Obituaries

Harvey Vander Bie, 93


Harvey Allen Vander Bie, 93, of West Olive, went home to his Lord and Savior on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. 

Harvey was born on Sept. 28, 1932 in Holland, where he was raised with seven siblings. He graduated from Holland High School in 1950, and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War from 1952-1954.

After working for TNT Holland Motor Express for 35 years, Harvey retired and took up growing blueberries for the next 30 years. Harvey and Ruth attend Victory Point Church.

Harvey is survived by his wife of 70 years, Ruth (Lawrence) Vander Bie; son, Jeffrey (Nancy) Vander Bie; daughters, Susan (Craig) DeVries, Kimberly Vander Bie, and Kerri (Robert) Coles; grandchildren, Bruce (Stacey) Vander Bie, Tiffany (Bill) Brouwer, Matthew (Erin) DeVries, Andrea DeVries, Haven Vander Bie, Adam (Alexandria) Coles, Nathan (Jessica) Coles, and Zachary Coles; nine great-grandchildren; and brother, Bill (Carla) Vander Bie.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, Nov. 11 at Lakeshore Memorial Services, 11939 James St., Holland, with Pastor Matt Yount officiating. A private family burial ceremony with full military honors took place at the gravesite.

David Veen, 79


David Lee Veen, 79, of Hamilton, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025.

David was very involved in the Allegan County Fair for many years as a 4-H leader showing cattle. He was a farmer and lived a simple life. He was loved by his family and will certainly be missed.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the staff of Heritage Nursing Home in Zeeland for the excellent care their father received in his final days.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Veen; and brothers, Kenneth Veen and Larry Veen.

He is survived by his son, Josh Veen; daughter, Amanda and Adam Gaulke; sister-in-law, Karen Veen; sister-in-law, Alice DeGraves; nieces, nephews, and extended family.

A private family service was planned. Burial took place in Overisel Cemetery.

Jaidyn Espinosa, 23


Jaidyn Elizabeth Espinosa, 23, passed away suddenly on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025.

Jaidyn was born Sept. 13, 2002, in Holland, to Carlos and Melissa (Bronkhorst) Espinosa. She is survived by her parents; son, Landyn Espinosa-Counterman; significant other, Timothy Counterman; siblings, Jessica Espinosa, Jamie Espinosa, Courtney and Ruben Carreno; grandparents, Mike Sr. and Virginia Bronkhorst, and Ondina Pas; aunts and uncles, Mike Jr. and Melinda Bronkhorst, Kristin and Nate Vork, Chad Pas, Brian Pas, Barbara Espinosa, Anna Espinosa, Ruben Epinosa and Vicky Espinosa; and many extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Andrea Espinosa; grandfather, Rene Espinosa,and  great-grandmother Flora Mayans.

A funeral service was held Wednesday, Nov. 12, at the Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E. 16th St. Interment was in Pilgrim Home Cemetery.

Please consider a memorial donation to a GoFundMe account at gofundme.com/f/help-us-honor-jaidyn.

David Boneck, 75


David Edwin Boneck, age 75, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025. 

Born on Friday, Oct. 13, 1950, Dave lived a full and generous life marked by creativity, kindness, and friendship.

Dave was a great friend to many, always ready to lend a hand or share one of his many bright ideas. Known for being incredibly handy, he could fix or build just about anything — and often did, with a smile and a story to go with it. His thoughtful nature and willingness to help others made a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.

David is survived by his sister, Delores and Larry Harbison; a niece and nephews; as well as his friends.

A graveside service was held Tuesday, Nov. 11 at West Olive Cemetery, near 8970 136th Ave., West Olive. Visitation preceded the service at Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St., Zeeland.

Frank Spitters, 102


Frank Spitters, 102, was welcomed into the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025.

Frank was born in Kalamazoo, on Sept. 27, 1923. Following his service in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from 1941 to 1945 during World War II, Frank married Elaine Hybels. In 1955, he introduced offset lithography to West Michigan by founding Kalamazoo Litho Plate. Over the next 25 years, he guided the company as president of KalaCraft, expanding operations with branches in Evanston, Atlanta, and San Mateo.

Frank and Elaine were among the founding members of Haven Reformed Church in Kalamazoo. He served his church faithfully — as co-general contractor for the Haven Church construction on Sprinkle Road, and in leadership roles within his congregation, the West Michigan Classis, and the General Synod of the Reformed Church in America. He also served as board president for the Words of Hope radio ministry.

In retirement, Frank and Elaine dedicated many years to service through the Mobile Missionary Assistance Program, traveling throughout Michigan and the southwestern United States to support churches and ministries in need. 
Frank spent the final seven years of his life at Freedom Village in Holland.

Frank was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Elaine; daughter-in-law, Cecile Spitters; and great-granddaughter, Kinsley Markle. He is survived by his children, Diane Wichman of Battle Creek, Alan Spitters of Zeeland, and Gerald (Deborah) Spitters of Richland; grandchildren, Scott (Joanne) Spitters, Steve (Lisa) Spitters, Kristi (Dale) Kling, and Brandi Markle; great-grandchildren, Jaden Spitters, Ellie (RJ) Blackburn, Anna (Jake) Topp, Kenzie (Andrew) Meiste, Kaden Spitters, Greyson Kling, Elsie Kling, and Jace Markle.

A full military honors ceremony will be held at Fort Custer National Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be given to Words of Hope or Youth for Christ. Arrangements are by Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St., Zeeland.

