Mary [Raterink] Van Iwaarden

Mary Van Iwaarden [Raterink], age 82, beloved sister, aunt, mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully at Resthaven, surrounded by family on November 19, 2025. She is survived by daughter Deborah (Ken) DeMino and sons Mark (Tracey) Van Iwaarden and Daniel (DJ) Van Iwaarden as well as brother Floyd Raterink and sisters-in-law, Norma and Esther Raterink. She is also survived by many cherished stepchildren including Nancy Kowalski, John Jr. (Ariane) Van Iwaarden and David Van Iwaarden as well as numerous step-grandchildren.

Born on December 27, 1942, in Zeeland, Michigan, Mary was the daughter of Ben and Mary Raterink [Nagelkirk]. She was a graduate of Holland Christian High School and in 1987, graduated from Hope College with a major in Religion.

Mary cherished her family and lived to serve and edify each one of them. Known very affectionately as Mimi by all her grandchildren including Danielle Van Iwaarden, Catherine DeMino, Deborah Van Iwaarden, Dorothy Van Iwaarden, Dana Van Iwaarden, Davina Van Iwaarden and Daniel Jr. Van Iwaarden. She was preceded in death by her parents, seven siblings, and four in-laws.

She will be remembered for her deep faith, her love of family and friends, her zeal to spread the love of Jesus and her big heart including a dedication to several charities and churches in the Holland/Zeeland area. She will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know her. Mary worked at Roamer Yachts and served as Ward Clerk at Zeeland Community Hospital for many years from which she retired in 2004.

Mary held volunteer positions with Lakeshore Pregnancy Center, Central Wesleyan Church, and numerous other charitable organizations. Mary had many friends and made deep connections in the Holland/Zeeland area. She loved getting together with family and friends to play games, cook, and travel. Many of her recipes have become long-standing family traditions. Some of her favorite traveling was to exotic destinations like Azerbaijan and Northern Indiana as well as family trips to Orlando and gatherings at the beach. She also enjoyed her bible study group.

A celebration of life ceremony will be held to honor her life and heart at 11:00 am on the anniversary of her birth, December 27, 2025 at Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St., Zeeland, MI. A reception will follow the ceremony. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in her name to her favorite charities: Lakeshore Pregnancy Center, Missions at Central Wesleyan Church, Global Orphan Relief, the Dementia Society, and Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation.