Laurel Bonnema, age 78 of Zeeland passed away Tuesday, March 22, 2022. Laurel was born on October 9, 1943, in Zeeland to Arthur and Theresa (Groeneveld) Arendsen. Laurel attended Townline School and Holland Christian School. She graduated from Calvin College with a degree in education. Laurel proceeded to teach at Christian schools in California and Michigan. Her longest teaching position was with Borculo Christian School where she taught first grade for 34 years. Laurel’s passion was teaching children how to read and how to live with Jesus in their hearts.
Laurel married Dave on August 27, 1968. They spent time in California and after Dave’s service to our country, in the Vietnam War, they returned to Zeeland. They were blessed with two children—Dirk and Dawn. Laurel has been a long-time member of First Christian Reformed Church of Zeeland. She was active in church—singing in the choir, active in the school circle, teaching Sunday school, helping with coffee break, and assisting with youth groups. Laurel developed many lifelong friendships at First CRC. After retirement, she volunteered at Zeeland Community Hospital and spent time with her grandchildren. Whom she loved dearly.
She is survived by her husband of 54 years, David. Their children and grandchildren: D. Dirk (Stacy) Bonnema M.D. (Elisabeth, Annalise, and Emersyn) and Dawn (Joel) Dral (Colin, and Joey); her brother Alden (Marilyn) Arendsen; her sisters-in-law: Gayle (Jim) Wiers, and Kathy (Jim) Terpstra.
Visitation will be 5-8 pm Friday, March 25, 2022, at Yntema Funeral Home, 251 South State Street, Zeeland. The funeral service will be 11 am Saturday, March 26, 2022, at First Christian Reformed Church, 15 South Church Street, Zeeland. Interment will be in Zeeland Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to Unity Christian High School or Western Michigan Christian High School. www.yntemafh.com
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