Marilyn Welmers

Throughout her life, Marilyn Welmers was a kind and warmhearted woman who shared the friendships of many. She was outgoing and friendly, and everyone found it a joy to share her kindness and wonderful sense of humor. Family was important to her. With numerous memories to behold, Marilyn leaves warm and cherished times shared with those she loved as she is deeply missed and remembered.

Marilyn's story began at a time when the nation continued to struggle through the Great Depression. The year 1932 found an unprecedented array of unemployment lines, food lines and housing lines stretched across the U.S. Unemployed Americans increased to over 24 percent, and with 13 million out of work, citizens struggled to keep their families fed, and a roof over their heads. Even so, the entertainment industry grew by leaps and bounds, and was a welcome deviation from everyday worries. However, in the Michigan city of Grand Rapids, Peter and Grace (Wright) VanderMeer were celebrating on March 8, 1932 as they welcomed the birth of their little girl, Marilyn Lorraine into their arms.

The oldest of eventually three children, Marilyn was later joined by her younger brothers, Pete and Larry in their family home on the Westside of Grand Rapids. Her father owned and operated a shoe repair business called Wright Way on Division Avenue where Marilyn sometimes helped him.

Marilyn attended the area schools at a time when news of the day included the travesties of World War II. Into high school, Marilyn experienced the friendships of many, and enjoyed these carefree days. After graduating from Union High School, Marilyn met William Beurkens. They began dating, were eventually married, and soon began a family of their own with the birth of Cindy. Eight years later they welcomed the birth of Shari, who completed their family.

Marilyn and her family continued living on the city's West side. Along with raising her daughters and making a good home for William and the kids, Marilyn secured employment as a receptionist for Dr. VanderMolen's office where she worked for many years. She truly enjoyed her work, the people she worked with, and those she came in contact with working there.

As a wonderful cook, Marilyn made many family favorites, including her delicious potato salad, apple sauce and Swiss steak. As always, her meals were often followed by a scrumptious dessert. To wind down, Marilyn enjoyed her evenings sitting in her chair and knitting. Throughout the years she shared this beautiful talent with others, making blankets, afghans, sweaters and other knitted items. She also enjoyed reading, and as a couple she loved getting together with friends to play cards. She kept herself busy, and loved going to Grand Haven beach. From her earliest years, Marilyn was also an avid Elvis fan. When her mother began to age, Marilyn lovingly cared for her at home all while making sure she didn't have to live in a nursing home.

Marilyn enjoyed many friendships and made friends easily. She even spent several years enjoying the cold months of winter taking in the Florida sunshine with a few of her friends from Grand Rapids. Very outgoing, Marilyn could be quite talkative and conversational. She had a good sense of humor, and enjoyed being with others and they enjoyed her company, too.

One of Marilyn's greatest, treasured roles in life was that of grandmother. She loved spending time with her grandchildren whom she truly loved, and enjoyed playing with the kids. Whenever possible, she made herself available to help when needed. Marilyn was the go to person in her family who helped keep everyone updated and connected on family news. She continued to do so until she began exhibiting signs of early dementia. She moved to the Coopersville area for a time, but when her Alzheimer's began to progress, she began living at the Laurels of Kent where she lived for nearly nine years.

A very caring and empathetic woman, Marilyn was just as strong hearted. She was blessed with many special friendships throughout the years, and above all, her family was her greatest joy. She leaves much to be remembered, and will be deeply missed by all who came to know and love her.

Marilyn Lorraine Welmers, age 82 of Lowell, passed away November 22, 2014. She is survived by her daughters, Cindy (Jamie) Smith and Shari (Bryan) Johansen; grandchildren, Brandon (Kristin) Triplett, Kyle Triplett, Sara (Erik) Maniccia, Megan and Jacob Johansen; great-grandchildren, Madison, Isabella, Keegan, and Giuliana; brothers and sisters-in-law, Pete (Sherry) VanderMeer, Larry (Karen) VanderMeer; nieces and nephews.

A service to remember and celebrate Marilyn's life will be held on Friday, November 28, 2014, 11:00 AM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Van't Hof Chapel, 851 Leonard NW where friends may visit with her family from 10 AM until the service and for a time immediately following the service. For those who wish, memorial donations to the Alzheimer's Association are appreciated. To read more about Marilyn's life, to share a memory and photo, and to sign her online guestbook, please visit www.lifestorynet.com.

Those we love don't go away ~ They walk beside us everyday ~ Unseen ~ Unheard ~ but always near ~ Still loved ~ Still missed and very Dear.