Remembering Lives Well-Lived: Obituaries of Community Members

This compilation honors the lives and legacies of several individuals who recently passed away. Their stories reflect diverse experiences, passions, and contributions to their communities. We remember them through their obituaries.

Here are the stories of Chad Redford, Amy Nyland, Roger Brandsen, Joseph Wild, Judith Cook, Judith Steggerda, Margaret Dreyer, Ann Lawrence, James Johnson, Harold Kuiper, and Kenneth Bosch.

Chad "Dallas" Redford

It is with great sadness that the Redford family announces the death of Chad “Dallas” Redford. He passed away unexpectedly at age 44 on Tuesday, July 20, 2021, at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth. Chad was born on April 22, 1977, in Fort Worth, Texas to David Redford and Wendy Kadleck.

Chad attended Eastern Hills High School and was an active member of the marching band where he played the trumpet. He had a passion for the culinary arts and wanted nothing more than to be a chef. He served as a chef at the Gaylord Texan for more than 12 years. Wanting to have more time with family; Chad left the culinary field when an opportunity became available to become the Carpenter at the Gaylord Texan.

He continued to have a passion for cooking for family and friends and did so with such joy in his heart. He was a brilliant, creative, and dedicated individual that always put others first and you could see such pride in everything he did. Amongst his many enduring qualities, Chad was such a handsome man who had the most amazing heart and giving nature. He loved intensely and wanted nothing more than to please those he cared for deeply. He embodied the word unconditional love. He shared this with the absolute love of his life, his wife Shelli.

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From this love, the three most beautiful children were created, and Chad was the most incredible father and husband; everything he wanted and promised to be. His love and desire to serve carried through into his dedication to his entire family, his work ethic, his work family, his friends, the Scouting community (both Girls Scouts and Scouts BSA), his children’s schools, and anywhere else he was called upon for help. ‘No’ was not a part of his vocabulary typically. He stayed out of the spotlight to let his family shine, yet was always there, every single step of the way, lifting them up and always carrying the heaviest burdens and load.

From this loss, recently it was discovered he had relationships beyond physical connection and was a part of an amazing gaming community. Darths1d1ous (DARTH), as he was known in the Last Day On Earth Twitch Community had a phrase that everyone knew him by "Hello from TEXAS", with this phrase and a personality larger than life he would bring the energy to any chat room. Darth was always supportive whether you had a bad day or needed something in game he was your guy. Darth will forever be a member of this community and a part of this unique family.

His passing will forever be a tremendous loss, but knowing he is with our Lord and Savior now allows us to know it’s not good-bye, it’s just until we meet again. Until then, Chad will live on forever in each of our hearts, through the legacy he’s left with his children, and through all his selfless acts.

Chad is survived by Shelli Redford, his beloved wife of 20 years; his son Jacob Redford; his son Seth Redford; his daughter Olivia Redford; his father David Redford and stepmother Cabrina Redford; his brother David Redford (Nicole); his brother Joseph Redford; his sister Missy Prouty (Caleb); his brother-in-law Shawn Davis (Kathi); his nephews Denton Redford, Kyler Redford, Landon Redford, Gage Redford, and Matthew Silva; his nieces Jordan Silva, Nichole Davis, Victoria Martinkus, Hannah Davis, and Amelia Redford; and his grandmother Ann Berry. He is also survived by many aunts, great aunts, uncles, great uncles, cousins, and extended bonus brothers and sisters.

Chad is preceded in death by his mother Wendy Kadleck; his grandfather Carroll “Joe” Berry; grandmother June Wilson; grandfather James Redford; grandmother Delphia Winkle; and grandfather Lewis Kadleck.

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The Celebration of Life for Chad "Dallas" Redford will be held at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, July 28th at The Hills Church, 6300 NE Loop 820, North Richland Hills, TX 76180. Memorial Services will be held downstairs in the Student Center with a full reception following in The Commons. Parking and Entry are at the North facing area of the church building with entrance through the doors on the North side of the building between the large potted planters.

