Obituaries

Missy Goodman, 54


Missy Goodman, 54, of Burnips, passed away Sunday, June 29, 2025.

Missy graduated from Hopkins High School. She and her husband Gary raised their family in Burnips and are members of Burnips United Methodist Church where she was the president of the United Methodist Church Women’s Group.

She is survived by her husband of 34 years, Gary; children, Curtis and Caitlin; siblings, Shelly and Bruce Brenner, Rod and Lisa Lodenstein, and Kim and John Langlois; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Todd and Dee Goodman, Gale and Diane Goodman, and Tammy and Kevin Staat; and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life open house will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, July 13 at the Salem Township Hall. Refreshments will be served. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Wings of Hope Hospice for the Wings Home.

John Van Iwaarden, 89


John Van Iwaarden, 89, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on June 27, 2025. 

Born on March 19, 1936, in Holland, John was the son of John and Johanna (VanderBie) Van Iwaarden. He graduated from Hope College in 1957 with majors in mathematics and physics and went on to pursue graduate studies in mathematics at the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and Stevens Institute of Technology.

In 1961, John returned to his alma mater, joining the faculty at Hope College, where he taught mathematics, computer science, and physics for 40 years. He retired in 2001, having earned a reputation as an outstanding professor who deeply impacted generations of students. 

During his career, he chaired the mathematics department at Hope, served as a visiting professor at several universities, and presented scholarly papers at mathematics conferences in the U.S. and Europe. 

John was a passionate supporter of Hope College athletics. For more than two decades, he was the “voice of Hope College,” announcing football and basketball games on WHTC Radio. He also served as public address announcer for women’s basketball and as faculty representative to both the MIAA and NCAA.

Proud of his Dutch heritage and deeply rooted in the Holland community, John served as chair of both the Holland Township Planning Commission and the Park Township Planning Commission and also served on the Park Township Board of Trustees.

John is survived by his wife of 32 years, Donna Van Iwaarden; children, Nancy Kowalski, John Jr. and (Ariane) Van Iwaarden, David Van Iwaarden, Deborah (Ken) DeMino, Mark (Tracey) Van Iwaarden, Daniel (DJ) Van Iwaarden; stepson, Casey Franklin; grandchildren, Tiffany and Derrick Elizardo, Nicole and Stefan Wilson, John and Kylea Van Iwaarden, Austin Van Iwaarden, Steven and Eileen Van Iwaarden, Gavin Van Iwaarden, Catherine DeMino, Danielle Van Iwaarden , Deborah Van Iwaarden, Dorothy Van Iwaarden, Dana Van Iwaarden, Davina Van Iwaarden, Daniel Jr. Van Iwaarden and Maddie Franklin; 12 great-grandchildren; sister, Hazel (Arnie) Defeyter; and his nieces and nephews. 

John was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Alvin and Theodore.

A service of remembrance and celebration of life memorial service will be Friday, July 11 at 11 a.m. at Christ Memorial Church Chapel, 595 Graafschap Rd., Holland, with Rev. Wayne Brouwer officiating. Burial to take place in Pilgrim Home Cemetery. Visitation with the family is Thursday, July 10, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Langeland Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E. 16th St. Holland.

Marilyn Hulst, 83


Marilyn Hulst, 83, of Holland, passed away on Friday, June 27, 2025.

Marilyn was born in Holland on March 7, 1942. She attended Holland Public Schools and graduated from Holland High School in 1960. 

Marilyn was in banking for her entire career. She retired from Fifth Third bank in 2002. She was very involved at Evergreen Commons, working in the library there. 

Marilyn is survived by her son, Michael (Melanie) Hulst; grandchildren, Matthew (Haley) Hulst, Morgan (Zachary) VanDen Berg; great-grandchildren, Marshall, Ella, Jillian and McKenna; siblings, Richard (Maryanne) DenUyl and Donnie Large; sister in-law, Sally DenUyl; many extended family and friends.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her brother, Ronald DenUyl.

Private services will be held. Memorial contributions may be given to Gentiva Hospice.

Paige Gammon-Johnson, 30


Paige Michelle Gammon-Johnson, 30, was called to be with the Lord on June 7, 2025. 

Paige was born on Sept. 20, 1994, in Petoskey to Cathy Gammon and Greg Johnson. She brought light and joy to everyone fortunate enough to know her. 

Paige graduated from West Ottawa High School in 2012. She thrived in the company of her family and friends, always finding reasons to laugh and create lasting memories. 

Her interests were as diverse as her talents. She had a passion for the outdoors, often finding solace in fishing and going on long hikes with her best friend Macy – although complaining the entire hike, Paige still found beauty in every animal and flower she saw along the way. Her creative spirit flourished through her love for art and graphic design, where she expressed herself in vibrant and meaningful ways. 

Perhaps the greatest joy in Paige’s life was her beautiful daughter, Hadlee Rae. The bond they shared was beyond special; together, they sang, danced, collected and painted rocks, and indulged in countless other arts and crafts projects, creating a world filled with imagination and fun. 

Paige is survived by her parents, Cathy Gammon (Robert Herschell) and Greg (Mary) Johnson; daughter, Hadlee; sister, Ashley Johnson; her brother, Teagan Johnson; grandparents, Jacquey (Tom) Pateman; many aunts, uncles, and cousins. 

A celebration of Paige’s life will take place on Saturday, July 12 at 2 p.m. at Central Wesleyan Church in Holland. For those wishing to commemorate her life, donations can be made to the Celebrate Recovery Program at Central Wesleyan Church, 446 W. 40th St., Holland, MI 49423, an initiative that aligns with her spirit of hope and healing.

