Michael Meyer, 78
Michael Dean Meyer, 78, of Holland, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, Oct. 3, 2025.
Michael was born on Jan. 14, 1947, in Baldwin, Wis. to Nicholas and Tannie Meyer. The family moved to Holland and he was a 1965 graduate of Holland Christian High School. He was a member of Pillar Church and loved music, horses, farming, birds, landscaping, his dogs, and his family.
Michael was preceded in death by his brothers, Raymond Meyer and Lemoine Meyer; sisters, Muriel Achterhof and Helen Wevers; and parents, Nicholas and Tannie Meyer.
He is survived by his wife of almost 48 years, Karen; his son and daughter-in-law, Christopher and Shanna Meyer; grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Landon Meyer; sisters, Norma Kennedy and Kathy Wagenmaker; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Oct. 11 at 11 a.m. at Pillar Church, 57 E. 10th St., Holland. Relatives and friends may meet to celebrate Michael on Friday, Oct. 10 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E. 16th St., Holland.
Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Hospice of Holland or Harbor Humane Society.
Wayne Sneller, 78
Wayne “Riverman” Sneller, 78, of Holland, passed away on Friday, Oct. 3, 2025, surrounded by family.
Wayne was born on April 15, 1947, in Holland to Bernard and Charlotte Sneller. After high school, Wayne went on to attend Hope College. In 1967, Wayne met and married the love of his life, Marlene. They were married for 58 wonderful years and built a loving family.
Wayne was a lifelong plumber and eventually started his own plumbing business, Riverman Plumbing. He was a legend in Saugatuck and West Michigan for starting a benefit to save the New Richmond Bridge.
Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Charlotte Sneller; and brother, Delwyn Sneller.
Wayne is survived by his wife, Marlene; children, Wendy (Keith) Skelton and Rebecca Carter; eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life is being planned for next spring.
Judith Bylsma, 86
Judith Ann Bylsma, 86, of Holland, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, Sept. 26, 2025 after a courageous battle with metastatic breast cancer.
Born on May 7, 1939, in Grand Rapids, Judy was the youngest of three children. She grew up in Grand Rapids and enjoyed childhood friends, golfing, ice skating, and playing the piano. Judy graduated from South High School in 1957 and began working at Bell Telephone Company, where she was promoted to serve as secretary to the district manager.
She met her husband, Gary, at church, and they married in 1960 at Fifth Reformed Church. They began their life together in Lansing while Gary completed his MBA at Michigan State University. After graduation, they moved to Dearborn where their first son, Dan, was born. Longing to return to their hometown, they settled in Grand Rapids two years later, where they welcomed their other two children, Tom and Betsy.
Judy was devoted to caring for her family and created a home filled with warmth, joy, and hospitality. Her home was a place where everyone was welcome, and she loved hosting gatherings for friends and family.
Once her children were grown, Judy enjoyed wallpapering for friends and later began working at Freedom Village, where she served for 16 years. Her warm, outgoing personality made her a natural at welcoming new residents, and providing supportive care in their later years.
Judy embraced life fully and found joy in many hobbies including golfing, rollerblading, biking, reading books on the beach, and playing the piano. She had a passion for flower gardening, and her backyard was her sanctuary, full of color and life.
Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Goldie Van Ess; brother, Jack Van Ess; and granddaughters, Taylor Bylsma and Jaide Bylsma.
She is survived by her husband of nearly 65 years, Gary Bylsma; children, Dan (Janice) Bylsma, Tom Bylsma, and Betsy (Russ) Kopp; grandchildren, Jacob (Samantha) Bylsma, Jonah Bylsma, Caleb (Kaila) Bylsma, Jordan Bylsma, Logan (Stephanie) Bylsma, Mitchell Kopp, Isaac Bylsma, Aleah (Ben) DeVries, and Madelyn Kopp; seven great-grandchildren and one unborn baby on the way; and sister, Delores (David) Bixel.
A celebration of life service was held Monday, Oct. 6, 2025, at First Reformed Church, 630 State St., Holland.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Hope College Bylsma Family Scholarship Fund or Hospice of Holland.
Normalea Dykema, 84
Normalea Claire Dykema, age 84, of Holland (Zeeland), Michigan met her Savior and was reunited with her husband, Edward, on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025.
Normalea was born on March 23, 1941, to Henry and Angeline Bolman. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Dykema, and brother, Glenn Bolman.
Normalea loved God and she loved others. Her mission in life was to encourage, nurture, and restore relationships with God and with others. She lived that out in countless ways.
She and Ed devoted many years to raising their five children, and as they got older, she made staying connected with them a priority. She truly wanted to know what was happening in the lives of her children and grandchildren and she loved cheering them on at sporting events, in their relationships, and in whatever else they were excited about.
Early on, she and Ed shared their love of singing through the Gospel Tone Trio, and later included their children to form the Dykema Family Singers, blessing countless churches with their music. Together, they helped lead numerous praise gatherings in the homes of friends.
Normalea is survived by her children, Curt and Diane Dykema, Craig and Sheryl Dykema, Chad and Kate Dykema, Chip and Melissa Dykema, and Christy and Shawn Pacanowski; 16 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, John Dykema, and sister-in-law, Emily Bolman.
A celebration of Normalea’s life will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 11, at Family Church’s Grace Campus, 9530 Woodbridge St., Zeeland.
Austin Kasinger, 21
Austin Curtis Kasinger, 21, of Hamilton, died on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025, from injuries sustained in a car accident.
Austin was a vibrant spirit, known for his huge heart and love of life. His friends and family knew they could always turn to him. He was always ready to listen and lend a hand, making him a treasured confidant.
Austin is survived by his girlfriend, Anastasia Ramirez; their son, Aiden Kasinger; mother, Carmen Kasinger; sisters, Raeann Kasinger and Adam Shoenborn, and Lisha and David Villa; nephews, Ace, Anthony, Arian, and Alano; father, Curtis and Pam Kasinger; brother, Cole Kasinger; stepsiblings, Joe and Jennessa DeGlopper, Jonathan and Makenzie DeGlopper, Jeremy and Kellie Stellema, and Felicia Stellema; numerous step-nieces and step-nephews; and countless friends he considered as family.
Austin was preceded in death by his aunt, Sally Berens.
Visitation with Austin’s family was Sunday, Oct. 5, at Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St., Zeeland. Private burial was in Bentheim Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be given to the GoFundMe page to support Austin’s family.
Lola Weerstra, 76
Lola Faye Weerstra, 76, of Holland, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, surrounded by family.
Lola was born in Zeeland on Feb. 6, 1949, to Joel and Henrietta Hirdes. Lola loved the Lord and loved to share Him with others. Her joyful spirit was always a blessing to those around her, and she always had time for a visit, a chat and a listening ear. Her favorite Bible verses were Psalms 91, 34 and 46, Colossians 3:12-16, and II Corinthians 4:17-18.
Lola was preceded in death by her parents, Joel and Henrietta Hirdes; brother, Monty Hirdes; and aunts, uncles and cousins.
Lola is survived by her husband of 59 years, Richard Weerstra; son, Todd (Patricia) Weerstra; daughters, Heidi (Steve) Plaggemars, Amanda (Ryan) Clark, Faith Weerstra and Hope (Rick) Monroe; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sister, Gyla Seega; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; nephews and nieces, many cousins and many friends.
A celebration of life was held Saturday, Oct. 4 at Central Wesleyan Chapel, 446 W. 40th St., Holland.