Angeline Vanden Heuvel, 100


Angeline “Angie” Vanden Heuvel, 100, of Zeeland, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025. 

Angie was born Oct. 9, 1925, to the late Jacob and Winnie Geerts. She was a lifelong member of First Christian Reformed Church and served as church secretary for several years. Angie taught Sunday School, was Bible leader for Christian Fellowship, Priscilla Mission Society, Coffee Break Bible Study, and worked with Helping Hands Sewing Group.

Angie graduated from Zeeland Christian School and Zeeland High School and was secretary at Colonial Manufacturing Company. She married her husband, Dennis Vanden Heuvel, in First CRC, where both have been members all their lives. The Lord gave them 76 years together. After Dennis retired, they volunteered with World Renew. Dennis passed away in August 2022.

Angie is survived by her children, Rev. Jack and Karen Vanden Heuvel of Victoria, Minn., Dawn and Douglas Terpstra of Orland Park, Ill. and Nancy and Rev. Douglas Einfeld of Coopersville; 11 grandchildren and spouses; 22 great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Althea Robbert. She was preceded in death by her only sister, Fenna Loedeman, and sister-in-law, Norraine Bennett.

Funeral services were held Saturday, Nov. 8, at First Christian Reformed Church, 15 S. Church St., Zeeland.

Memorial contributions may be made to World Renew. 

Jim De Kock, 92


Jim De Kock, 92, of Zeeland, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025.

Born on May 10, 1933, in Zeeland, Jim was a graduate of Holland Christian High School and a proud veteran of the United States Army.

Jim dedicated 12 years to used car sales before embarking on a 27-year career at Herman Miller. His heart for service extended beyond his professional life; he volunteered for many years at The Bridge Youth Ministry Center in Zeeland, mentoring and nurturing the spirit of youth. 

A devoted member of the First Christian Reformed Church of Zeeland, he served as a Cadet Leader and elder, embodying the principles of faith and community.

Jim is survived by his wife of 68 years, Marilyn De Kock; children, Dan De Kock, Russ and Shelley De Kock, and Tom and Lynda De Kock; his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; as well as sister-in-law, Susanne Kloet.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Elizabeth De Kock; daughter-in-law, Joyce De Kock; siblings, Jason and Arlene De Kock, Lloyd and Alma De Kock; in-laws, Ron and Delores Kloet, Duane and Judy Kloet, and Keith Kloet.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 14, at Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St., Zeeland. Visitation will be today from 4 to 6 p.m., also at the funeral home. Burial will be in Zeeland Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions may be given to The Bridge Youth Ministry Center.

Donald Zwiers, 90


Donald Jay Zwiers, 90, of Zeeland, passed away in his sleep on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, under his blanket of his beloved Detroit Tigers.

Don was born on Nov. 26, 1934 in Holland, the third child of Bertha and Harry Zwiers. He graduated from Holland High School in 1953. He joined the Army after high school and was stationed in Alaska as an M41 tank gunner. 
During his service he loyally wrote to his fiancé Arloa (Hamelink) Zwiers every day of his two-year stint.

Don met his beloved wife by volunteering to drive Dutch dancers in the Tulip Time parade. They married in 1957 and remained so for 65 wonderful years.

During his life, Don raised a lovely family, setting the standard of hard work to support them. He co-owned Zwiers’ Texaco Service (later Zwiers’ Eastown Service) with his best friend and brother, Jim. Later, Don worked for Haworth. 

A lifelong Christian, Don was a proud member of Sixth Reformed Church and later Calvary Reformed Church in Holland. He served as both deacon and elder during his tenures and was known for making beautiful banners that hung in the front of both sanctuaries for all occasions.

Don was preceded in death by the love of his life, Arloa. He is survived by his children, Randy and Char Zwiers, Deb and Steve Pearson, and Bob and Kathy Zwiers; and his nine grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Monday, Nov. 10 at Calvary on 8th, 995 E. 8th St., with Rev. Dan Carter officiating. Burial was in Pilgrim Home Cemetery. 

Memorials may be made to one’s choice.

Calvin Branderhorst, 71


Calvin “Cal” Branderhorst, 71, of Holland, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025.

Born and raised in the Holland/Zeeland area. Cal was a quiet man with a kind and gentle heart. He carried himself with integrity and humility, guided by his faith in God and a deep sense of gratitude for life’s blessings, cherishing simple moments and meaningful connections. His calm presence and steadfast support made him a rock to his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Vivian Branderhorst; children, Valerie (Will) Mangual and Kirk Branderhorst; granddaughter, Jaedyn Branderhorst-Sauceda; and brothers, Jim (Wanda) Branderhorst, Arlan (Nancee) Branderhorst, and Chuck (Tracy) Branderhorst.

Calvin was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Gennevieve Branderhorst; and his daughter, Amanda Branderhorst.

A celebration of life gathering to celebrate Cal’s life will be held at a later date where friends and family will gather to remember his gentle spirit and the many ways he blessed those around him.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Hospice of Holland, 270 Hoover Blvd., Holland MI 49423, in honor of Cal’s giving spirit.

Cal and his family were deeply blessed by the compassionate care he received from the following medical personnel: Dr. Kurt Lindberg, PCP; Dr. Robert Coleman, neurologist; Corewell Health Palliative Care; Atrio Home Health; Corewell Health Home Based Primary Care; and Hospice of Holland. Their gentle support and unwavering kindness will always be remembered with gratitude.