Hackney and Lynn (Tim) Hawkins; eight grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; brother, Harwyn (Harlyth) Berens; and many nieces and nephews.

No funeral services were planned. Arrangements were by Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home.

Hilda Manting, 105


Hilda Mae Manting, 105, of Holland, entered into the presence of her Lord on May 10, 2025.

She was born on Feb. 4, 1920, the daughter of Walter and Maggie (Smith) Van Meeteren. She was baptized, along with her brother Larry, at 14th Street Christian Reformed Church, and at age six weeks the family moved to Redlands, Calif.

Upon returning to Holland at the age of six, Hilda attended Holland Christian Schools and graduated from Holland High School. She made her profession of faith at 14th Street CRC and on Oct. 18, 1946 married Harold at that same altar. They moved to Maple Avenue Christian Reformed Church, where Hilda became an active member.

Hilda enjoyed sewing and gardening, was a member and volunteer at Evergreen Commons and the Community Kitchen at Western Theological Seminary, and enjoyed years of membership at the Community Aquatic Center.

Hilda was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Manting; her twin brother, Larry (Dorothy) Van Meeteren; and brother, Alvin (Alice) Van Meeteren.

Hilda is survived by her children, Joan (Wesley) Knapp of Allegan, David (Kathy) Manting of Longmont, Colo.; grandchildren, Kristi Myers, Jennifer (Eddie) Wedge, Katie (Jim) Kirk, Elizabeth (Brendan) Banyon, Jeffrey Brent; nine great-grandsons, Prestyn, Luke, Sawyer, James, Rory, Austin, Denver, Rowan and Julian; several nieces and a nephew.

A private family burial has taken place in Pilgrim Home Cemetery. A celebration of life family gathering will be held this summer.

Wayne Boerigter, 82


Wayne Terry Boerigter, age 82, passed away on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, surrounded by family.

A longtime member of Noordeloos Christian Reformed Church, Wayne had a generous heart and a giving spirit. He was always ready to help others when needed and enjoyed being able to lend a helping hand.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Beth Ann Boerigter; sister, Gloria Leestma; and sister-in-law, Marlene Boerigter.

Wayne is survived by his wife of 60 years, Lois; children, Brian Boerigter and Bruce (Robin) Boerigter; grandchildren, Austin (Stevie-Lynn) Boerigter and Michael Boerigter; great-grandson, Matthew Boerigter; and brothers, Glenn (Mary) Boerigter, Jim Boerigter and Roger (Carol) Boerigter.

A funeral service for Wayne was held on Monday, May 12 at Noordeloos Christian Reformed Church, 4055 112th Ave., Holland.

Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of Holland or to Heritage Homes.

Bruce Schermer, 83


Bruce Schermer, age 83, passed away on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.

Bruce was a lifelong member of Third Christian Reformed Church of Zeeland.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy (Nykamp) Schermer; brother, Robert Scher-mer; sister, Yvonne and Allan Vander Poppen; sister, Marilyn Mehrtens; sister, Shirley Scher- mer; sister, Ruth Ann VanderKlay; sister-in-law, Luetta Schermer; and numerous in-laws.

He is survived by his brother, Ron Schermer; sister, Ellen and Charles Klynstra; brother-in-law, Allan VanderKlay; nieces, nephews, and extended family.

A public committal service was held on Friday, May 9 at Vriesland Cemetery with Rev. Mark Timmer officiating.

Edward Horinga, 90


Edward Horinga, 90, of Zeeland, passed into glory being completely healed and greeted by his Savior on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.

Ed was born Jan. 3, 1935, in Grootegast, The Netherlands, He lived there until the age of 23 when he and his bride, Sylvia, moved to Sussex, N.J., just 12 days after they were wed. They farmed in New Jersey for 17 years before Ed moved his young family, their herd of dairy cows and all their belongings to a small farm in Zeeland. There he and Sylvia watched their family and dairy farm grow into something they never imagined.
Ed loved his family very much and took pride farming alongside them for so many years. His happiest days were when he would watch the three younger generations work the farm together.

Ed was blessed to see all of his grandchildren become successful adults and start families of their own. He thanked God often for the amazing blessing of the great-grandchildren that he got to know and have a part of his everyday life.

Ed is survived by his wife of 67 years, Sylvia; their four children and spouses, Henry and Becky Horinga, Pete and Beth Horinga, Walt and Bev Horinga and Irene and Darell Meyering; nine grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. On the day Ed left us here on earth, he finally got to hold his youngest great-grandson, Landon, who proceeded him in death almost two years ago.

