Jerry Groenhof, 81
Jerry Alan Groenhof, 81, of Borculo, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Agnes Groenhof; and brothers, Eugene Groenhof and Ben Groenhof.
Jerry graduated from Jordan College with an associate’s degree in Bible and psychology. He was a devoted member of Shekinah Revival Ministries where he served as nursery coordinator for several years and was a home life group leader.
Jerry's occupations included tire service, auto mechanics, framing houses, stump grinding, proto-type welder and driving bus for Pioneer Resources/Life Circle.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 61 years, Ruth; son, Scott (Barbara) Groenhof; daughters, Esther (Matt) Taylor, Vicki (Thomas) Strobel, and Melinda Groenhof; eight grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, Aug. 15 at 1 p.m. at Shekinah Revival Ministries, 1941 Washington Ave., Holland, Visitation will take place prior to the service from noon to 1 p.m. at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to New Harvest Ministries International Inc. or Fulfilling Life Ministries.
Jean Heyboer, 90
Jean Heyboer, 90, of Zeeland, passed away Tuesday, August 4, 2026.
Jean was born on May 20, 1936, in McBain. She attended Hudsonville Christian School, Hudsonville High School, and Reformed Bible College.
Jean’s greatest pride and joy was her family, and she treasured every moment with them. Jean also took great delight in teaching others about the Lord. She was very active in her church as a youth leader and Sunday school teacher for many years at Vriesland Reformed and Drenthe Christian Reformed Church. She visited and taught Bible study to residents of the jail for many years and loved leading other Bible studies throughout her life.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Anna Hoekstra; and her siblings, AnnaMae and Harold DeYoung, Jay and Marcia Hoekstra, Millie Hoekstra, Shirley Veltema and Laverne Heyboer.
She is survived by her husband of 70 years, Junior Heyboer; children, Dawn Werkman, Laurie and Robert Hieftje, Larry and Kristi Heyboer, and Sheila and Jack Cavanaugh; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Sarah and Dan Ouwenga, Ben and Kelli Werkman, Jenna Werkman, Matthew and Andrea Werkman, Nicole Hieftje, Chris and Haleigh Hieftje (Adelyn and Hudson), Brittany and John VanByssum (Eleanor, Lucy, Frances and Charlotte), Philip and Brittany Heyboer (Howard and AvaLynn), Lisa and Christopher Rumsey (Nolan and Nora), Michael Heyboer, Josiah and Erin Samy (Peyton, Bennett and Pierce), and Anisha and Nick Kasper (Jade); brother, Gerald and Nancy Hoekstra; and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Andy Hoekstra, Keith and Isla VanNoord, and Marcia Zeerip.
The funeral service to honor Jean’s life was held Friday, Aug. 7 at Central Wesleyan Church, 446 W. 40th St., Holland. Interment was in Zutphen Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be given to the missionary work of Lynn Gann or Jim Lokers c/o Central Wesleyan Church.
Wayne Brower, 72
Wayne Alan Brower, 72, passed away at home on Monday, Aug. 3, 2026.
Wayne was an incredible husband, father, friend, and one of the kindest souls. He poured his entire heart into his family, and anyone who knew him saw that in the way he lived every single day. His smile would light up the room, and his life was a beautiful example of unconditional love, selflessness, and faithfulness. The legacy he left behind will be seen in generations to come.
He was a active outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing in particular. He was a gentle man with a sly sense of humor. To know him was to love him.
Wayne was preceded in death by parents, Gillis and Ida Brower; and his sister, Sandy Martin.
He is survived by his wife, Yvonne Brower; children, Steve and Jennifer Hamlin, Morgan and Gary Hamrick, Brette and Tyler Thomas, Jordan and Ashley Brower; grandchildren, Destin Hamrick, Colin Hamlin, Aiden Hamlin, Avy Hamrick, Conner Hocking, Sevastian Brower, Rhys Brower, Riley Thomas, Uriah Hamrick, Evelyn Hamrick, Penelope Hamrick, Peyton Hamrick, Briliey Hamrick, Candrah Hamrick, Corbin Hamrick and Hayleigh Hamrick; siblings, Diane and Bob Velthouse, Dave and Rhonda Brower, Kathy and Jim McFarland, and Karen and Mark VanSlooten; brothers-in-law, Louis and Mary DeRosia, and Mike Cornell; and many extended family members.
Visitation with the family will be tonight from 5 to 8 p.m. at Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St., Zeeland.
Memorial services will be held on Friday, Aug. 14 at 11 a.m. at Ridge Point Community Church, 340 104th Ave., Holland. Please use Entrance F on the lower level.
Memorial contributions in Wayne's honor may be given to Corewell Hospice at corewellhealth.org/care-and-specialties/ continuing-care/hospice-care or by mail to 750 Fuller Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.
Larry Petroelje, 82
Larry Jay Petroelje, 82, of Holland, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, Aug. 3, 2026.
Larry was born in Zeeland to Peter and Geraldine Petroelje. He graduated from Zeeland High School and continued his education at Michigan State University and Davenport College. Larry honorably served in the United States Army and is a Vietnam veteran.
While on leave from the Army, he met his wife, Betty Kapenga. They were married on June 19, 1970, and were married for 56 years. Larry grew up on a dairy farm and continued his love of farming with his own hog farm. For 50 years, he worked at Lamb Industrial Supply. He was a faithful member of Noordeloos Christian Reformed Church.
Larry possessed a deep appreciation for the outdoors, dedicating his time to woodworking, farming, gardening, hunting, and traveling. He cherished time with his family at their Bear Lake cottage, enjoyed attending the many sporting events of his children and grandchildren, and loved lively family gatherings.
