Sharon Henney, 71
Sharon D. Henney, 71, of Holland, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025 at Holland Hospital surrounded by her family.
Sharon was born on March 7, 1954 in Lansing to Harry and Mary Lou Page. Sharon was raised and attended school in Potterville. She started her career at the State of Michigan as an executive assistant, and was able to retire to then stay home to raise and manage the busy years of her children’s lives.
Sharon had the ability to create beauty and comfort and was blessed with the talent to bring it to life through her paintings, crocheting, cooking, baking, and countless hours of designing and maintaining fantastic flower gardens. She found joy in being near the water, music, reading, watching sports (especially basketball), and above all of this, she adored her grandchildren.
Sharon was survived by her children, Carissa (Jason) Miller, Kyle Henney and Troy Henney; grandchildren, Gracelynn Miller, Landon Miller, Conner Henney, David Bennett, Faith Henney and Isabella Henney; mother, Mary Lou Page; sister, Becky (Corby) Adams, and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her brother, Clint Page; father, Harry Page; brother-in-law, George Mehney; and former spouse, Douglas Henney.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 at 12 noon at Lakeshore Memorial Services, 11939 James St., Holland. Visitation will be one hour before the service at 11 a.m.
Marjorie Ryzenga, 94
Marjorie Joyce Ryzenga, 94, of Zeeland, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025.
Marjorie was born Dec. 3, 1930 to Cornelius and Mary (Groenhof) Zylstra in Robinson Township. She retired from General Electric after 35 years and was a longtime member of Lakeshore House of Prayer.
Marjorie was an avid reader, loved word search puzzles, and was very involved in church and ministry. In the early 70’s, Marjorie and Ray purchased and operated a farm for many years, now taken over and operated by Heather (granddaughter) and Eric Mosher. Marjorie found her greatest joy to be taking care of and spending time with family.
Marjorie was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Raymond Ryzenga, in 2013; her parents; and grandson, Daniel Ryzenga.
She is survived by her children, Philip (Kathryn) Ryzenga and Nancy (Doyle) Passmore; grand-children, Timothy (Melissa) Ryzenga, Jennifer McBain, Heather (Eric) Mosher and Kristen (Ryan) Kragt; great-grandchildren, Gabby Ryzenga, Logan Ryzenga, Collin McBain, Melanie McBain, An-drew Mosher and Jacob Mosher; brother, John (Betty) Zylstra; sister-in-law, Lucille Van Dam; many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
A service to celebrate Marjorie’s life was held Monday, Aug. 18 at Lakeshore House of Prayer, 831 Lincoln Ave., Holland with Pastor Doyle Passmore officiating. Burial was in Restlawn Memorial Gardens.
Memorial contributions may be made to the building fund at Lakeshore House of Prayer.
Jean Richardson, 89
Jean Marie (Oesch) Richardson, 89, of Holland, passed away Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025, at her home.
Jean was born April 19, 1936, the daughter of a cheesemaker whose Swiss family fled the Rus-sian Revolution. They immigrated to dairy country, USA, and Jean spent her childhood in Green Bay, Wis. and remained a Packers fan for life.
An only child, Jean and her parents moved to Chicago for her teenage years, where she gradu-ated from Roosevelt High School. They spent summers in the family cottage in Shawano, Wis. Chicago was where she married Roger Richardson, the most handsome man she had ever seen. With their two young boys, they moved to Holland.
Jean raised her kids, worked various jobs, volunteered for Hospice, and consistently worked on needlework, winning Best of Show every year at the Fair. Jean and Roger spent their last 10 years together in a wooded home in Ludington, where Roger fished and hiked and lit a fire in the fireplace nightly. He died much too young, and in the 30 years she was widowed, she cared for her mother and got to know her grandchildren well.
She will be deeply missed by her two sons, Ron Richardson and Russ (Marian) Richardson; grandchildren, Holden (Brittany) Richardson, Jared Richardson, Elise (Matt) Jones and Phoebe Richardson; and great-grandchildren.
A funeral service was held Wednesday, Aug. 20 at Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church, 3151 120th Ave., Holland.
Lupe Martinez, 79
Lupe M. Martinez, age 79, of Holland, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025.
Lupe was born in La Villa, Tex. on July 20, 1946. When she was 12 years old her family moved to Holland. She worked at Walters Gardens for many years. She loved gardening and her perennials. Her Japanese Maple in her backyard always held a special place in her heart.
Lupe was a lifelong member of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church. She relied on God for everything and lived a simple life. She loved spending time with her family and friends. Lupe also had an easy smile; she was known for her quick wit and humor.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. today at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 171 W. 13th St., Holland, with Father Luis Garcia presiding. Interment will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery, Holland.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 171 W. 13th St. Holland, MI 49423.
Wesley Baareman, 82
Wesley "Wes" Baareman, 82, was called to his heavenly home the morning of Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025.
Wes was born to the late Nathan and Johanna Baareman on Sept. 22, 1942, and grew up in Hudsonville, where he graduated from Hudsonville High School with the class of 1960.
Wes started working for DeWeerd’s grocery store in Hudsonville as a young man and made his career in the supermarket industry, retiring from Family Fare as a store director. After he retired from his lifelong career, Wes enjoyed working as a custodian at Fair Haven Church.
