Feb 8, 2021 4:27 PM
Jodi Sue Syens, age 67, passed away peacefully in her home on February 5, 2021 after a valiant battle with cancer. Jodi was born on July 20, 1953 in Holland, Michigan to Norman (Bunko) and Shirley Japinga. Keeping in line with the family passion for Hope College, Jodi earned her B.A. in Political Science from Hope in 1975. Jodi’s love story with Marv also began during her time at Hope. It was love at first sight and the two were married on August 10, 1974. Jodi was passionate about the City of Holland and dedicated her career to serving its residents. She began working in the Treasurer’s Office on a work-study assignment. She went on to hold a variety of roles with the City, including Assistant City Manager and Director of Transportation and Parks and Recreation. She was a familiar staple to many Hollanders during Wednesday night City Council meetings and faithfully served as a board member for a variety of local nonprofits, including the Holland Museum and T
Jan 27, 2021 4:38 PM
On Saturday January 23rd, 2021, loving husband, father, great-grandfather, uncle and brother, Theodore “Ted” Gray, entered eternal rest at the age of 69.
Mr. Gray was born to Mr. Theodore and Ms. Beulah Mae (McCoy) Gray in Harvey, Illinois on December 21, 1951. As a young man, he loved to go camping and he also enjoyed fishing. Even though Ted loved camping and being outdoors, he was terrified of spiders. One could definitely have a good time with Ted, as he knew how to laugh and joke with a very easy going demeanor. He brought joy to all those in his presence. Mr. Gray enjoyed collecting coins and stamps to name a few. Ted was a man of patience, wisdom, and love and he had a love for his Lord and savior, Jesus Christ. He also had the gift of giving and Ted would go out of his way to help anybody in a time of need as he would give you the shirt off of his back. He truly loved his family and extended family. Ted enjoyed 44 prosperous years of marriage with h
Jan 20, 2021 9:50 AM
Obed Isaias Gaytan passed away on January 17th at his home. He was 32 years old.
Obed was born in Holland, MI on July 7, 1988, to Ramon and Angelica Gaytan. He is the youngest of seven children. Obed was raised in church and loved serving the Lord. He had a big heart for family and friends. He enjoyed volunteering at church to help his brother, Jeremias, making people laugh, going on walks and watching America’s team the Dallas Cowboys with his family, and finding ways to make an extra dollar.
Obed was preceded in death by his brother, Aaron, in 2002.
Jan 11, 2021 4:51 PM
Esther M. Van Ark, 93, passed away on January 8, 2021. She was born on December 7, 1927 in Chicago, IL to Charlie and Esther Hare Van Houten. The family moved to the Holland area in 1942. Esther graduated from Holland High in 1945, where she met Bill (William) Van Ark. They married in 1945 and started their family of eight children. Esther was a marvelous mother, very engaged in her children’s lives, serving as a Cub Scout and Camp Fire Girls Leader, knitting many pairs of mittens, taking her kids on different outings, serving wonderful meals and teaching her children how to cook and take care of themselves. And perhaps most importantly, how to sing together! Her “Arktet” of children eventually put on a series of popular concerts and of course continue to sing when they get together, especially when cousins, aunts & uncles are present to join in.
Jan 11, 2021 11:39 AM
Louis Hallacy II, former Mayor of Holland and long-time President of the Holland Area Chamber of Commerce, passed away on January 7, 2021. He had recently celebrated his 90th birthday. Lou was born in Grand Rapids, MI moving to Holland, MI in 1956 with his wife Madeline to raise their family. He soon became active in the Holland community, serving five years as a City Councilman and three terms as Mayor of Holland (1973-1979). He also served as President of both the Holland Area Chamber of Commerce and the Holland Economic Development Corporation. Throughout his adult life, he was passionate about growing the city of Holland and creating opportunities for long-term economic development and new business growth. His other passions were his family, golf, and watching Hope College and University of Michigan sports. He was recently recognized as a fifty-year member of Tulip Time. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 57 years, Madeline. He is survived by h