Paul W. Van Wyk, age 88, passed away in the early morning hours of June 26, 2026. He went peacefully with his wife and daughter by his side.
Paul graduated from Holland High School. He was a Christian man, a member of Community Reformed Church and former member of Maranatha CRC. He taught his family the values of hard work and spending each day to its fullest. He was an avid horse lover from a very young age and proudly told everyone that his 1st horse, at the age of 4, was named Bonnie. It was 14 years later when he met the love of his life, Bonnie Deur. Paul worked at Miles Chemical in Zeeland out of high school and drove truck for his dad who owned Gra-Bell Truck Lines. Later Paul was an owner of Gra-Bell along with brothers.
He was proceeded in death by his parents, Marinus & Nelvie (Rookus) Van Wyk, his brothers and sisters in-laws Jim & Ruth Van Wyk, and Roger & Betty Van Wyk. Also proceeding him in death were in-laws Julius & Margaret Deur, and brother in-law Paul Deur. Also, grandchildren Moriah Huffman, Nicole Van Wyk and Brett Van Wyk.
He is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Bonita (Bonnie), his children Sandy (Dan) Huffman, Sonja (Mark) Machiele, and Bob (Deb) Van Wyk. Also his grandchildren Kyle Huffman, Kasidy (Molly) Huffman, Brandon (Lyndy) Huffman, Stephanie Machiele, Meaghan Machiele, Alexis Van Wyk, and Ryan Van Wyk. Brother and sister in-law Rog and Diane Roelofs and brother in-law Ken Deur, along with many nieces and nephews. He was also a proud great grandpa to Bella & Asher Huffman, Olivia & Emma Huffman, Harper & Quinn Huffman, and Maddison Machiele.
After an early retirement, Paul and Bonnie spent many years at their cottage on Lake Mecosta where their children and grandkids spent countless days being pulled on tubes behind the boat and fishing with him. Many extended family gatherings were held at the cottage and he loved creating the memories that we all cherish. He loved taking care of the lawn and meticulously cared for it at the cottage and their home in Zeeland.
They also enjoyed wintering at The Villages in FL. Later, they sold their horse farm in Zeeland and downsized to a condo in Zeeland which they enjoyed for over 30 years. Paul was diagnosed with dementia and Bonnie cared for him for many years until they moved to The Farmstead in Holland where he lived in Assisted Living and she continues to live in an Independant Living apartment. She spent the last 15 months walking to visit him and his face lit up whenever he saw her.
The family appreciates the aides at Farmstead who deeply cared for him. Also, for the comforting care he received from Hospice of Holland. His last weeks were difficult and having their support was so comforting to the family.
Funeral services will be at 12 noon on Monday, July 6, 2026 at Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E 16th St., Holland. A private burial will follow at Pilgrim Home Cemetery. Visiting will be from 10:00-11:30am on Monday, July 6, prior to the service.
Memorial contributions may be given to Hospice of Holland or Rest Haven, Inc.
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