The woman who was killed in an industrial accident Tuesday afternoon in Ionia was the wife of Wayland High School varsity bowling coach Bill Holbrook.
Wanda Jean Holbrook, who worked at Ventra Ionia Main, an automotive stamping facility, was caught in a robotic machine, authorities said.
Ionia Public Safety officers were summoned to the scene and helped Ventra employees free Holbrook from the machine, but it was too late.
Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Agency investigators are investigating the accident. The facility has been cited for safety violations in the past and a worker was killed in an accident there more than 20 years ago.
Ventra Ionia Main makes automotive bumpers, trailer hitches and chrome-plated plastics, with operations that include stamping, welding, molding and chrome plating.
Coach Holbrook, in a Facebook posting, said, “My dear friends and family, yesterday my wife, Wanda Holbrook, was killed in an industrial accident. I’m sorry that this is the way to let you know but I wanted to be sure everyone knew. She was an amazing woman of God and made me a better man than I ever thought was possible.
“I want this to be a celebration of her life, of Christ shining through her and of what she meant in our lives. Please pray for us and feel free to call, text or stop by. I love each and everyone of you and count you as blessings in my life. I will share arrangement details when available.”
A former member of Our Savior Church and mother of Oliver Holbrook, a graduate of Our Savior Lutheran School (2008) and Lutheran High School (2012), she was 56 years old.
She is survived by her husband Bill Holbrook; her children Julie (Joseph) Makhayel, Caitlin Veldkamp, and Oliver Holbrook; her sisters Grace Elzinga, Patricia Elzinga, Elizabeth (Bert) Dykshoorn, and Tena Elzinga; and her grandchildren McKenna and Wyatt.
Wanda, Bill and Oliver are members of Saint Mark Lutheran Church, Kentwood.
Bill & Oliver have said that they would like to have people visit with them. Their address is 1656 Overfield Drive SE, Kentwood MI 49508.
