Hazel Vander Kamp, 94
Hazel J. Vander Kamp, 94, of Holland, passed away on Sunday, June 22, 2025.
Hazel was preceded in death by her husband, Glenn; granddaughter, Kristen Baumann Alles; great-granddaughter, Joselyn Schierbeek; and son-in-law, Rod Brower. She was a charter member of Maranatha Christian Reformed Church and was an active volunteer in many non-profit organizations.
Hazel is survived by her children, Barb and Ted Baumann, Sherrie Brower, and Deb and Steve Dykstra; grandchildren, Kim and Ryan Lubbers, Kelli and Derek Straayer, Ross and Krista Brower, Kate and Rob Maskill, Mallory and Jon Schierbeek, Emilie and Don Goris, Amy and David Hoogstra, Tyler Dykstra and fiancée Madi Scott; 29 great-grandchildren; brother, Glenn and Alice Vander Kolk; in-laws, Herschel and Wanda Vander Kamp, June Zoet, Kendall and Linda Vander Kamp; several nieces and nephews.
Hazel’s family would like to thank the staff of Resthaven Maple Woods and Hospice of Holland for the compassionate and loving care they gave their mother.
A memorial service was held Wednesday, June 25 at Maranatha Christian Reformed Church, 918 Central Ave., Holland with Rev. Matthew Stob officiating. Burial was in Overisel Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be given to Maranatha Church’s Grace Space or City on a Hill Cafe.
Delvin Lankheet, 90
Delvin Glenn Lankheet, 90, of Overisel, passed away Sunday, June 22, 2025 at Holland Hospital.
Delvin was born in Overisel March 21, 1935 to Gillis and Dorothy (Smallegan) Lankheet, and was a lifelong resident of the Overisel area. He was a founding member of Messiah’s Independent Reformed Church, and supported many of the missions at church, including MERF (Middle East Reformed Fellowship). Delvin served our country in the United States Army and worked as a farmer for his entire life.
He was preceded in death by his infant son, Michael Lankheet; and his daughter-in-law, Carol Lankheet.
Delvin is survived by his wife of almost 68 years, Tena (Ringia) Lankheet; children, Jean (Jim Harley) Battjes-Harley, Dave (Lisa) Lankheet, Judy (Paul) Plaggemars, and Steve Lankheet; grandchildren, Rachel (Bryce), Joel (Katie), Greg, Zach, Jason (Katie), Josh (Andrea), Erin (Jeffrey), Sarah (Dustin), Hannah (Eric), Katie (Chris), Ben (Lauren), Vicky (Nate), and Elijah; 21 great-grandchildren; siblings, Kathleen Schipper, Thelma Clark, Marilyn Scholten, Elaine (Bill) Cameron, and Earl (Gail) Lankheet; in-laws, Fred (Ann) Ringia, Gert (Roger) Driesenga, and Marilyn (Dan) Flaherty; many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.
A service to celebrate Delvin’s life will be 11 a.m. Friday, June 27 at Messiah’s Independent Reformed Church, 4528 48th St., Holland. Burial will be in Overisel Cemetery. Visitation will be tonight from 6 to 8 p.m. at Messiah’s Church.
Memorial contributions in memory of Delvin can be made to MERF, P.O. Box 1904, Holland, MI 49422.
Robert Ayers, 78
Robert “Bob” Andrew Ayers, 78, of Holland, passed away suddenly on Thursday, June 19, 2025.
Bob was born in Sioux City, Iowa, on Oct. 7, 1946, to Stanley and Rebella (Reed) Ayers. In 1953, when Bob was seven years old, the Ayers family moved to Holland. Bob attended Holland Schools and then served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam conflict where he worked in U.S. Army supply. Upon returning to civilian life in Holland, Bob worked for Donnelly Corporation until his eventual retirement in 2006.
