April 2007 Obituaries

Norman T. Abbring '51 (Dec. 23, 2006)

Mary Jean TerBorg '53 Bails (Dec. 26, 2006)

E. Herbert Bard '48 (Dec. 3, 2006)

James H. Bekkering (Dec. 31, 2006)

Gerald Blauwkamp '43 (Feb. 10, 2007)

H. Lloyd Bobeldyk '48 (Dec. 19, 2006)

Arlene Brinks (Jan. 3, 2007)

Anna Ruth Workman '49 Cram (Feb. 9, 2007)

Phyllis Washburn '67 Dennis (Dec. 7, 2004)

John Robert "Bob" Dethmers '54 (Nov. 10, 2006)

Esther DeWeerd '28 (Jan. 28, 2007)

William A. DeWitt '45 (Nov. 23, 2006)

Marcia Smith '55 DeYoung (Jan. 3, 2007)

Starla J. Drum (Jan. 1, 2007)

Karl Elzinga ’84 (Dec. 12, 2006)

Barbara Ting '60 Eng (Oct. 3, 2006)

Marie Josette (M.J.) Feyt (Nov. 27, 2006)

Mari Howard '56 Gnade (Nov. 29, 2006)

Paul G. Houtman '41 (Sept. 27, 2006)

Thomas Houtman '40 (Dec. 2, 2006)

Margaret "Peg" Greenshields '62 Jenner (Dec. 24, 2006)

Lois Van Ingen '49 Karsten (Jan. 9, 2007)

Henry Knudson Jr. '43 (Aug. 24, 2006)

Edward H. Koster (Jan. 28, 2007)

Vernon T. Kraai (Feb. 6, 2007)

Elsie Wen-Hua '60 Law (Jan. 11, 2007)

Harold J. Lenters (Jan. 19, 2007

Agatha Kooyers '38 Lipke (Jan. 14, 2007)

Clarence "Clare" R. Luth '47 (Dec. 18, 2006)

Harriet Muyskens '47 Maassen (Jan. 26, 2007)

Kenneth P. MacDonald Jr. '57 (Jan. 15, 2005)

Margaret Jane Knapp '55 Macintyre (Nov. 19, 2006)

Roger L. Maxam '64 (Nov. 14, 2006)

Harriet Stibbs '36 Meyer (Nov. 24, 2006)

Richard W. Moore '60 (Nov. 15, 2006)

Cornelius "Casey" Oegema '51 (Jan. 5, 2007)

Carolyn G. Olsen '65 (Oct. 28, 2006)

Samuel Lee Post (Nov. 25, 2006)

William B. Potter '66 (Jan. 21, 2007

Norman J. Schut '61 (Jan. 14, 2007)

John H. Streur '61 (May 14, 2004)

James Stryker '52 (Dec. 4, 2006)

Kenneth VandenBerg '42 (Dec. 26, 2006)

Paul Van Dort '47 (Dec. 13, 2006)

Lucille Vos '46 Van Dyke (Jan 12, 2007)

Roger P. Van Lente '39 (Nov. 29, 2006)

John P. Van Wingeren (Dec. 17, 2006)

Hans Veening '53 (Dec. 27, 2006)

Charles L. Votaw '51 (Jan. 5, 2007)

Anne K. VanderWerf '28 Wabeke (Jan. 20, 2007)

Donald T. Warner '39 (Nov. 29, 2006)

Alice Boter '33 Weston (Jan. 9, 2007)

George B. Wiersma '41 (Jan. 9, 2007)

Bernard Yurash '52 (Jan. 25, 2007)

George F. Ziegler '38 (Jan. 8, 2007)

Marie Van Someren '66 Zoerhof (Nov. 19, 2006)

Norman T. Abbring ’51 of DeMotte, Ind., died on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2006. He was 78.

His parents were Cornelius and Jennie (Kiersma) Abbring.

He was a veteran who served in the U.S. Army after graduating from high school.

He taught at DeMotte High School and Kankakee Valley School, where he retired in 1989 and continued to tutor students in mathematics until his death.

He was a longtime member of The American Reformed Church.

Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Genevieve Banninga ’49 Abbring; his sons, Donald T. (Jo Ann) Abbring of DeMotte and Tim (Deb) Abbring of Schererville, Ind.; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and his brother, Tom (Barbara) Abbring of Bradenton, Fla.

Mary Jean TerBorg ’53 Bails of Denver, Colo., died on Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2006. She was 74.

She earned a master’s degree at Denver University.

She attended First Plymouth Congregational Church of Englewood, Colo.

Survivors include her husband, Emerson Bails.

E. Herbert Bard ’48 of Muskegon, Mich., died on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2006.

He was 85.

He was born in Muskegon to Elmer and Augusta (Pierson) Bard.

He was a veteran who served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II.

He had been a salesman at Geerpres for 48 years until his retirement in 1983.

He was a member of Unity United Methodist Church and White Lake Golf Club.

Survivors include his wife of 41 years, Mary Ann Meinert Bard, and his brother, Douglas (Patricia) Bard.

Gerald Blauwkamp ’43 of Zeeland, Mich., died on Saturday, Feb. 10, 2007. He was 85.

He was a veteran who served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

He taught mathematics and driver’s education in the Holland (Mich.) Public Schools.

He was a member of North Street Christian Reformed Church, teacher of adult Bible studies in several Zeeland-area churches, and a volunteer for Gideons International. He was also a member of the Zeeland American Legion Post and the Zeeland Historical Society. He was a former trustee of Reformed Bible College.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Florence Vander Woude ’43 Blauwkamp, in 1995.

Survivors include his sons, Ronald (Jean) Blauwkamp of Grand Rapids, Mich., Kenneth (Linda) Blauwkamp of Hudsonville, Mich., and Lyndon (Kimberly) Blauwkamp of Hudsonville; six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; sisters and brothers, Fannie Essenburg of Jenison, Mich., Adrian (Marie ’62) Blauwkamp of Zeeland, Julia Glass of Zeeland, Junior (Genevieve) Blauwkamp of Zeeland, and Marjorie (Marvin) Vork of Holland; in-laws, Janet Vredevoogd of Hudsonville, Gladys Blauwkamp of Zeeland, John (Marge) Vander Woude of Zeeland, Minnie Wilson of Colorado and Dorothy Vander Woude of Providence, R.I.; and many nieces and nephews.

H. Lloyd Bobeldyk ’48 of Sioux Falls, S.D., died on Tuesday, December 19, 2006. He was 81.

He was born in Corsica, S.D., to Clarence and Jessie (Plooster) Bobeldyk.

He worked as vice president of underwriting at Western Surety Company in Sioux Falls until retiring in 1988. He and his wife, Esther Bobeldyk, also operated The French Door until 1988.

He served on the board of trustees of the college from 1966 to 1968.

