HOLLAND TWP., MI (WHTC-AM/FM, Jul. 23, 2026) – The founder of one of the Holland area’s biggest private attractions has passed away.
Vernin Veldheer died at his home on Monday at the age of 100. He founded the Tulip Gardens that bears the family name in 1947 after serving in the US Army during World War II, devoting his attention to the North Side enterprise full time three years later. It literally grew from 100 red tulip and 300 white tulip bulbs to more than six million tulips from 850 varieties today. For years, Mr. Veldheer devoted more than 60 hours a week to the farm, which expanded to include the sales of delftware and wooden shoes, along with bison meat, with two buffalos grazing on site.
Visitation is slated for Saturday morning from 10-11:45 AM, ahead of a 12 Noon funeral service at North Holland Reformed Church (12050 New Holland St.), with a private interment at Pilgrim Home Cemetery.
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