In addition to his wife, Betty, he is survived by his beloved daughters, Michelle and Doug Holstege (Rachel and Aaron Van Donselaar, Kristen and Peter Laning, Jocelyn and Levi Smits, Darrin, Trent), Laura Petroelje, Jill and Jason Holstege (Lydia, Cora, Hannah, Jared, Justin, Joshua, Kayla, Josiah), and Deb and Chris Lamer (Breanna, Allison, Aubrey); eight great-grandchildren; siblings, Sandy and Ron Kleinheksel, Dave and Marge Petroelje, Paul and Sherry Petroelje, Linda and Kendall VanderKamp, and Jack and Beth Petroelje; Betty’s siblings, Karen Wolters, Patsy Bull, Mary and Mark Scheerhorn, and Tom and Diane Kapenga; and many extended family members.
A celebration to honor the faith and life of Larry was held Saturday, Aug. 8 at Noordeloos Christian Reformed Church, 4055 112th Ave., Holland. Interment was in Zeeland Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Gateway Mission.
Marion Ivkovich, 93
Marion Ella Ivkovich, 93, of Frederick, Md., formerly of Zeeland, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
Marion was born on March 24, 1933, on a small farm in Wisconsin, to Ella M. Gotz. She grew up in Zeeland, where she was a bright and spirited presence-active in her church, her community, and her school, while also working at the local soda fountain and roller rink.
After graduating from Zeeland High School, Marion spent a year at Michigan State University before setting off for Washington, D.C., determined to advance her career in the nation's capital by working for the National Institutes of Health. It was there she met Daniel Ivkovich, the love of her life, beginning a devoted partnership that would last for decades. Marion was, from the very start, cheerful, supportive, and tirelessly devoted to her husband and family.
With Daniel, she welcomed three children into this world: Roxanne, Daniel Jr., and David. The family eventually settled in Laytonsville, Md., where Marion pursued a successful 30-year career with the Montgomery County Public Schools system, becoming the administrative assistant to principals in several schools.
Marion is survived by her daughter, Roxanne Frank, and husband, Gareth, of Frederick, Md., her son, Daniel Ivkovich Jr., and wife, Diana, of Fairfield, Ohio, her son, David Ivkovich, and wife, Laura, of Oakland, Md.; five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Daniel; mother, Ella Gotz; and great-grandson, Grant Ivkovich.
A celebration of life will be on Friday, Aug. 14, at The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 4200 Olney-Laytonsville Rd., Olney, Md.
Memorial donations may be made in Marion's honor to the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd.
Carol Bares, 53
Carol Jean Bares, 53, of Dorr, passed away on Monday, Aug. 3, 2026, after a long period of declining health.
Born on March 1, 1973 in Zeeland, Carol was a woman of Christian faith, and in her days among us she walked with a gentle spirit, a generous heart, and a steadfast love that touched all who knew her.
Carol was, in truth, a soul of rare sweetness and strength. Loving in her ways, generous in her giving, and adventurous in her spirit, she met life with courage and grace. Those who knew her found in her a companion of warmth and honesty, one whose presence could soften sorrow and make ordinary hours seem rich with meaning. She carried herself with a quiet nobility, not seeking praise, yet often deserving it, for her deeds were marked by care and her words by tenderness.
Above all earthly joys, Carol cherished her family. She loved her husband, Kurt Bares, with a devotion that was steady and true, and she treasured her sons, Britton and Andrew, with a mother’s boundless affection. Her heart found its fullest measure of joy in the company of those she held dear, especially her grandson, Benjamin, who brought light and laughter into her days.
Carol was also deeply beloved by her parents, Mike and Pat Lowe, whose lives were joined to hers by a bond of enduring love and memory. She shared a close and meaningful relationship with her mother-in-law, Sandy, whose support and presence were a comfort throughout Carol’s long journey. Many aunts and uncles stood beside Carol and Kurt during this difficult transition, offering strength, kindness, and unwavering support.
The family is deeply grateful to the hospice nurses and staff who cared for Carol with tenderness and dignity, offering support and comfort during her long journey. Chaplain Greg, Jenna, Joy and all the staff, their kindness will never be forgotten.
She leaves behind a legacy woven of love, music, faith, and family. Her memory shall abide in the hearts of Kurt, Britton, Andrew, Mike, Pat, and all who were blessed to know her.
Arrangements are by Ofield Funeral Home, 4500 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Grand Rapids.
Philip Van Der Kooi, 47
Philip Andrew Van Der Kooi, 47, of Zeeland, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 2, 2026, at Resthaven Care Center.
Philip was born on Nov. 2, 1978, in Zeeland to George and Kay (Veldheer) Van Der Kooi. As the youngest of seven children, he brought joy to his family throughout his life. Philip had a lifelong love of baseball and was an avid Detroit
Tigers fan. His enthusiasm for the game and his kind spirit will be remembered by all who knew him.
Philip was preceded in death by his parents, George and Kay Van Der Kooi.
He is survived by his siblings, Mary (Joe) Beelen, Lois Van Der Kooi (Larry Cleveringa), Daniel (Vicki) Van Der Kooi, Ruth (Kevin) Nagelkirk, Mark (Alicia) Van Der Kooi and Anna (Dave) Cook. He is also survived by 18 nieces and nephews and 35 great-nieces and great-nephews.
Funeral services were held Friday, Aug. 7 at Borculo Christian Reformed Church, 6464 96th Ave., Zeeland. Private interment took place at Olive Township Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be given to the American Cancer Society or to Hospice of Holland.
