A beautiful and faithful witness of the goodness of God, Adele Mulder finished her journey on Sunday, September 21, 2025 at the age of 90.
Adele was a long-time resident of Holland, Michigan and was known as a bright smile in a group, energetic, a sharp dresser, an encourager, and bold in sharing her faith in Jesus Christ.
Originally from Nordhorn, Grafschaft Bentheim, Germany, Adele, along with her parents and her younger brother Henry, traveled across the Atlantic on the S.S. Italia in January 1954. Adele was 19. Henry was 9. With the help of relatives and a sponsor in Holland, Michigan, the family found work. Adele began sewing shoes in the factory and as her English skills improved, she was able to secure a sales position at S.S. Kresge on 8th Street. From there she found a clerical position at Baker Furniture on 24th Street and eventually moved on to do clerical work in the Holland Police Department.
When the State of Michigan decided to open an office in Holland, she became one of their first employees. Friendly and patient with customers, she was always a favorite at the DMV and could speak three languages. In her retirement she participated as an election poll worker.
Adele enjoyed a variety of sports activities over the years, including swimming, bowling, golf, pickleball, and water aerobics. She was very social and enjoyed gathering with friends for Bible studies, table games, or coffee and dessert. Her favorite day of the week was Sunday because she loved worshipping God and fellowshipping with other believers. She attended Central Wesleyan Church and had fun singing in the choir and being a greeter in her retirement.
Adele will be greatly missed by her two daughters and their husbands, Debby and Jim Nyhof and Brenda and Norm Bell, by her brother and his wife Henry and Debbie Holthuis, as well as her 7 grandchildren, Bryan (Brandi) Nyhof, Rob (Jen) Nyhof, Danae (Elliot) Trunnell, Stephan (Elizabeth) Bell, Steph (Tyler) Hannah, Philip (Ashley) Bell, and Juli (Mike) DeKuiper, and 17 great-grandchildren.
Adele was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Gunter Mulder, their little son, Bryan Mulder, her mother and father, Fenna (Handlöchten) and Hindrik Holthuis, brothers Friedrich and Heinie Holthuis, and sisters, Minnie Quakkelaar and Jeanette Olbrich.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 27, 2025, in the chapel at Central Wesleyan Church, 446 West 40th St. Holland. (please use entrances G and D). Burial will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery. A time of fellowship and visiting will follow the service. Memorial contributions may be given to Hospice of Holland.
Comments