Larry Drenten, 77
Larry Wayne Drenten, 77, of Zeeland, passed away on Monday, Sept. 28, 2026.
Larry was a man who loved deeply, lived life on his own terms, and was always there for the people he cared about. He was someone you could count on - whether you needed a helping hand, someone to talk to, or simply a familiar voice on the other end of the phone. He had a way of making himself a steady presence in the lives of the people around him.
After retiring, Larry enjoyed spending his days doing the things he loved most. He loved hunting and fishing, especially perch fishing, waterfowl and turkey hunting. If you saw Larry, chances are he had something camouflage on. He also enjoyed visiting with his friends and spending time with his family. He could often be found working on the pool, making sure it was ready for his grandchildren to enjoy.
Larry is now reunited in heaven with his beloved wife, Patricia Drenten.
He is survived by his brother, Harold Drenten, and his wife, Sandy Drenten; children, Carrie and Carl Blauwkamp, and Glen and Jacque Drenten; and grandchildren, Madison Blauwkamp, Makayla Blauwkamp, Mackenzie Blauwkamp, Ellie Drenten and Gavin Drenten.
A graveside service with military honors will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 3 at Riverside Cemetery, Hamilton. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2 at Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St., Zeeland.
Patricia Hulst, 83
Patricia L. Hulst, 83, of Zeeland, was peacefully received into the presence of Jesus Christ on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.
Pat loved growing up in Burnips with trips to Teed’s Store and the Hudsonville Creamery. Everything she needed existed within walking distance of home - with the exception of the man she would fall in love with and marry: Bert Hulst. Together, they raised three sons, started a family business (Ottagan Excavators, Inc.), and enjoyed life in the familiar setting of West Drenthe.
More of a Martha than a Mary, Pat was most comfortable behind the scenes, quietly serving with seemingly endless energy to ensure that other people always had what they needed. Her kitchen was in constant use - giving away just as much as was consumed at home (often against the frustrations of her sons who preferred to keep the baked goods for themselves).
Pat was preceded in death by her husband, Bert, in 2013. She is survived by her sons, Ken and Melinda Hulst, Todd and Jaclyn Hulst, and Rev. Shawn and Susan Hulst; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Jordan and Mitch Redder (Elliot, Charley and Hayden), Gabrielle and Mitch Brouwer (Harper and Cooper), Logan Hulst, Blake Hulst, Davis Hulst, Gramm Hulst, Jayden Geurink, Hudson Hulst, Korver Hulst, Arcadia Hulst, and Walker Hulst; siblings, Cheryl Johns and Scott Shuck; brother-in-law, Harold and Barb Hulst; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Funeral services were held on Wednesday, Sept. 30, at Faith Reformed Church, 220 W. Central Ave. in Zeeland. Interment was in West Drenthe Cemetery.
Douglas Yonker, 84
Douglas Allan Yonker, 84, of Holland, passed away on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026.
Doug was born Nov. 14, 1941, in Holland to Kenneth and Irene (Abel) Yonker. He graduated from high school and entered the U.S. Army. He served his country for two years in Germany and returned home to West Michigan.
Doug met Carol Dykstra and they began their lifelong journey together. They were married on July 31, 1964, at Plymouth Heights Christian Reformed Church in Grand Rapids. Doug also started his 46-year career at K-Line Industries where he led the launch of invader downriggers.
Doug's passion was all things outdoors. He loved to spend time hunting and fishing with his family, especially the deer camp excursions to the U.P. in their customized deer camp trailer.
Doug inherited his family’s blueberry farm in 1980 and loved the agricultural work in the beauty of the outdoors. His blueberry farm work was his true love (except for Carol). He continued to work on the blueberry farm until 2024.
Doug is survived by his wife of 62 years, Carol; their children and grandchildren, Donna and Jeff Minarik (Danielle and Jackson) and Dan and Erika Yonker (Alexandra and Mike Gehan, June Yonker); brother, Gerald and Sharon Yonker; sister, Debra Yonker-Hecht; sister-in-law, Sharon Van Antwerp; and many extended family and friends.
The Yonker family is planning a celebration of life in honor of Doug on Saturday, Oct. 10 from 3:30 to 6 p.m. at Quincy Place Senior Living Center, 12300 Quincy St., Holland.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages you buy local and support your local farmers.
Arrangements are by the Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St., Zeeland.
Flora Kapenga, 97
Flora Mae (Diepenhorst) Kapenga, 97, of Zeeland, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026.
Flora was born Dec. 5, 1928, in Zeeland, to Albert and Grace (Gruppen) Diepenhorst. She was raised in Zeeland and went to Zeeland Christian School and Holland Christian High School. She married Harold A. Kapenga on April 14, 1949, and they were together for 66 years until Harold's death in 2015.
Flora and Harold were faithful members of Noordeloos Christian Reformed Church all their married life. She served in her church as the Key Lady for the Bible League for many years and was in charge of serving lunches for funerals into her 80s.
Flora loved music and played the piano. She sang in her high school choir, in the Zeeland Civic Chorus' annual performance of Handel’s “Messiah,” and her church choir at Noordeloos CRC.
Flora also worked part-time for more than 35 years as a grocery clerk - first at her dad's IGA store, then at Land of Food, and finally at Huizenga's.