He was an active member of First Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Irvin Bobeldyk.

Survivors, in addition to his wife of 59 years, include his son, Jerry ’73 (Karen) Bobeldyk of St. Joseph, Minn.; his daughters, Joanie (Mike) Ireland of Guilford, Ind., Lynette (Craig) Beles of Vashon Island, Wash., and Sandra (David) LaVergne of Cold Spring, Minn.; 11 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and his sisters, Lucille Brink and Caroline (Robert) Schoon of Sioux Falls.

Anna Ruth Workman '49 Cram of Jerome, Ariz., died on Friday, Feb. 9, 2007, after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. She was 79.

She was born in Chicago, Ill., to Hulda Anderson and Wesley Workman. They later moved to Central Lake, Mich.

After graduating from Hope, Anna studied at Calvin College to gain her teaching credentials and then taught elementary school in Bellaire, Mich.

She married Willard G. "Bill" Cram in 1954. They lived in the Verde Valley community of California for about ten years, where Anna was a Cub Scout den mother, substitute teacher and postal clerk. In 1965, they moved to Jerome, where she was the organist for Haven United Methodist Church for many years. After retiring from the postal service, she pursued reading, crochet and genealogical research.

She was preceded in death by her husband in 2004.

Survivors include her children, Marianne (Willard) Piner of Waxahachie, Texas, Carolyn (Bill) Wingeier of Salt Lake City, Utah, Janet Cram of Albuquerque, N.M., Rodger '78 (Adrienne) Cram of Mount Laurel, N.J., Rebecca (Todd) Perando of Albuquerque, and Philip (Kay) Cram of Scottsdale, Ariz.; nine grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Phyllis Washburn '67 Dennis of Wickliffe, Ohio, died on Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2004. She was 59.

She was born in Grand Rapids, Mich., and lived in Cleveland, Ohio, before moving to Wickliffe 35 years ago.

She was a retired language teacher.

She was preceded in death by her father, Leo Washburn.

Survivors include her husband, David Dennis; her son, Kristofer (Jennifer) Dennis of Middlefield, Ohio; a stepdaughter, Deborah (George) Valente of Chardon; a stepson, Robert (Kathy) Dennis of Blue Ash, Ohio; four grandchildren; her mother, Virginia Washburn of Marlette, Mich.; and her sisters, Nan (Chen Bai Singh) of Tokyo, Japan, and Barbara (Ken) Patriquin of Marlette.

John Robert “Bob” Dethmers ’54 of Lansing, Mich., died on Friday, November 10, 2006. He was 74.

He was born in Grand Rapids, Mich., to John R. ’25 and Aleen DeJong ’25 Dethmers.

He graduated from East Lansing High School in 1950, Hope College in 1954 with a B.A., and the University of Michigan Law School with an L.L.D. in 1957.

He was employed by Foster, Foster, Campbell and Lindamer Law Firm in Lansing from 1958 to 1963, later as Ingham County assistant prosecuting attorney and special assistant to the Michigan State Insurance Commissioner, and he had his own private law practice until 1994.

He was a member of the Ingham County Bar Association, Michigan State Bar Association, American Bar Association, Michigan State Bar Foundation, Michigan State Bar Young Lawyers Section, and American Judicature Society. He was chairman of Michigan State Bar Commission of District Courts, chairman of Michigan State Bar Commission of Court Administration, and founder and vice president of Michigan Supreme Court Historical Society.

He had been a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Lansing since 1946, where he served as a Sunday school teacher, deacon, five-term Elder, and clerk of session. He was co-founder of “Calvin Club,” and he represented the church in the Presbytery of Lake Michigan, and the Presbytery of Lake Michigan at the Synod of the Covenant, where he served on the Permanent Judicial Commission.

He was a board member and president of the Ingham County and Michigan State Easter Seal Society, and House of Delegates for the National Easter Seal Society, and a board member and president of the Ingham County unit for the American Cancer Society.

He was a member of the Young Republicans, chairman of the Ingham County and State of Michigan Young Republicans, and served on the executive committee of the Young Republican National Federation and was the chairman of the Mid-West Division.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, David C. Dethmers ’58.

Survivors include his sister, Marjorie (David) Swyers of Maryland; two nieces, Catherine Dethmers and Margaret Monteleone; one nephew, Jonathan Swyers; and a sister-in-law, Betty Dethmers of Florida.

Esther De Weerd ’28 of Kalamazoo, Mich., died on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2007. She was 104.

She was born in Holland, Mich., to Henry and Martha (Tjietjema) De Weerd.

After graduating from Hope, she went to India as a missionary for the Dutch Reformed Church.

She was an active member of Bethany Reformed Church and many local organizations.

She was preceded in death by a sister and four brothers, including Sydney De Weerd ’28 and Irvin De Weerd ’37.

Survivors include one brother, Merle De Weerd of Kalamazoo; eight nieces and nephews; and many grandnieces and grandnephews.

William A. DeWitt ’45 of Joliet, Ill., died on Thursday, Nov. 23, 2006. He was 83.

After graduating from Hope, he attended the University of Michigan Medical School.

Since 1953, he had been a resident of Joliet, where he practiced anesthesiology and was a member of the Associated Anesthesiologists of Joliet until he retired.

During his career, he was a member and past president of the medical staff of Silver Cross Hospital and a staff member of Provena St. Joseph Medical Center.

His volunteer activities included being a past member and president of the High School Board of Education and being a founding member of Faith Lutheran Church. He had leadership roles in the early development of hospice in Joliet, as well as organizations such as the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park, American Red Cross, American Cancer Society, and United Cerebral Palsy of Will County. He was also a recent member of Rotary.

He was preceded in death by three children, Sally, James DeWitt ’68 and
David William DeWitt ’82, and a brother, Dale S. DeWitt ’53.

Survivors include is wife, Jane Smies ’45 DeWitt;; his children, Daniel, Mary, Nancy and Susan; his children-in-law, Patricia, Brad, Joe, Marty, Susan and Pam; 13 grandchildren; and a brother, Earl ’43 (Lucy) DeWitt.

Marcia Smith ’55 De Young of Holland, Mich., died on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2007. She was 73.

She taught physical education in Michigan in Grand Rapids, Whitehall, Jenison and Holland. In 1975 she began teaching in the department of education at Hope, retiring as an adjunct assistant professor of education in 1989.

She was a member of Calvary Reformed Church, Holland Country Club, Bible Study Fellowship, Young Life Committee and the YMCA board, and was also a Kids Hope USA tutor.

In recognition of service to the college and commitment to education, Hope honored Marcia and her husband, Robert N. De Young ’56, by naming the volleyball gymnasium at the DeVos Fiedlhouse the “De Young Volleyball Gymnasium” in 2005; and friends and family established a scholarship at the college in their honor during the 2000-01 academic year.

Survivors in addition to her husband of 50 years include her children, Robert Todd ’80 (Christine) De Young of Lake Bluff, Ill., and Jane De Young ’81 (Stein ’87) Slette and Katy De Young ’88 (Ken ’88) Arthurs, all of Holland; eight grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Bonnie De Young of Battle Creek, Mich; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Karl Elzinga ’84 of Zeeland, Mich., died on Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2006. He was 48.

He graduated from Hope and Kendall School of Design, and he did postgraduate work at the University of Houston.

He had worked at GMB Architects and Engineers.

He was a member of First Baptist Church of Zeeland, where he taught Sunday School, and he was involved with Little League baseball.

Survivors include his wife of 22 years, Mary Stewart ’82 Elzinga; his children, Stewart, Patrick, Andrew and Erin; his parents, Peter and Marilyn Elzinga of Zeeland; his mother-in-law, Ann Stewart of Washington, Mich.; two brothers, Michael (Ruth) Elzinga of Grandville, Mich., and Randall (Diane) Elzinga of Holland, Mich.; one sister, Patricia (Daniel) Vanden Heuvel of Zeeland; a sister-in-law, Elizabeth (Gene) Stewart of Washington; and aunts, uncles and cousins.

Barbara Ting ’60 Eng of Long Island, N.Y., died on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2006. She was 71.

Survivors include her children, Timothy and Ruth; four grandchildren; and five sisters.

Marie Josette (M.J.) Feyt of Grand Haven, Mich., died on Monday, Nov. 27, 2006, following a brief illness. She was 87.

She was born in Brussels, Belgium, and attended the Brussels Conservatory of Music, studying music, literature and social work. She performed as a professional singer for several years before becoming a social worker with the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration (UNRRA) at the end of World War II, locating families of displaced persons released from concentration camps.

She immigrated to New York City in 1947 and moved to Grand Haven in 1952. She taught piano and voice lessons and was a substitute teacher with Grand Haven Public Schools for several years while raising her family and completing a master’s degree in education from Western Michigan University. She was a French and German instructor at Hope from 1959 to 1965. She then accepted a position at Grand Valley State University, where she taught in the Foreign Language Department until her retirement in 1981.

She served as choir director for St. John’s Episcopal Church and was a solo performer with the West Shore Symphony and the First Presbyterian Church choir of Grand Haven. She enjoyed reading, classical music, Italian opera and lively discussions of culture and world issues.

Survivors include her children, Ronnie Suzanne Hankins and Warren D. (Cathleen) Feyt of Grand Haven and Charles L. (Joy) Feyt of Alpharetta, Ga.; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Mari Howard ’56 Gnade of Queensbury, N.Y., died unexpectedly on Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2006. She was 71.

A passionate advocate for social justice, Mari was a pioneer, an indefatigable leader, and a lifelong activist for civil rights, tolerance and diversity, excellence in programs for individuals with disabilities, and advancing men and women in political and appointed office.

After graduating from Hope, Mari pursued graduate work at Russell Sage College. As a teacher in the New York districts of East Greenbush, Schenectady and Warren Washington BOCES, Mari knew that education was at the very heart of a better world for all. She offered her gentle wisdom, wit and warmth to change the lives of countless children and families. She brought to them a view of a world of possibilities, a thirst for knowledge, and belief in oneself that each person can make his or her dreams come true. When she retired after 24 years with Warren Washington BOCES, the late Congressman Gerald B. Solomon called Mari a “model to others in the field of education.” She was also responsible for helping start a teachers union, and more than 30 years ago she developed a recreation program for people with disabilities that continues today.

A believer in the power of music and the arts, Mari was a violinist and a founder of the Queensbury Performing Arts Club, serving as its first president. This program brought string instruments to the school system for the first time. Mari served on the board of the Glens Falls Symphony Orchestra, sang in local church choirs and choral groups, and brought the U.S. Marine Corps Band to the area. She was also an ardent supporter of the Crandall Public Library.

Mari served as board member for the Warren Washington ARC since 1960 and as president for three years. She was the first teacher to serve in that capacity. She remained active until her death, serving on various committees for the organization.

She was a passionate political activist, serving as a member and eventually president of the Warren Washington League of Women Voters. She supported local candidates and volunteered for national and local campaigns. She brought a national program, “Running and Winning,” to the area, encouraging young girls to enter the political process.

Mari and her husband traveled throughout the world. Visiting national parks and boating on Lake George brought her great joy.

Survivors include her husband of 49 years, Kenneth R. Gnade ’56; their three daughters and their spouses, Kim Gnade ’82 (Tom) Mather, Linda Gnade ’84 (Mike) Katz, and Cheryl (Stephen) McGrattan; five grandchildren; her sister and brother-in-law, Helen Howard ’54 (Dave ’53) Hanson; her brother and sister-in-law, Roger (Shirley) Howard,; and nieces and nephews.

Paul G. Houtman ’41 of Tulsa, Okla., died on Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2006. He was 88.

He was an engineer and retired from the Dow Chemical Company.

Survivors include his wife, Elizabeth Nieusma ’38 Houtman, and a brother- and sister-in-law, Dick H. Nieusma ’52 and Ruth Slotsema ’52 Nieusma.

Thomas Houtman ’40 of Tempe, Ariz., died on Saturday, Dec, 2, 2006.

He was 88.

He was the eighth and youngest child of Thomas and Hattie (Doorlag) Houtman. He grew up on a celery farm in Decatur, Mich.
He earned a master’s degree in chemistry at Louisiana State University in 1942.

He married Alyda (Schuitema), who survives him, on Dec. 11, 1942. They moved to Midland, Mich., where he began a 40-year career at The Dow Chemical Company. He was awarded nine patents as a chemist before moving into research management where he continued to serve until his retirement in 1982.

Tom and Alyda moved to Holland, Mich., in 1987 and split their retirement years between Holland and Scottsdale, Ariz. They moved to Friendship Village of Tempe in September of 2002 on a year-round basis.

Tom lived a joyous life of service to others and was active in both church and civic affairs. He helped found the Midland Reformed Church, which he served in many capacities for more than 30 years, and was a member of Trinity Reformed Church in Holland. He was on the Midland Planning Commission and served on the Michigan Efficiency Task Force for Governor William Milliken and the Grace Commission for President Ronald Reagan. In retirement he was an active supporter of Hope College and its chemistry department, maintained involvement with Kiwanis Club and various churches, served as a volunteer hospital worker, and continued to deliver Meals on Wheels until several years ago. A passionate golfer who carved his first clubs from tree branches on the family farm, he continued to play regularly until last year when a weakening heart ended his career.

He was preceded in death by his parents and all seven of his brothers and sisters.

Survivors in addition to his wife include his daughter, Claire (Bruce) White of Scottsdale, Ariz.; his son Bruce (Kathy) Houtman of Burlington, Ky.; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; his sister-in-law, Teresa Hartgerink of Holland; and numerous nephews and nieces.

Margaret “Peg” Greenshields ’62 Jenner of Poughkeepsie, N.Y., died on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2006. She was 66.

She was born in Albany, N.Y., to James and Maud (Borst) Greenshields and was the former wife of John H. Jenner ’63.

After graduating from Hope, she earned a master’s degree in elementary education at Russell Sage College. Sixteen years ago, while residing in Liverpool, N.Y., she completed a master’s degree at Syracuse University to prepare for a career in social work.

She was an elementary teacher for the North Colonie Central School District for 10 years and was an officer in the teachers union. She retired from the Mid-Hudson Forensic Psychiatric Center in New Hampton, N.Y., where she was a social worker.

She was active in the ministries of the Dutch Reformed Church in Albany (First Church), Muitzeskill, Clymer Hill, Hyde Park, and Slate Hill (Faith).
She most recently attended the Reformed Church of Poughkeepsie.

Survivors include her daughter, Rachel Jenner (Michael) Maxwell of New Windsor, N.Y.; her sister, Jean (James) Burns of Loudenville, N.Y.; a nephew and grandnephew; and cousins.

Lois Van Ingen ’49 Karsten of Kalamazoo, Mich., died on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2007. She was 79.

She was born in Holland, Mich., to Louis and Florence (Bittner) Van Ingen.

She earned a master’s degree in English at Michigan State University.

She married David P. Karsten ’51 in 1951, and they taught in Yakutat, Alaska, from 1952 until 1959. She also taught elementary school in the Michigan school systems of Hudsonville, Kalamazoo and West Ottawa.

She was preceded in death by her husband in 1998 and by her sister, Barbara Van Hoven.

Survivors include her daughter, Barbra (John) Karsten-Rose of Westland, Mich.; a granddaughter; a brother, Donald “Dutch” (Rosemarie) Van Ingen ’51 of Novi, Mich.; and seven nieces and nephews.

Harry E. Knudson Jr. ’43 of Watchung, N.J., died on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2006. He was 84.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy who served during World War II.

He was president of the Federal Pacific Electric Co. in Newark, N.J., and vice president of GTE Sylvania Co. in Massachusetts.

His volunteer service includes being president of the board of Wilson Memorial Church, board member of the Trenton Psychiatric Hospital and the Frost Valley YMCA, and chairman of the board of the National Electrical Manufacturing Association. He was also a member of the Electrical Manufacturing Club.

He was an avid sailor, skier and world traveler.

Survivors include his wife, Anne Howland Knudson; his daughter, Anne (Brian) Fitzpatrick; his son, Erik (Cortney) Knudson; two grandchildren; and his brother, Don (Elfie) Knudson.

Edward H. Koster '44 of Lambertville, Mich., died on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2007. He was 84.

He was born in Chicago, Ill., to Edward and Marie (Meyer) Koster.

He was a veteran who served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1946. He graduated from midshipman school at Columbia College in New York City, attaining the rank of lieutenant, junior grade. He then attended mine warfare school in Yorktown and Virginia Mine Craft Training Center in Little Creek, Va. He served in the Pacific area, commanding the mine sweeping craft Yard Mine Sweep 405.

In 1941 and 1942 he attended the University of Wisconsin at Fond du Lac and Hope. After the war he graduated from Denison University in 1947, received an M.D. degree from Temple University in 1951, and completed his internship in 1952 at Blodgett Memorial Hospital in Grand Rapids, Mich.
He received National Medical Board certification in 1952 and State of Ohio Medical Board certification in 1953. He was awarded life membership from Temple University School of Medicine in 1951.

He was a physician in private practice in Falmouth, Ky., from 1952 to 1954, when he moved to Ohio and had a private practice in West Toledo until 1967. He became the medical director at the Chevrolet Division of General Motors in Toledo in 1967 and retired in 1989.

While working for General Motors, he received certificates and training in many medical areas. He received an award for 50 years of service from the Gray Nuns Sisters of Mercy and the administration and medical staff of St. Vincent Medical Center in 2003.

He enjoyed traveling, music, the Toledo Symphony Orchestra and building instruments.

Survivors include his wife of 40 years, Elizabeth (Miller) Koster; a son, Edward S. Koster of Ann Arbor, Mich.; a daughter, Barbara K. Koster of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; a stepson, Robert H. Draheim of Tucson, Ariz.; and a sister, Janet Albrecht of Oxford, Ohio.

Vernon T. Kraai '48 of Holland, Mich., died on Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2007. He was 83.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving in World War II, and a member of the American Legion Post 6 for 60 years.

He was co-owner of Holland Transplanter Co., retiring in 1986 after 36 years of employment.

He was a lifelong resident of Holland and a member of Fellowship Reformed Church.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy, in 1992.

Survivors include his daughters, Debra Kraai of Holland and Janice Kraai of White Mountain Lake, Ariz.; three granddaughters; a brother, Glenn (Gert) Kraai of Lansing, Mich.; sisters, Arlene Wassink of Holland, Thelma (Don) Nederhoed of Portage, Mich., Sharon (Marvin) Overway of California, and Carol (Sid) Vande Vusse of Hesperia, Mich.; in-laws, Chuck '47 and Arlene Knooihuizen of Zeeland, Mich., Howard and Jeanne Poll of Holland, Shirley Franklin of Battle Creek, Mich., Judy and Larry Kolb of Missoula, Mont., and Marilyn and Charles Hiemstra of Ada, Mich.; and many nieces and nephews.

Elsie Wen-Hua '60 Law of Lynnwood, Wash., died on Sunday, Feb. 11, 2007. She was 77.

She was born in Xiamen, China.

She was a graduate of Bethel Bible Seminary in Hong Kong and of Hope College. She was also the first woman to graduate from Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Mich. In addition, she graduated from Seattle Pacific College with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at age 47.

She was a Christian teacher, academic dean, pastor's wife and registered nurse at Cabrini, Providence and Swedish Hospitals. She also served as the first director of nursing services at Kin On Nursing Home.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jeremy Law '60, in 1977.

Survivors include her children, Samuel and Karen Law (Ho); six grandchildren; and five sisters.

Harold J. Lenters '50 of Sioux Center, Iowa, died on Friday, Jan. 19, 2007. He was 82.

He was born in Grand Rapids, Mich., the son of Harry and Janet (De Windt) Lenters, and lived in Hudsonville, Mich., until he entered the service.

He was a veteran who served as a private first class in Italy during World War II. He was severely wounded in combat, earning a Purple Heart and requiring three years of Veteran's Hospital care.

He graduated from Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Mich. He and his wife, Sena (Meekhof ) Lenters, ministered at churches in Woodstock, Minn.; Sheboygan, Wis.; Clearwater, Fla.; Ireton, Iowa; Byron Center, Mich.; and Sioux Center, retiring in 1991.

During the next 12 years of his retirement, he was a moderator for many area congregations and active on the boards of Northwestern College, Sioux Center Hospital and Hospice. He was also active in veteran affairs. He enjoyed the gatherings of the retired ministers association, gardening and going on motor home trips. He was an excellent pianist, even finding a way to continue playing after losing the use of his right arm.

He was preceded in death by an infant son and a brother-in-law, Harvey Moes '50.

Survivors, in addition to his wife of 56 years, include six children, Stephen (Ethel) Lenters of Sioux Center, Sandra (Daryl) Holtrop of Maurice, Iowa, Alison (Marlys) Lenters of Maurice, Leah (Douglas) Dykema of Holland, SuAnn Lenters '81 (James '78) Bruggink of Byron Center, and Jenna (James) Mumm of Hartley, Iowa; 11 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and a sister, Marilyn Lenters '50 Moes of Hillsdale, Mich.

Agatha Kooyers ’38 Lipke of Zeeland, Mich., died on Sunday, Jan. 14, 2007. She was 91.

She was a graduate of Butterworth Hospital’s School of Nursing.

She had worked at Holland Hospital, Midland Hospital, and Haven Park Christian Nursing Home, from which she retired after 20 years of service.

She was a member of Trinity Reformed Church and its choir.

Survivors include her children, Mary Ellen (William) Blessing of Tulsa, Okla., and Elizabeth (Michael) Chamberlain of Thompsonville, Mich.; five grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; a brother, Alton ’58 (Alice Brink ’58) Kooyers of Holland, Mich.; a sister, Lucile Kooyers ’44 of Zeeland; and nephews, nieces and cousins.

Clarence “Clare” R. Luth ’47 of Holland, Mich., died on Monday, Dec. 18, 2006. He was 85.

He was born in Evergreen Park, Ill.

He was a veteran who served in the U.S. Army during World War II.

He was the owner and operator of Luth Electric Manufacturing until 1980. Then he worked as a manufacturer’s representative until 1990.

He was a former member of Trinity Reformed Church and a member of First Reformed Church, where he served on the consistory, taught Sunday school and was a choir member.

Survivors include his wife, Betty; his children, Thomas (Patricia) Luth of Grand Rapids, Mich., and Mary (Frank) Brannon of Atlanta, Ga.; three grandchildren; and cousins.

Harriet Muyskens ’47 Maassen of Venice, Fla., died on Friday, Jan. 26, 2007. She was 84.

She was born in Alton, Iowa, and moved to Venice in 2000, after living in Holland, Mich.

She graduated from Hope and the National College of Education.

She was a retired school teacher, volunteer at the Venice Regional Medical Center and a member of Venice Presbyterian Church.

Survivors include her husband of 59 years, John H. Maassen ’42; her children, Elizabeth Maassen ’71 (Bob) Piel of Venice, Mary (Paul) Kohlmiller of Gilroy, Calif.; Susan Maassen ’77 (John ’72) Toren of Shawnee, Kan.; Janet (Bob) Menzie of Katy, Texas, and Stephen (Diana) Maassen of Godfrey, Ill.; 13 grandchildren, including Michelle Piel ’98 of Oak Park, Ill.; a sister, Lois Muyskens ’49 Hector of Orange City, Iowa; brother, Paul Muyskens ’50 of Orange City and Joseph ’53 (Jean Harmelink-Muyskens ’53) Muyskens of Homewood, Ill.

Kenneth P. MacDonald Jr. ’57 of Cockeysville, Md., died on Saturday,

Jan. 15, 2005. He was 70.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Gene.

Survivors include his children, Kenneth (Deena) MacDonald III, Michele (Chris) Liberty, Judith (Sung) Kim, Eugene (Kerry) MacDonald, and Paul (Agatha) MacDonald; his sisters, Elizabeth Boyd and Melanie Ford; his brother, Jack MacDonald; and eight grandchildren.

Margaret Jane Knapp ’55 Macintyre of Chelsea, Quebec, Canada, died on Sunday, Nov. 19, 2006. She was 73.

She was born in Jersey City, N.J.

After earning a B.A. in science at Hope, she graduated from the Philadelphia General School of Nursing.

She worked in the nursing and pharmaceutical fields. In 1963 she met her husband and moved to Canada, where she was the director of nursing at the Gatineau Memorial Hospital from 1972 to 1985. She worked as a real estate agent for Century 21 Macintyre from 1987 to 1998.

In retirement she was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels and Chelsea School.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents and brother, Robert.

Survivors include her children, Jane (Stephen Lynott), Meg (William Grove) and John (Betty-Jane Deen); and six grandchildren.

Roger L. Maxam ’64 of East Grand Rapids, Mich., died on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2006. He was 64.

Survivors include his wife, Pat; a brother, Robert Maxam; children, David Maxam and Sherri (Scot) Geysbeek; two granddaughters; stepchildren, Nick (Emily) Lewis, Peter (Angela) Lewis, and Anna (Josh) Warren; and cousins.

Harriet Stibbs ’36 Meyer of Holland, Mich., died on Friday, Nov. 24, 2006. She was 94.

She had been active in the Holland Garden Club and for many years was the bookkeeper for Meyer Music House, the family business. She was also active in the Hope Academy of Senior Professionals (HASP), the Women’s Literary Club and the Community Action House.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Frederick Meyer ’26, in 1985; her sister, Bertha E. Snydacker; and her brother, John H. Stibbs.

Survivors include her children, John (Nancy) Meyer of Ann Arbor, Mich., Albert (Marilyn) Meyer of Ada, Mich., Elizabeth Frey of Harbor Springs, Mich., and William (Julie Newman) Meyer of Seattle, Wash.; 11 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.

Richard W. Moore ’60 of Kalamazoo, Mich., died on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2006. He was 68.

He was born on February 23, 1938, in Canastota, N.Y., the son of Hirschell and Alma (Chandler) Moore and had been a resident of the Kalamazoo area since 1961.

He graduated from Canastota High School and received his B.S. degree from Hope and his master’s degree from Western Michigan University.

He was a member of Haven Reformed Church, where he was actively involved with its ministry.

He taught math and coached basketball at the former North Christian School (Kalamazoo Christian school system) for 37 years and also coached football at Kalamazoo Christian High School for 15 years.

Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Mary Ann Joosse Moore; his daughters, Kelli (Kevin) Patterson of Parchment, Mich., and Jill (Jeff) Case of East Leroy, Mich.; five grandchildren; his brothers, Robert (Sue) Moore of New York, Stuart Moore of New York, and Steven Moore of California; and several nieces and nephews.