Bob married Virginia Winkleblack on Aug. 16, 1969, and they raised their four children in Zeeland. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, water skiing, golf, and old muscle cars.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Virginia; their children, Rick and April Ayers, Shane and Laura Ayers, Matt Ayers and Laura Walker; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Ashley and Travis Vork (Greyson, Hudson, Lincoln), Zachery Ayers, Marissa and Marcus Lambert (Scarlett, Sophia), Elijah and Ashlyn Kliphuis, Julia Volkers, Brendan Volkers, Alexis Ayers, Ethan Ayers, Ayden Ayers, Gavin Ayers, Quinten Ayers, Lyliane and Andreas Garcia (River), Abigail and Livan Gamez (Leo, Adriella, Elisio); brother, Myron Ayers, and many extended family and friends.
A graveside service with military honors was held Tuesday, June 24, at Restlawn Memorial Gardens, 994 Paw Paw Dr., Holland.
Kathy Mokma, 67
Kathy Sue Mokma, age 67, of Holland, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, June 17, 2025.
Kathy was a longstanding member of Family Church - Ebenezer Campus, where she served in various capacities over the years. She was a longterm employee of Corewell Health, where she was a supervisor of coding operations. She enjoyed reading, traveling to Shipshewana, camping, playing cards, and watching her children and grandchildren in various activities and sporting events.
Kathy is survived by her children, Jennifer (James) Addessi of Dorr, Matt (Reba) Mokma of Hamilton and Rob (Paige) Mokma of Hudsonville; grandchildren, Brianna Gabrion, Brendan Gabrion (Tiernan Nykamp), Madelyn Gabrion, Luciana Addessi, Giovanni Addessi, Kolton Mokma, Easton Mokma, Deacon Mokma, Kennadi Mokma, Austin Mokma and Addison Mokma;
siblings, Cal (Jane) Van Oss of Holland, Chuck (Amy) Van Oss of Hamilton, Karen Van Oss of Holland, Kristy (Alan) Brown of Holland; in-laws; Arnold (Marilyn) Mokma of Wooster, Ohio, Delbert (Betty) Mokma of Kentwood and Earl (Judy) Mokma of Zeeland; and several nieces and nephews.
Kathy was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Keith Mokma, on March 10, 2025; parents, Howard and Joan Van Oss; in-laws, Lewis and Jeannette Mokma, Allen Mokma, and Marilyn Mokma.
Funeral services were Friday, June 20 at Family Church - Ebenezer Campus, 5166 East Ottogan Rd., Holland with Pastor Keith Stewart officiating. Burial was in East Holland Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Family Church Ebenezer Campus Local Missions Fund.
Marjorie Bocks, 95
Marjorie Ann Bocks, 95, of Holland, passed away on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, surrounded by her family.
Marjorie was predeceased by her son, Samuel, and her husband of 64 years, William M. (Bill) Bocks.
Bill and Marge first met at just two years old. They dated in high school, at Hope College, and were married during spring break their senior year, just before Bill was drafted into the Korean War. Marge began her lifelong teaching career, following Bill in the Army to Texas, then Pittsburgh, then Washington, and eventually back to Michigan.
They started a family in Martin, Michigan, and their careers took them to Bloomingdale, Hamilton, Muskegon, Menominee, Grand Haven, Port Colborne, Ont., Canada, Mt. Pleasant, then to retirement back in Grand Haven and Holland.
Marjorie was always a teacher. Throughout her career she taught almost every subject at every grade level, eventually specializing in teaching reading to children and young adults.
She is survived by her daughter, Libby Bocks; daughter, Jessica (Buu Chau) Le; son, Nathan (Elizabeth) Bocks; grandchildren, Heather Bocks, Joshua (Dominque) Bocks, Justin Bocks, Jessica Bocks, Ashleigh Underwood, Duncan (Michelle) Bocks, Spencer Bocks and Megan Bocks; eight great-grandchildren; sister, Phyllis Bocks; and sister, Maxine Miller.
Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 27, at Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E. 16th St. Holland. Visitation with the family will be today from 3 to 6 p.m. at Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Marjorie’s honor may be given to the Holland Education Foundation at hollandedu cationalfoundation.org or by mail to 320 W. 24th St., Holland, MI 49423.
Reneé Bukaweski, 64
Reneé Bukaweski, 64, of Holland, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 14, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.
Born on Aug. 17, 1960, in Saginaw, Reneé brought warmth, laughter, and a touch of mischief wherever she went. She spent many years as a dedicated travel agent, building relationships and helping others explore the world while always appreciating the peaceful beauty of nature close to home. She especially loved the beach and dunes at Lake Michigan, where she found joy and calm in the sound of the waves and the feeling of sand beneath her feet.
Reneé’s faith was at the heart of who she was. Her spiritual journey shaped the way she loved people – with kindness, strength, and grace. In her final days, her faith gave her peace – and gave all of us comfort – holding onto the hope of what lies beyond this life.
Reneé is survived by her children, Michelle League (Ryan), Jared Bukaweski, and Lauren Bukaweski (Patrick); grandchildren, Willa, Winslow, and Wells League; and sisters, Denise Todd (Steve), Judy Rood (Stewart), and Amy Sova (Brian). She was preceded in death by her sister, Sherri Norlin; parents, Patsy Largent and William Greenman; and stepfather, Jack Largent.
A memorial service in Reneé’s honor will be held at Central Wesleyan Church in Holland on Sunday, June 29 at 3 p.m. Following the service, a gathering with some of Reneé’s favorite dishes will begin at 4 p.m. Everyone is invited to join the family and friends for food, fellowship, and sharing memories. Please enter through Door G on the west side of the church and follow signs to the reserved room.
Phillip Brieve, 76
Phillip Peter Brieve, 76, passed away on Tuesday, June 17, 2025.
Phil was born and raised in Holland to the late Nelson and Louise Brieve. He was baptized at Faith Christian Reformed Church in Holland. Phil was one of four siblings. He graduated from Holland High School in 1967 and shortly thereafter joined the U.S. Navy where he served on the USS Albert David from 1968-1970.
Phil started his career at the Holland Board of Public Works and worked there for 32 years. He also worked at Holland Motor Homes for more than 30 years, maintaining motorhomes and traveling the country making deliveries.
Phil is survived by his brothers, James Brieve and David Brieve; sister, Connie (Harley) Koopman, their son, Peter (Olivia) and children Fiona, Truus, and Killian; and long-term partner, Susan Brunsell.
A visitation for Phil will be held today from noon to 1 p.m. at Lakeshore Memorial Services, 11939 James St., Holland, followed by a funeral service at 1 p.m.
Lloyd Bouwens, 78
Lloyd E. “Butch” Bouwens, 78, passed away on Sunday, June 15, 2025, in Tucson, Ariz.
Born on March 13, 1947, Lloyd proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. His bravery and dedication were recognized with two Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star, and the Air Medal - testaments to his courage and commitment.
Lloyd had a passion for life that extended beyond his military service. He enjoyed participating in pool leagues, riding motorcycles, and playing softball - activities that brought him joy and camaraderie throughout the years.
He is remembered by his son, Kyle Bouwens; granddaughters, Bella and Dakota; stepson, Mark (Jill) Ver Hoeven; brothers, Barry (Charlotte) Bouwens and Brian (Debra) Bouwens; sister, Debra (Robert) Ver Hoef; and several nieces and nephews.
Lloyd was preceded in death by his parents, Earl Bouwens and Evelyn Bouwens (Slenk); and stepson, Travis Ver Hoeven.
Jerry Messenger, 77
Jerry Messenger, 77, of Jenison, passed away Monday, June 9, 2025 at American House of Jenison.
Jerry was born in Muskegon on July 6, 1947 and lived in the area most of his life. He was a veteran of the United States Army.
In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place, and a private service will be held at a later date.
A celebration to remember Jerry will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27 at the Farmhouse Restaurant, 430 W. Washington Ave., Zeeland.