Flora is survived by her children, Nancee and Ken Kleinheksel of Hamilton, Alan and Jacie Kapenga of West Olive, and Michael and Sandy Kapenga of Holland; grandchildren, Kari (Matt) Essink, Ryan (Melissa) Harmsen, Chad (Angel) Harmsen, Robb (Katie) Harmsen, Cory (Brianne) Harmsen, Lisa (Derrick) Huizenga, Carla (Tim) Borr, Patrick (Cherith) Kapenga, Chris (Cari) Kapenga, Connie (Troy) Flinton, Paul Kapenga, Cindy (Dave) Lenting, Clint (Jamie) Kapenga, Lisa (Matt) Gerrits, Dave (Wendi) Kapenga, Amy (Jason) Pierce, John (Christy) Kapenga, Megan (Ryan) De Vries; 45 great-grandchildren; sister, Judy (Dan) Vander Steen; and nieces, nephews and cousins.
Flora was preceded in death by her parents; son-in-law, Ronald Harmsen; great-granddaughters, Morgan Nicole Essink and Emma Grace Harmsen; and all of Harold's family. A special thank you to the caregivers from Quincy Place, Anchor In Home Care, and Corewell Hospice who took wonderful care of Flora in the last year and a half of her life.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, Sept. 29 at Noordeloos Christian Reformed Church, 4055 112th Ave., Holland. Interment was in Noordeloos Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Noordeloos CRC or Corewell Hospice.
Robert Meiste, 77
Robert Meiste, 77, of Zeeland, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026.
Bob was born and raised in Holland. He graduated from Holland Christian High School and attended Michigan State University where he studied horticulture. Bob operated Holland Floral for more than 30 years. The Meiste family were faithful members of Prospect Park Christian Reformed Church until it closed, they then joined Graafschap Christian Reformed Church and currently are members of Family Church, Grace Campus.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Corinne; children Mitchel and Melissa Meiste, Mark and Denise Meiste, Lee Ann and Jeremy Pearson, and Katlyn and Aaron Johnson; eight grandchildren; siblings, Joan Kalkman, Barb and Tom Elenbaas, Ed and Judy Meiste, and Sue and Duane Berens; and in-laws, Marshal and Sue Kramer, Fred and Jane Kramer, Carl and Alesha Kramer, and Deb Walker.
Bob was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Zylman.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. today at Family Church, Grace Campus, 9530 Woodbridge St., Zeeland. Interment will be in Restlawn Memorial Gardens.
Memorial contributions may be given to the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation.
Evelena Cooper, 84
Evelena Cooper, 84, of Holland, passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026.
Born on Jan. 28, 1942, in Olive Hill, Ky., to Glenn and Esther (Burton) Maggard. Evelena lived a life marked by devotion, hard work, and unwavering faith. She was a loving wife and mother, who cherished her family above all else. For 68 years, she was married to her beloved husband, Charlie Cooper, with whom she shared countless memories and a profound partnership.
Evelena dedicated 44 years of her life to Thermotron, where her unwavering commitment and punctuality were remarkable -never missing a single day of work. Her strong work ethic and integrity were qualities that inspired those around her.
Evelena's faith was a cornerstone of her life, guiding her through challenges and enriching her relationships with family and friends.
Evelena is survived by her husband, Charlie Cooper; children, Terry Cooper and Sherry Rose; two grandchildren; brother, James Maggard; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Ramona Roxanne Cooper; two of her grandchildren; her parents; and sisters, Mary Elizabeth Maggard, Glenna Sue Buckler (and husband Larry), Bertha Ellen McCoy and Della Farkas.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, Sept. 26 at Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St., Zeeland. Burial was in East Saugatuck Cemetery.
William Wynsma, 69
William Lewis (Bill) Wynsma Jr., age 69, passed away on Monday, Sept. 21, 2026.
Bill was preceded in death by his father, William Wynsma; and his niece, Cassondra Wynsma.
He is survived by his mother, Margaret Wynsma; sister, Tolly and Scott Lemmen; brother, Doug and Linda Wynsma; sisters, Diane and Rob Hyland and Carrie and Kevin DeNeef; nieces and nephews, Sarah Henson, Dylan Henson, Derek Wynsma, Amanda and Aaron Schreur, Adrianna and Brandon Dekker, Aryn and Justin Machiela, Elyse (Trent VanderLaan) DeNeef; great-nieces and great-nephews; aunt, Charlene and Terry Stygstra; uncle, Dick and Diane Wynsma; and extended family.
A graveside service was held Tuesday, Sept. 29 at Zeeland Cemetery with Rev. Mike Pitsenberger officiating.
Memorial contributions in William's honor may be given to Resthaven of Holland at resthaven. org/help-us-serve/ or by mail to 948 Washington Ave., Holland, MI 49423.
Delwyn Machiele, 87
Delwyn E. Machiele, 87, formerly of Zeeland, died on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, in Rochester, N.Y.
Known to many as Del, he grew up in Zeeland and graduated from Zeeland High School. He continued his education at Hope College and later attended the University of Illinois, where he earned a PhD in organic chemistry. That academic foundation led him to Rochester, where he spent most of his working career with the Eastman Kodak Company in the research laboratories.
Del's life reflected both intellectual dedication and creative skill. He was a devoted cyclist and remained active in a cycling club well into his 80s. His friends and family always enjoyed his baking skills especially the peanut butter pie. He also loved quilting and created many quilts of all sizes. Quilting was not only a craft he practiced with care, but also a subject he enjoyed discussing at length with anyone who shared an interest in it.
Family was very important to Del, and he cherished the time he was able to spend with them. He is survived by his children, Jeff (Liz) Machiele, Susan Ewing, and Sean (Jen) Dreywood, as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
No services were scheduled. Arrangements were by Merton H. Kays Funeral Home, Honeoye Falls, N.Y.