Cornelius “Casey” Oegema ’51 of Grandville, Mich., died on Friday, Jan. 5, 2007. He was 80.

He was preceded in death in 2004 by his wife of 55 years, Phyllis Andre ’48 Oegema.

Survivors include his children, Ann (Jim) Leyndyke of Traverse City, Mich., Gary ’78 (Deb Cleason ’78) Oegema of Lawton, Mich., and Linda Oegema ’83 (Donald) Milanowski of Holland, Mich.; eight grandchildren, including Rebekah Oegema ’04 and current students Jonathan Oegema ’08 and Benjamin Oegema ’09; his sisters, Gertrude VanderWerf of Grand Rapids, Mich., and Emily Huizingh of Denver, Colo.; and a sister-in-law, Betty Groendyke of Jenison, Mich.

Carolyn G. Olsen ’65 of Hudsonville, Mich., died on Saturday, Oct. 28, 2006, following a battle with cancer. She was 63.

She was a teacher at Bauer Elementary School for 35 years.

She touched many lives with her enthusiasm and caring, and was an active member of Hudsonville Reformed Church

She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Gertrude Olsen.

Survivors include her sister, Mary Olsen; one aunt, Tresa Zylema; and many cousins.

William B. Potter ’66, formerly of Grand Rapids, Mich., died at his home in Brea, Calif., on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2007, following an eight-month battle with cholangiocarcinoma. He was 62.

After graduating from Hope, he earned a master’s degree from Western Michigan University.

He began his career working five years for the Dow Chemical Company of Midland, Mich., first in Sarasota, Fla., and later in Los Angeles, Calif. He then held several marketing and distribution positions for the West Coast area of California with different corporations.

He loved Southern California for many reasons, including the weather and the beautiful coast, but most of all for the hundreds of golf courses in the area. An avid golfer, he played most of them during his 32 years there.

Survivors include his wife, Ruth; his two daughters, Phaedra Wilson of Redondo Beach, Calif., and Philene Potter of Corona, Calif.; his brother, Ray, of Huntington Beach, Calif.; and two grandsons.

Norman J. Schut ’61 of Mecosta, Mich., formerly of Hudsonville, Mich., died on Sunday, Jan. 14, 2007. He was 67.

He had retired from Zeeland (Mich.) High School as a biology teacher and coach.

He volunteered at Royal View Retirement Community in Canadian Lakes.

He was preceded in death by a grandson, Andrew Isenga.

Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Barbara; his children, Brent (Elizabeth) Schut of Deerton, Mich., Brenda (Steve) Isenga of Zeeland, and Stephanie (Tom) Merkert of Severna Park, Md.; five grandchildren; sisters, Camilla Schut ’60 (Dirk) Van Dam, Judith (Tom) Streeter, Mary Ellen (Jim) Dent, Iris (Gordon) Mesbergen, and Lavonne Schut; and nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.

John H. Streur ’61 of Glendale, Wis., died on Friday, May 14, 2004. He was 71.

He was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Donald Bergman.

Survivors include his wife, Jeannine; his children, Russell (Margot) Streur, Jeannine Bergman, and John (Mary) Streur; and six grandchildren.

James G. Stryker ’52 of Midland, Mich., died on Monday, Dec. 4, 2006.

He was 76.

He was born in Grand Rapids, Mich., to John O. and Ella (Dykhuis) Stryker.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy who served during the Korean Conflict, working on cryptography maintenance in Guam.

He graduated from Michigan State University with a major in sociology.

He started his career as owner of Stryker’s Hardware in Grand Rapids. He was later a housewares buyer for Meijer and then housewares buyer for Morley Brothers in Saginaw, Mich. He then owned and operated Stryker’s Marina on Wixom Lake for 24 years, retiring in 1997. He also taught part-time at Delta College in the business division.

He was a member of the United Church of Christ, the VFW #3651 and Bay Area Marine Dealers Association, and a life member of the Michigan State Alumni Association.

He enjoyed boating, sailing, the marina, and spending time with family and friends at the Fife Lake cottage.

Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Rhosan; his children, Audrey Stryker (Michael Korn), Gordon Stryker (Catherine Davis), and Gregory (Amanda) Stryker, all of Midland; four grandchildren; a sister, Ruth Stryker-Smith ’41 of Angola, Ind.; and brother- and sister-in-law, John (Joan) Dobben of Jackson, Mich.

Kenneth VandenBerg ’42 of Delray Beach, Fla., died on Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2006. He was 85.

He was born in Holland, Mich., to Henry and Cornelia VandenBerg.

He was a veteran who served for three years in the U.S. Navy as a Lieutenant JG.

He graduated from the University of Michigan Medical School. He was a former resident of Bloomfield Hills, Mich., and spent his career as a general surgeon in Pontiac, Mich., at St. Joseph’s Mercy Hospital and Pontiac General Hospital, where he served as chief of surgery and chief of staff.

He was a member of the American College of Surgeons and the Michigan State Medical Board, and member and past president of the Oakland County Medical Society.

He was an avid fisherman, golfer and University of Michigan sports enthusiast. He was a member and past president of Forest Lake Country Club and an active member of the Golf Association of Michigan, where his volunteer hours were devoted to the Evans Scholars program, rating golf courses and manning tournaments around the state.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jean Wishmeier ’41 VandenBerg, and a brother, Merle VandenBerg ’48.

Survivors include his daughter, Kristin (William) Whitfield of South Orleans, Mass.; two grandchildren; and a brother, Robert VandenBerg ’39 of North Ft. Myers, Fla.

Paul Van Dort ’47 of Zeeland, Mich., died on Wed., Dec. 13, 2006. He was 85.

He was born in Holland, Mich., to Anthony and Janet (Van Dyke) Van Dort. While attending Hope, he was a member of the 1943 “Blitz Kids” championship basketball team.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corps who served in World War II.

He graduated from Hope and earned an M.A. degree in school administration from Western Michigan University.

He first taught for four years at Comstock (Mich.) Junior High School and coached basketball and track. Then he taught social studies at Zeeland Junior High School, Zeeland High School and Zeeland Middle School. He coached the Zeeland varsity basketball team for 11 years, winning two Kenowa League championships, two district titles and a regional title. He retired from Zeeland Public Schools in 1983.

He enjoyed hunting and fishing, and operated the Van Dort Taxidermy business for more than 20 years following his retirement from teaching.

He was a member of Second Reformed Church who served many terms on the consistory as both deacon and elder.