Amy Nyland

Amy Nyland was born on March 16th, 1984 in Madison, Wisconsin. Daughter of Jill Nyland and Todd O'neil. Amy was a foster parent to her niece and nephew, Skyler and Yamir Disch which was only one of her selfless acts.

Amy will forever be remembered for her need to help others, phenomenal work ethic, unique laugh, out of the blue randomness, genuine smile, her amazing personality and her love for everyone, especially children. She touched and inspired the lives of many. She will be greatly missed.

Amy was preceded in death by her grandmother Florence Stanford and grandfather Richard Nyland.

Roger Lee Brandsen

Roger Lee Brandsen, 88, of Olive Township, passed away Saturday, March 8, 2025 at home. Roger was born in Olive Township March 19, 1936 to Harry and Wilma (Hop) Brandsen. He was a lifelong member of South Olive Christian Reformed Church, where he served as an elder, Sunday School teacher and council member.

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Roger worked for Chris-Craft Corporation and S2 Yachts/Tiara Yachts, and retired after a lifelong career in the boating industry. He was active in South Olive Christian School, supporting any way he could, along with Crossroads Ministries. In his spare time, Roger could be found singing bass in the Light Bearers Quartet (which he helped found) and tending to his beloved garden.

He was preceded in death by his son, Brian Brandsen.

Roger is survived by his wife of 67 years, Carolyn; children, Laurie Brandsen, Terry (Rhonda) Brandsen, Marlin (Paula) Brandsen, and Lynette (Jeff) Wehrmeyer; 14 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren (and two more on the way); daughter-in-law, Gayle; sisters, Ruth Kooiker and Shirley Barclay; in-laws, Arlene Slagh and Delores Slagh; many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.

A service to celebrate Roger’s life was held Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at South Olive CRC, with Pastor Doug Fauble officiating. Burial was in Olive Township Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Aric’s Mission or South Olive Christian School.

Joseph Wild

Joseph Wild, 94, of Zeeland, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, March 7, 2025. Joe was born Dec. 14, 1930 in Salford, England. He survived the bombing of Salford in 1940, during World War II. Joe served in the British Army and was proud to share his many memories.

He met the love of his life, Olive, at the age of 14, and they married Oct. 6, 1951. In 1960 Joe and Olive, along with their two daughters, immigrated to the United States, settling in Zeeland. Together, in 1995, they became American citizens, while never forgetting their British heritage. Joe was a sheet metal worker by trade, retiring from Veneklasen Auto Parts, where he was affectionately known as the radiator man.

Joe was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Olive Wild (2002); daughters, Rita (1954), Pauline (2023) and Susan (2024); sisters, Ivy and Nora; and brother, Albert.

Joe will be greatly missed by his surviving daughter, Lynn (Dave) Machiele; son-in-law, Timothy Garvelink; grandchildren, Kimberly (Kevin) Van Huizen, LaVonne Burford, Tammy (Brian) Owen, Jennifer Harper, Angela Spencer, Christopher (Sarah) Brummels, Amy (Jeff) March, Kyle (Tomara) Wild, Tara Prins, Ethan Machiele and Noah Machiele; great-grandchildren, Kolten, Kameron, Cayden, Steven, Kenneth, Malorie, Joshua, Justin, Kalib, Moshawn, Alexea, Zaden, Destiny, Mila and Carter; seven great-great-grandchildren; nephews, Eric (Sally) Cammenga, Scott Cammenga, and Raymond (Elaine) Martin, and a multitude of friends around the world. at Lakeshore Memorial Services, 11939 James St., Holland. on Friday, March 14 at Lakeshore Memorial Services. Burial will be at Zeeland Cemetery on Lincoln Street.