Ed’s biggest legacy that he leaves with his family is his strong and unwavering faith in God, He trusted that God would protect and guide his every step throughout his life, Ed saw many struggles and trials during his 90 years, but never once questioned that Jesus was his Lord and Savior. He prayed often that all of his family would also put their trust in Jesus Christ and acknowledge Him as their personal Savior.

Funeral services were held Friday, May 10 at North Blendon Christian Reformed Church, 7284 Taylor St., Hudsonville. Interment was in Blendon Township Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to Audio Scripture Ministries.

LaVerle Peerbolt, 90


LaVerle Peerbolt, 90, of Holland, was welcomed into the arms of her Savior on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at the Inn at Freedom Village.

LaVerle was a member of Maranatha Christian Reformed Church where she and her husband, Morris, ministered to many. She will be remembered for her warm hugs, ready smile, and unshakable faith in Christ.

LaVerle was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Morris; brother, Theodore Aalderink; and in-laws, Gene Boerman, Myna and Levi Akker, Louise and Glenn Nyhuis, Harold and Margaret Peerbolt, and Mary Ann Johnson.

LaVerle is survived by her children, Jeff (Nancy) Peerbolt of Holland, Tim (Marilou) Peerbolt of Florida, Loran (Laurie) Peerbolt of Holland, Tony (Susan) Peerbolt of Holland and Kathryn (Dave) Zeinstra of Zeeland; 27 grandchildren; 39 great-grandchildren; sister, Janet (Gene) Boerman of Holland; in-laws, Robert Johnson of Florida and Greta Aalderink of Holland; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, May 13 at Maranatha Christian Reformed Church, 918 Central Ave., Holland, with Rev. Matthew Stob officiating. Burial was in Pilgrim Home Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to World Renew, Gentiva Hospice or the Freedom Village Scholarship Fund.

Dennis Ten Broeke, 82


Dennis Ten Broeke, 82, of Hudsonville went home to be with his Lord and Savior Sunday, May 4, 2025.

Dennis graduated from Zeeland High School and Michigan State University where he studied to become a mechanical engineer, and he retired from Magna Donnelly Corporation. Dennis served his country in the
United States Air Force. He was a member of Georgetown Christian Reformed Church where he served as an elder and deacon. Dennis was a quiet man who loved deeply and was kind to all.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Egbert and Gertrude Ten Broeke; and brothers, Jerry and Bernard Ten Broeke.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Sheryl; his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Tammy and Terry Holstege (Sydney, Kiersten and Chad Hayes, Jacob and Ashley, Nikolas and Kristi), Troy and Dona Ten Broeke (Ryan and Kendra Ten Broeke [Sadie and Hudson], Jessica, and Chad), Jill and Jeremy Kortering (Benjimen, and Kyle); sisters, Gladys and Henry Peuler, and Marie and Jerry Sall; sisters-in-law, Marcia Ten Broeke, Deb Ten Broeke, Sharon and John Wolters, and Carla and Michael Machiela.

A memorial service was held Thursday, May 8 at Georgetown Christian Reformed Church, 6475 40th Ave., Hudsonville. Memorial contributions may be given to Unity Christian High School.

Celia Kleinheksel, 92


Celia J. Kleinheksel, 92, of Zeeland, passed away on Saturday, May 3, 2025.

Celia was born April 12, 1933, in Zeeland to Hiram and Nella (Ver Hage) Yntema. She graduated from Zeeland High School and Western Michigan University and started a career in teaching. She was an elementary education instructor for 33 years before her retirement.

In 1972, Celia started the girls softball team at Zeeland High and also served as the girls junior varsity basketball coach for many years. She was an excellent softball pitcher playing with the Drenthe girls on the Bon Ton team. She also pitched for Whirlpool’s semipro team. Celia was also a competitive golfer, qualifying for the Senior Olympics in golf and competing at the Senior World Games in Utah for 14 years.

Celia was married to Lloyd Kleinheksel, who preceded her in death.

She is survived by her brother, Dale and Judy Yntema; nieces and nephews, Dan and Sherry Yntema, Jayne and Ron Nyenhuis, Doug and Laura Yntema, Janis and Toby Johns, and many extended family and friends.

A funeral service was held Friday, May 9 at the Overisel Reformed Church - West Campus, 4726 142nd Ave., Holland. Interment was in Overisel Cemetery.

Memorial donations in Celia’s memory may be made to His Harvest Stand or the Harbor Humane Society.