Wes married the love of his life, Sharon VandeGuchte, on Sept. 14, 1961. 63 years built on love and faith was always evident. Very seldom did you see the two of them apart, they loved being together.
Over the years, Wes served in the church as deacon, elder and calling elder. His gift of shepherding was apparent.
Wes is survived by his beloved wife, Sharon; sons, Todd (Barb) Baareman, Troy (Joy) Baareman, and Tony (Renee) Baareman; 13 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; mother-in-law, Joyce VandeGuchte; sister, JoAnn (Terry) Borrink; brothers-in-law, Gwenn (Nancy) VandeGuchte and Kirk (Barb) VandeGuchte; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Wes was preceded in death by parents, Nathan and Johanna Baareman, and father-in-law, Marinus VandeGuchte.
A memorial service was held on Tuesday, Aug. 19 at Community Reformed Church, 10376 Felch St., Zeeland, with Pastor Kurt Henry officiating.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Hand2Hand - which provides food for kids to prevent weekend hunger.
A heartfelt thank you to the Blendon Township First Responders assistance during this difficult time.
Robert Brewer, 94
Robert Wayne Brewer, 94, of Holland, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025 at Appledorn Assisted Living in Holland.
Bob was a Korean War era veteran of the U.S. Air Force and a member of Fourteenth Street Christian Reformed Church. He spent his career in the family business at Brewer City Dock as a ready-mix driver and crusher.
Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Grace, in 2013.
Bob is survived by his children, Sandy Brewer, Brenda Brewer, Robert (Melissa) Brewer and Judith Brewer; grandchildren, Casey (Christina) Brewer, Allyson Brewer and Jourdain Trautmann; sister, Betty Visscher; and in-laws, Linda (Larry) Topp, Alicia Kooistra and Gary (Lois) Kooistra.
A memorial service was held Friday, Aug. 15 at Fourteenth Street Christian Reformed Church, 14 W. 14th St., Holland, with Rev. Marvin Hofman and Rev. Benj Petroelje officiating. Burial was in Lakewood Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Fourteenth Street Christian Reformed Church.
William Kooienga, 85
Williiam Henry Kooienga, 85, passed away on Monday, Aug. 11, 2025.
Bill was a loving husband to his wife, Carol, for 65 1/2 years. He was self-employed as a carpenter/contractor in Evergreen Park, Ill. his entire career and generously gave of his time and talent to his family and friends. He gave of himself freely through the years as a Sunday school teacher, Boy Scout leader, church consistory member, singing in the choir, serving on the school board, and most recently at Bibles for Mexico.
Bill and Carol relocated to Holland eight years ago and have invested in their family. He was a proud father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was a prankster, loved any type of game, and was a great listener.
Bill is survived by his wife, Carol Kooienga; children, Mark and Cheryl Kooienga, Beth and Douglas VanDyken, and Joel and Janel Kooienga; grandchildren, Kevin Kooienga, Caitlin Kooienga, Brian and Sam Kooienga, Zach and Erica Holliday, Cameron and Gabi Holliday, Timothy "TJ" and Tina VanDyken, Emily VanDyken, Matthew and Sydney VanDyken, Breanna and Max Chumley, Jack Kooienga and Olivia Kooienga; seven great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Coba Fischer; and extended family.
Funeral services were held Saturday, Aug. 16 at Langeland Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E. 16th St., Holland.
Memorial contributions in William's honor may be given to Faith Church Mission Scholarship Fund at faithzeeland.org or by mail to 220 W. Central Ave., Zeeland, MI 49464 or the Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee at elephants.com/discovery-center or by mail to P.O. Box 393, Hohen-wald, TN 38462.
Sotero Ortega Jr., 77
Sotero (Chach) Ortega Jr., 77, of Holland, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025.
Born on Jan. 14, 1948, in Saginaw, Sotero lived a life marked by compassion, curiosity, and service.
Sotero’s journey was a beautiful tapestry woven with love, adventure, and generosity. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army and extended his spirit of service through the Peace Corps, always ready to lend a hand to those in need. His heart was as expansive as his intellect, and his kindness left a lasting imprint on everyone he met.
Sotero earned his bachelor's degree from Wayne State University and dedicated his professional life to the Photo Marketing Association, where he played a pivotal role in developing and maintaining the PMA website. He also volunteered to write articles and take pictures for El Renacimiento, a bilingual Mexican American newspaper in Lansing. His passion for photography and computers was not just a hobby — it was a reflection of his creative soul and technical brilliance.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Yolanda; daughters, Renee L. Guerrero, Kristy Guerrero-Taylor and Andrea Palmer; stepsons, Yul and Joe Alvarado; sisters, Susie Gilbert, Benita Garcia and Carmen Ramirez; and brother, Pete Ortega. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, Joe Valdez Jr., Elvira Castillo, Delores Ortega, and Luis Ortega, and step-daughter, Rosario Vachier.
A visitation was held Sunday, Aug. 17 at Dykstra Funeral Home - Northwood Chapel, 295 Doug-las Ave. Holland. Interment was Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025 at Great Lakes National Cemetery, 4200 Belford Rd, Holly.
The family extends their deepest gratitude to the compassionate team at Corewell Health Hospice for their extraordinary care during Sotero’s final days. Special thanks also go to the staff at Quincy Place Senior Living, whose love and attention enriched Sotero’s life over the past 16 months.
