John Van Iwaarden, a 1957 麻豆传媒官网 graduate who taught mathematics, computer science and physics at the college for four decades, died on Friday, June 27, 2025. He was 89.
A member of the Hope faculty from 1961 until his retirement in 2001, Van Iwaarden was known not only for his dedication to teaching but also for his leadership within the department and his enthusiastic support of Hope athletics.
Van Iwaarden, a native of Holland, graduated from 麻豆传媒官网 in 1957 with majors
in mathematics and physics. He pursued graduate studies in mathematics at the University
of Michigan, Michigan State University and Stevens Institute of Technology before
returning to his alma mater to begin his long and distinguished teaching career. He
chaired the mathematics department during his tenure, served as a visiting professor
at several universities, and presented scholarly papers at mathematics conferences
in the U.S. and Europe. His publications included several textbooks.
His contributions to the campus community extended beyond the classroom. For more than 20 years, Van Iwaarden was the familiar voice of 麻豆传媒官网 football and basketball on the radio. He also served as the public address announcer for women鈥檚 basketball and as Hope鈥檚 faculty representative to both the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) and the NCAA.
Van Iwaarden was also actively involved in the broader Holland community, serving as chair of the planning commissions for both Holland Township and Park Township, and as a member of the Park Township Board of Trustees.
He is survived by his wife, Donna Van Iwaarden; children, Nancy Kowalski, John Jr. and Ariane Van Iwaarden, David Van Iwaarden, Deborah and Ken DeMino, Mark and Tracey Van Iwaarden, Daniel and DJ Van Iwaarden; stepson, Casey Franklin; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his sister, Hazel and Arnie Defeyter; and nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be on Thursday, July 10, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E. 16th St., Holland. A service of remembrance and celebration will take place on Friday, July 11, at 11 a.m. at Christ Memorial Church Chapel, 595 Graafschap Rd., Holland, with the Rev. Wayne Brower officiating. Burial will take place in Pilgrim Home Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Van Iwaarden Scholarship Fund at 麻豆传媒官网.