Judith Anne Cook

Judith Anne Cook, 80, of Zeeland, passed away Thursday, March 6, 2025. Judy was a positive influence on countless students and families over the years. She served as a teacher at numerous schools in the area over her career. She continuously cared for and maintained relationships with former students until this very day.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Cook; brother, Jim Vander Wall; and sister, Sue Berkenpas.

She is survived by her children, Rachel Rice, Mark Cook and Anna Cook; grandchildren, Derek Rice, Jacob Rice, Jasmine Cook, Isaac and Jenna Cook, Alex Smith and Tyler Smith; two great-grandchildren; brother, David and Connie Vander Wall; sister-in-law, Nancy VanderWall; brother-in-law, Jimmy Lee Berkenpas; and her in-laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at Foundation Church, 387 W. Lakewood Dr., Holland, with Pastor David Spoelma officiating. Burial took take place in Pilgrim Home Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given in Judith’s honor to Foundation Church, 387 W. Lakewood Dr. Holland, MI 49424.

Judith Kay Steggerda (VanderPloeg)

Judith Kay Steggerda (VanderPloeg), 81, of Holland, passed away Wednesday, March 5, 2025. Judy was born in Holland May 23, 1943 to John and Josephine (Knoll) VanerPloeg and was a lifelong resident of the area. She graduated from Holland Christian High School, and worked for Joel’s Photographic Concepts and Quality Machine & Automation for many years. Judy was a lifetime member of Pillar Church and also attended Central Wesleyan Church.

Judy was preceded in death by her first husband, Steven Steggerda; brothers, Dave VanderPloeg, Earl VanderPloeg and Webb (Joyce) VanderPloeg.

She is survived by her husband, Joel Spykerman; sons, Scott (Julie) Steggerda and Spencer (Wendy) Steggerda; grandchildren, Steven (Kelli) Steggerda, Tyler (Brittany) Steggerda, Rachel (Austin) Headley, Nicole (Chaz) Meyaard, Brittany Lemmen and Zeb (Marisa) Steggerda; seven great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters-in-law, Sheryl VanderPloeg, Marge VanderPloeg, Paul (Linda) Steggerda and Nick (Kathy) DeVries.

A service to celebrate Judy’s life is being finalized, tentatively being planned for May 3, 2025 at Pillar Church, 57 E. 10th St., Holland.

Margaret A. Dreyer

Margaret A. Dreyer, 87, of Holland, entered her heavenly home on Wednesday, March 5, 2025. Born in Holland, she graduated from Holland Christian High School and was a member of Rose Park Reformed Church. She was a faithful servant who enjoyed singing in the choir, participating in ladies guilds and was a Stephens Minister.

She and her husband established Prairie View Farms where they lived their whole life, and later had a partnership with their sons.

Margaret was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Spencer Dreyer; daughters, Julie Dreyer in 1982 and Lisa Dreyer in 1966; son, Brian Dreyer in 2014; son in-law, Gary Israels in 2002; great-grandson, Zachary Israels in 2013; and step-great-grandson, Carter Brink in 2017.

Margaret is survived by her children, Debra (Rick) Prince, Pamela Dreyer and Brent (Amy) Dreyer, all of Holland; grandchildren, Kyle and Holly Israels, Melissa and Jim VanderZwaag, Brandon and Anna Israels, Jon and Leslie Israels, Carson Dreyer and Jay Grothause, Mallory Dreyer, Clara Dreyer and fiancé Ibrahim Imtiaz, Chase and Hannah Dreyer, Brody Dreyer and Tori Dreyer; great-grandchildren, Levi VanderZwaag, Elliot VanderZwaag, Tyler Israels, Caleb Israels, Maelynn Israels, Maddie Israels, Rex Israels, Penelope Israels and Cameron Israels; three step-grandchildren and 10 step-great-grandchildren; twin sister, Marilyn Maidens of San Diego, Calif.; brothers and sisters in-law, Gary (Sandy) Dreyer of Holland, Leona Wassink of Holland, Ann Basset of Brewster, New York and Joel Glasshower of Zeeland.

