The Obituary Section

Barbara Wulfsen

, Michigan

Barbara J. Wulfsen age 73 of Grand Rapids was reunited with her loved ones on Thursday August 20 2026. Barb was a lifelong caregiver within both the community and her family. She spent her time creating wonderful handmade gifts such as dishtowels scarves or holiday ornaments. She loved spending time with her family and appreciating the beauty of nature. She was preceded in death by her mother and father husband Jaylen Wulfsen and her son Nathan Wulfsen. Barb will be lovingly remembered by her children Kimberly Lynch Phillip Wulfsen Matthew and Sarah Wulfsen 16 grandchildren nine greatgrandchildren sisters Carol Pierson Peggy McKellar Patty Orcasitas and JoAnn Sikkes. In accordance with Barbaras wishes cremation has taken place and a Memorial Service will be planned at a later date. Honor Barbara with a floral arrangement delivered through Love Knots Floral. Serving families throughout Grand Rapids and surrounding West Michigan communities. Upon completing…

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Phyllis Start

, Michigan

August 16, 2026

Phyllis Mae Start was born on April 21 1931 in Grand Rapids Michigan and died August 17 2026 at age 95.Her early years were spent on the family farm with her parents and three siblings.She started school in a oneroom schoolhouse and graduated in 1948 from Godwin High School where she met Lewis her future husband. They were married for nearly 60 years. After high schoolPhyllis worked at Haskellite until the birth of her first child.The description Home Economist surely applied to Phyllis.She was skilled in sewing knitting crocheting and more. When the need arose she learned cake decorating upholstery and tailoring to name a few. She made all of her daughters clothes throughout most of their school years.In later years Phyllis and Lew enjoyed playing cards and traveling with friends and family.In her lifetime she traveled to every state of the union and many overseas locations. She was preceded…

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Brenda Banga

, Michigan

Brenda Lee Banga age 86 of Byron Center MI peacefully went to be with her Lord on Tuesday August 18 2026 surrounded by her family. Brenda was born on June 11 1940 to John and Florence Houtsinger Banga in Kenosha WI. She grew up in Racine WI with her parents and two younger sisters. She fulfilled her dream of becoming a teacher after graduating from Calvin College in 1962 and earning her Master of Arts from Michigan State University in 1975. Her teaching career lasted 40 years and many students from Ripon CA Christian School Jenison Ml Christian School and Calvin Christian High School Grandville Ml learned English under her tutelage. After her retirement in 2002 Brenda spent time with her family her friends and her faith family at lvanrest Church. Her parents and two brothersinlaw preceded her in death. She is survived by her two sisters Sharon John Rosendall…

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Arleen Hendee

, Michigan

Arleen Hendee age 74 of Byron Center Michigan returned home with Jesus holding her hand on Thursday August 20 2026. Arleen was a devoted wife mother and woman of faith who was always there for the people she loved. She shared 58 wonderful years of marriage with her husband Howard and could always be counted on to stand by her family and have their backs. Strong loving caring and kind Arleen had a way of making those around her feel supported and loved. Growing up as the fifth of ten sisters Arleen learned from an early age the importance of community and looking out for one another. She was deeply devoted to her faith and found comfort and strength in it throughout her life. Arleen was also an animal lover and had numerous cats and dogs in her lifetime. She will be remembered for her unwavering love strength compassion and…

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Gerald Hilbrand Sr.

, Michigan

Gerald Jay Hilbrand Sr. age 90 of Jenison was called home to be with Jesus on Wednesday August 19 2026. Gerald was a kind andloving husband dad and grandpa and was a man who always put his family first. His greatest happiness came from spending time with his family and making memories with them. The laughter adventures and time together brought immeasurable joy. He proudly served his country in the United States Army where he was stationed in Alaska. His commitment to serving others was evident throughout his life in the many ways he cared for those around him. Over the years he enjoyed riding motorcycles and snowmobiling embracing the fun and adventure that came with both. He was also a charter member of Cottonwood Church. He dedicated more than 30 years to Gordon Food Service before retiring. Retirement however did not slow him down. He later enjoyed delivering fire…

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