He was preceded in death by three brothers, Earl Van Dort, Carl Van Dort and Dale Van Dort; two sisters, Verna Nawn and Ruth Bruursema; and one grandson, Jeffrey Van Dort.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Dorothy Van Voorst ’50 Van Dort; his sons, Mark ’71 (Bernice Renner ’71) Van Dort of Midland, Mich., and Paul ’88 (Heidi Clark ’88) Van Dort of Sanford, Mich.; three granddaughters; two sisters, Irene (Jim) Bagladi of Holland, Mich., and Dorothy Morrison Harmsen of Grand Haven, Mich.; his sisters-in-law, Karen Mauriello, Donna (Vernon) Nienhuis of Orlando, Fla., Esthermae Van Voorst Airey of Riverside, Calif., Karen Van Dort of Florida; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Lucille Vos ’46 Van Dyke of Holland, Mich., died on Friday, Jan. 12, 2007. She was 82.

Her parents were Gerrit R. and Jennie (Louwsma) Vos.

She began her teaching career in Grand Haven, Mich., and then taught in grade schools in Holland for 20 years.

She was a charter member of Christ Memorial Church. She and her husband, Albertus (Bud) Van Dyke ’48, helped to start the church in 1957 in the basement of the Montello Park Grade School, the elementary school she had attended.

She was a gardener and feeder of wildlife, and loved children.

She was preceded in death in 1996 by her husband of 47 years; her brother, Raymond G. Vos; and one grandson.

Survivors include her daughter, Deborah Ann Van Dyke of Holland; one sister, Julis Vos ’43 Wall of Rushville, Ill.; two sisters-in-law, Norma Vos of Grand Haven, and Marion Van Dyke ’43 Clark of Arlington Heights, Ill.; two grandchildren; and nieces, nephews and cousins.

Roger P. Van Lente ’39 of Lakeland, Fla., died on Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2006. He was 89.

Formerly of Holland, Mich., he was a member of the First Reformed Church, and was the former co-owner of Holland Insulating Company.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Harriet.

Survivors include his daughter, Carol Van Lente ’65 Allen of Sycamore, Ill.; two grandsons; one great-granddaughter; and a sister, Angelyn Van Lente ’37 Jalving.

John P. Van Wingeren ’65 of Benton, Ky., died on Sunday, Dec. 17, 2006. He was 63.

He was a veteran who served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.

He was retired, having owned the Carlinvilla Motel in Carlinville, Ill.

He was a member of First Baptist Church of Benton.

Survivors include his wife, Karen Grabinski ’69 Van Wingeren; his children, David Van Wingeren of Lemont, Ill., Linnea Fryman of Decatur, Ill., and Becky Lynn Auten of Benton, Ky.; two grandchildren; and sisters, Joan Van Wingeren ’56 Retsema of Grandville, Mich., and Sharon Van Wingeren ’63 Meyer of Valparaiso, Ind.

Hans Veening ’53 of Lewisburg, Pa., died on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2006. He was 75.

He was born to John and Cornelia (deGoede) Veening in the Netherlands.

He earned a master’s degree and a Ph.D. degree from Purdue University.

He was a professor of chemistry at Bucknell University, retiring in 1997 after serving for 49 years, 11 of them as chairman of the chemistry department. He received the Lindback Foundation Award for teaching and his works were published in professional journals.

He was a member of Phi Beta Kappa, American Chemical Society and Sigma Chi, and was a past president of Friends of Priestly.

He was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Lewisburg, where he served as a deacon and elder.

Survivors in addition to his wife of 49 years, Elizabeth Timmerman '57 Veening, include an aunt, Tine Ilmer-deGoede.

Charles L. Votaw of Johnson City, Tenn., died on Friday, Jan. 5, 2007, following a lengthy battle with carcinoid cancer. He was 77.

He was born in Chicago, Ill., the son of John W. and Bertha (Hile) Votaw.

He earned an M.D. from the University of Michigan Medical School and a Ph.D. from the University of Michigan Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studies in the field of neuroanatomy and neurophysiology.
He worked at the University of Michigan for 22 years before joining East Tennessee State University (ETSU) to help start its medical school in 1977. While associate dean for clinical affairs, he guided the development of the curriculum. One of the programs that he designed and implemented was a pre-medical medical program designed to reduce academic tension and bring the humanities into medical student education. He became executive associate dean of the College of Medicine, and in retirement the executive associate dean emeritus of the College of Medicine. In 1995 the school named the Charles L. Votaw Auditorium in ETSU's Palma L. Robinson Clinical Education Center in his honor.

His hobbies included playing golf and tennis, reading mysteries and watching sports on television. He enjoyed photography, traveling, classical music and opera. He was a member of the board of directors of the Johnson City Symphony.

In 1997 the Hope College Alumni Association honored Dr. Votaw and his wife, Dr. May Korteling '52 Votaw, with the Distinguished Alumni Award.

He was preceded in death by his mother and his brother-in-law, Don Martin.

Survivors, in addition to his wife of 53 years, include his father, John W. Votaw of Johnson City; his daughter, Diana (Frank) Doerner of St. Louis, Mo.; two sons, John R. '81 (Delicia) Votaw of Atlanta, Ga., and Paul (Wendy) Votaw of Oak Hills, Va.; two sisters-in-law, Marian Korteling '47 (Blaise '42) Levai of Jacksonville, Fla., and Kamala Korteling '51 Martin of Chelsea, Mich.; a brother-in-law, Ralph '58 (Sylvia) Korteling of Vancouver, British Columbia; five grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Anne K. VanderWerf ’28 Wabeke of Holland, Mich., died on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2007. She was 99.

She was born in Wisconsin to Rev. Anthony VanderWerf and Anna Schaafsma VanderWerf.

She was a member of First Reformed Church, where she had been a Sunday school teacher.

She first worked in the billing department of Hart & Cooley in Holland and later owned and operated Lake Shore Heating Co. with her husband in St. Joseph, Mich. She returned to Holland in 1984.

She was a member of the Women’s Literary Club and the Second Century Club at the college.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles H. Wabeke; her sisters, Joan VanderWerf ’30 Brieve and Lucille VanderWerf ’23 Veneklasen; and her brother, Calvin VanderWerf ’37, who served as president of the college from 1963 to 1970.

Survivors include her nieces, Gretchen VanderWerf ’68, Klasina VanderWerf, Julie Hill, Lisa Hawkins and Marte Singerman; and one nephew, Pieter VanderWerf.

Donald T. Warner ’39 of Kalamazoo, Mich., died on Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2006. He was 88.

He was born in Holland, Mich., and lived in the Kalamazoo area since 1952.

He received a doctorate from the University of Illinois in Urbana. He was employed as a biochemist with General Mills for 10 years and with Upjohn Company in Kalamazoo for 30 years until his retirement in 1984.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth, in December 2004.

Survivors include his daughter, Nancy Warner ’71 Taylor of Sturgis, Mich.; his son, Robert D. Warner ’70 of New Mexico; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sisters, Betty Waggener of Nebraska and Ruth (Herm) Broene of Grand Rapids, Mich.; and nieces and nephews.