A funeral service was held on Monday, March 10 at Rose Park Reformed Church, 14241 Rose Park Dr., Holland, with Rev. Mark Waterstone officiating. Interment was in Pilgrim Home Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Holland Christian Schools, Corewell Hospice and the American Stroke Association.

Ann M. Lawrence

Ann M. Lawrence, 90, went home to be with the Lord Wednesday, March 5, 2025. She was born Ann M. Veldman on Nov. 19, 1934, just outside of Grand Rapids, to John and Annette Veldman. The family moved to Holland when Ann was a young girl. She was a 1952 graduate of Holland High School and spent most of her life in the Holland area.

Ann married George R. Lawrence on Dec. 19, 1952. They were married for 65 years and had four sons. She was a charter member of the Rose Park Reformed Church, serving in the women’s group and singing in the choir.

Ann is predeceased by her husband, George; brothers, Martin and John; and son, Rodney.

She is survived by her sons, Randall (Deborah), Thomas (Vicki) and Timothy (Cindy); daughter-in-law, Ilene; grandchildren, Miranda (Paul), Colin (Ancy), Miriah (Joseph), Heidi (Adam), Joshua (Alicia), Ashley (Bill), Ara (Alex) and Matthew (Mary); great-grandchildren, Henry, Elenor, Coleman, Calan, and Walt.

A funeral service was held Saturday, March 8 at Rose Park Reformed Church, 14241 Rose Park Dr., Holland, with Rev. Mark Waterstone officiating. Box 1254, Elmira, NY 14902, Rose Park Reformed Church, or Faith Hospice.

James (Jim) Johnson

James (Jim) Johnson, 71, of Zeeland, passed away on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. Jim was born Sept. 14, 1953, in Allegan to Herbert Sr. and Florence (Briel) Johnson. He attended Holland Public Schools and became a heavy equipment mechanic. The majority of Jim’s work life was repairing heavy equipment at Louis Padnos Iron and Metal Co. Jim and his wife Michelle are members of Community Reformed Church in Zeeland.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Elizabeth Starrett and Herbert Johnson Jr.; stepson, Sean Nyland; and father-in-law, Earl Nyland.

He is survived by his wife of 13 years, Michelle (Nyland) Johnson; children, Heather Bradford (Dusty), Melissa Johnson and Ryan Johnson (Emilee); grandchildren, Dean Windemuller (Gina), Emily Dornbush, Mallory Dornbush, Sidney Bradford, Althea Johnson and Arlo Johnson; stepdaughter, Skye Nyland; siblings, Jeanett Burchfield, John Johnson, Ruth Cronberg, Viola Garza, Joy Kievit, Mitchell Johnson and Mary Van Kampen; mother-in-law, Dorothy Nyland; brothers-in-law, Steve Nyland and Terry Nyland (Kim); and many extended family members and friends.

A memorial service was held Friday, March 7, 2025, in “The Mosaic” at Community Reformed Church, 10376 Felch St., Zeeland. Paul, MN 55101.

Harold Kuiper

Harold Kuiper, 96, passed away on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at Quincy Place in Holland. Harold was a lifelong member of Bethany Christian Reformed Church, where he enjoyed singing in the choir. He attended Holland Christian High School and worked at Baker Furniture for more than 40 years.

Harold was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Joyce Kuiper; daughter, Wanda Dallas; granddaughter, Melissa; great-grandson, Josiah; brothers, George (Gladys) Kuiper and Kenneth Kuiper; and brother-in-law, Audley (Lillian) Boeve.

He is survived by his children, Yvonne (Randy) Kruithoff, Karen (Mike) Lemmen and Todd (Julie) Kuiper; 11 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; brother, Ronald (Donna) Kuiper; and sister-in-law, Lillian Kuiper.

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