Jill Barclay, 79


Jill Ellen Barclay, 79, of Holland, died peacefully on Friday, June 27, 2025.

Jill was a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother. She was committed to her family and expressed her love quietly in so many ways, especially through cooking. She had a servant’s heart and did so with humility. 

She is survived by her husband, Will Barclay; daughter, Mardi and Jeffery Sluiter; son, Jeffrey and Julie Mass; son, Michael and Michele Mass; daughter, Amanda Mass; stepdaughter, Kari Barclay; stepson, Craig and Tabitha Barclay; sister, Sandra and Bob VanderSloot; sister, Jackie and (Jack – deceased) Van Dort; brother, Henry (Butch) and Kathy Wyngarden; 14 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, in-laws, and extended family.

A private family celebration of life is being planned. Burial was to take place in Port Sheldon Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Jill’s honor may be given to Gateway Mission at hopefoundhere.org or by mail to 661 E. 24th St., Suite 300, Holland, MI 49423.

Judith Dreher, 77


Judith Dreher, 77, of Zeeland, passed away on Thursday, June 26, 2025.

Judith was preceded in death by her husband, Russell; grandson, Sam Marriott; sister and her brother-in-law, Jeanne and Patrick Maher; and her brother-in-law, Paul Schneider.

Judy met her husband Russell while she was working at Manufacturers Bank in Detroit. After they married, they moved to West Branch where they raised their family. Judy worked at Taylor Door for 38 years as a customer service specialist. 

She is survived by her sons, Eric and Maria Dreher, David (Andreana Abdalla) Dreher and Gregory Dreher; grandchildren, Trent Dreher, Troy Dreher, Kayda Dreher, John Marriott, Taylor Marriott, Caitlin Dreher and Destiny Dreher; sisters-in-law, Georgine Larsen and Shirley Schneider.

A memorial service was held on Tuesday, July 1 at Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St., Zeeland. 

Karen Kraal, 79


Karen M. Kraal, 79, of Zeeland, passed away on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, following a brief illness.

Karen was born on May 25, 1946, in Bailey, Mich., to Henry and Margaret (Hanes) Scholten. She graduated from Unity Christian High School in 1964. 

Karen married Robert “Bob” Kraal in 1969 in Hawaii while Bob was on leave from serving in Vietnam. Karen and Bob raised their three sons in Zeeland and attended North Street Christian Reformed Church. They founded the family business, Excel Electric, in 1983. Bob preceded Karen in death in 2004. Karen was a member of Calvary Christian Reformed Church.

She is survived by her sons, Tim and Juliet Kraal, Tom and Deb Kraal, and Steve and Rebecca Kraal; her daughter-in-love, Trisha and Emmanuel Jadhav; grandchildren, Taylor Kraal, Trinity and Cameron Kuipers, Abigail Kraal, Katherine Kraal, Teagan Kraal, and Benaiah Jadhav; sisters, Marian Luttikhuizen and John Doyle, Ardith Rubingh, and Shirley and John Pyper; in-laws, Anita and Al Zuidema, Judy and Jerry Heeringa, Carrie Van Klompenberg and Ken Bellet, Sharlene and Ed Boerema, Ruth and Herb Boven, and Deb and Scott Nutter; and many extended family and friends.

A funeral service was held Monday, June 30 at the Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St., Zeeland. Interment was in Zeeland Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warrior Project or Emmanuel Hospice.

George Morren, 94


George Junior Morren, 94, of Zeeland, passed away on Tuesday, June 24, 2025.

Born on March 28, 1931 to his parents, Gerrit and Anna Morren, George grew up on his family farm. His deep Christian faith shone through in his active membership at Beaverdam Christian Reformed Church, where he served as an elder and deacon and contributed to the Christian school board. 

George served four years in the Navy and later established Morren Construction, working in heavy construction. 

George is survived by his children, Michael and Nancy Morren, James and Leora Morren, Donald and Bette Morren, Rick Morren, and Linda and Mark VanTubergen; 12 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; brother, Gary and Joyce Morren; in-laws, Sharon Morren, Myra and Norm Hop, Wendell Leathead and Jack Scholten; and many nieces and nephews.

George was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Morren, in 2016; and his siblings, Marian Lonning, Nelson Morren, Andy Morren and infant brother John Morren.

Funeral services were Monday, June 30 at Beaverdam Christian Reformed Church, 5166 64th Ave., Hudsonville. 

Memorial contributions may be given to the Benevolent Fund at Beaverdam CRC or to Faith Hospice.

Dolores Bouwkamp, 93


Dolores Bouwkamp, 93, of Zeeland, passed away on Tuesday, June 24, 2025.

Dolores was born July 4, 1931, in Conklin to Cornelis and Barbara (Schaefer) Wiltenburg. Dolores graduated from Sparta High School, and she later married Willis Bouwkamp. Dolores and Willis raised their children in Hamilton and Zeeland and were members of North Street Christian Reformed Church. 

Dolores was a seamstress at Herman Miller for many years prior to her retirement. She was preceded in death by her husband, Willis, in 2011, and her daughter, Patty Yancey, in 2019.

She is survived by her children, David Bouwkamp, Betty and Earl Poppema, Mary and Roger Schutte, and Shawna Bouwkamp; son-in-law, Ray Yancey; nine grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; sister, Garnet Runstrom; sister-in-law, Janice Bouwkamp; and many extended family members.

A funeral service was held Saturday, June 28 at North Street Christian Reformed Church, 20 E. Main Ave., Zeeland. Interment was in Zeeland Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions may be made to City on a Hill or His Harvest Stand.