Alice Boter ’33 Weston of Sheffield Lake, Ohio, died on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2007. She was 95.

She earned degrees from the University of Michigan and Kent State University.

She was the first woman to work on the air in Cleveland (Ohio) television.

She had been employed by television stations WEWS, WUAB and WKYC in Cleveland and by WIIC in Pittsburgh, Pa. She had also worked for the Detroit Free Press and the Detroit News.

She was a member of Lake Avenue United Church of Christ.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur Schowalter, in 1981 and by her brother, Peter Boter ’35.

Survivors include her children, Susan Ruffing of Lorain, Ohio, and Sara Walters of Chicago, Ill.; two grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

George B. Wiersma ’41 of Dowagiac, Mich., died on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2007. He was 88.

He was born in Zeeland, Mich., to Sebie and Grace (Fletcher) Wiersma.

He was a veteran who served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and received numerous awards for his service.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in forestry at Michigan State University.

He worked for the Soil and Conservation Services in Cass County (Mich.) for more than 32 years before retiring.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Genevieve.

Survivors include his son, George (Nancy) Wiersma of Dowagiac; his daughter, Graceen (Dick) Hunsburger of Vadalia, Mich.; his sister, Lila Wiersma ’37 Salisbury of St. Joseph, Mich.; three grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Bernard Yurash '52 of Fort Collins, Colo., died on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2007. He was 85.

Formerly of Palo Alto, Calif., he worked at Fairchild Semiconductor from 1958 to 1980

Survivors include a son, Steve Yurash of Fort Collins.

George F. Ziegler ’38 of Franklin, N.J., died on Monday, Jan. 8, 2007. He was 94.

He earned a master’s degree from Montclair State College in 1956 and received a superintendent’s certificate in 1956 from Lehigh College.

He was a teacher at Franklin High School from 1939 to 1954, principal of Frankford School from 1954 to 1958, and principal of Walnut Ridge School from 1958 to 1966. In 1966 he became the first superintendent of the Vernon District Schools, a position he held until his retirement in 1972.

He was a member of the National Education Association, the New Jersey Education Association and the New Jersey Retired Educators. He also belonged to and had served as president of the Sussex County Retired Educators. He was a member of Rotary and of Samaritan Lodge R & AM 98 in Hardyston and served a term as Worshipful Master.
From 1961 to 1963 he served on the Franklin Borough Council.

He was a member of the Franklin Presbyterian Church, where he served as superintendent of Sunday school and elder.

He was preceded in death by a grandson, Kevin C. Ziegler, in 1997.

Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Marion Storms Ziegler; his children, Frances Garrity of Franklin, Ralph G. Ziegler of Glendale, Calif., and Dana R. Ziegler of Vernon, N.J.; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Marie Van Someren ’66 Zoerhof of Holland, Mich., died on Sunday, Nov. 19, 2006. She was 88.

She had been an elementary teacher for Holland Christian Schools for many years and had also taught in the Christian schools in Grand Rapids, Mich., Cicero, Ill., and Beaverdam, Wis.

She was a member of Central Avenue Christian Reformed Church.

Survivors include her husband of 58 years, Harold; her brothers, Bernard (Gertrude) Van Someren of Hudsonville, Mich., Anthony Van Someren of Baldwin, Wis., and Richard (Carol) Van Someren of Baldwin; in-laws, Mrs. George (Myra) Van Someren of Baldwin, Mrs. Lloyd (Delores) Van Someren of Hammond, Wis., Mrs. John (Wilma) Stadt of Baldwin, and Jim (Jennie) Zoerhof, Howard (Mildred) Zoerhof, and Hazel (Earl) Van Netten, all of Holland; and nieces and nephews.

James H. Bekkering of Holland, Mich., died on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2006. He was 87.

He was born in Denver, Colol, to G. Max and Rena (Frens) Bekkering.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Army who served during World War II.

He retired from Gerber Products Company.

He had been a member of First Reformed Church of Fremont, Mich., where he formerly resided, and was a member of Fellowship Reformed Church in Holland at the time of his death.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Grace (Oosting).

Survivors include his wife, E. Christine Brown Hammersly; three children, James R. ’65 (Lynne) Bekkering of Beulah, Mich., William J. ’70 (Gwen) Bekkering of Beulah, and Jeanne L. (Gary) Chipman of Grandville, Mich.; a step-son, James R. (Mary) Tribble of Tennessee; several grandchildren, including Timothy Bekkering ’99 and Kristi Dunn, who works at the college’s Haworth Inn and Conference Center; and great-grandchildren; and two brothers, John G. Bekkering and Richard D. Bekkering.

Arlene Brinks of Portage, Mich., died on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2007. She was 76.

She was born to Gysbert and Gertrude (Schippers) Koopsen.

She earned a nursing degree from Mercy Hospital in Benton Harbor, Mich., and worked as a registered nurse for three years, and then became a full-time mom.

She was a member of Trinity Reformed Church, where she served in many roles, and was also a volunteer for the college, Western Theological Seminary and the Red Cross.

She enjoyed knitting and baking.

She was preceded in death by a brother, Adrian Koopsen, and a sister, Geraldine Jackson.

Survivors include her husband of 53 years, Donald Brinks ’52; her children, Kathy Brinks ’75 Waterstone of Holland, Mich., Marc Brinks ’78 of Charlotte, N.C., Keith ’80 (Rebecca) Brinks of Philadelphia, Pa., Mary Brinks ’82 (Louis) Remynse of Battle Creek, Mich., and Kevin ’86 (Robin DeWitt ’86) Brinks of Commerce Township, Mich.; 13 grandchildren, including Matt Waterstone ’05 and Kyle Waterstone ’07; her sisters, Cornelia Crouch, Elaine Liggett, Norma (Warren) Erickson, and Gertrude (Ervin) Herzog; and her brother, Nelson (Jennie) Koopsen.

Starla J. Drum of Seattle, Wash., died on Monday, Jan. 1, 2007, after a battle with breast cancer. She was 59.

She earned a Ph.D. in communications from the University of Washington, and bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the university of Oregon.

She was assistant professor of communication at the college from 1978 to 1980.

She began her career as a financial advisor in 1981 with Foster & Marshall. At the time of her death she was first vice president of investments for Wachovia Securities.

She was an active member of Seattle First Baptist Church and volunteered with many community organizations.

Survivors include her husband, Richard Langford; her mother, Gretchen Banta; her brother, Dennis Banta; and a niece and a nephew.

Samuel Lee Post of Caledonia, Mich., died on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2006, three days before his sixth birthday.

Samuel was diagnosed with leukemia in October and had been doing well with treatments, but could not overcome an infection in his back because of his compromised immune system.

Survivors include his parents, Mike and Theresa VandenBerg ’87 Post, and siblings, Jennifer, Matthew and Joshua.