Gloria Bego

BEGO, GLORIA Gloria Bego, 77, of Grand Rapids, MI, peacefully passed away on May 18, 2013. She was born to the late Leonard and Dorothy Utschig, August 17, 1935 in Appleton, WI. Gloria graduated from St. Mary's High School in Appleton, WI. She attended Mount Mary College and graduated from Lawrence University in 1957. Upon graduating, Gloria moved to Michigan where she taught elementary and high school education in both Clarkston and Birmingham. In 1960, she married Eugene (Gene) Bego and they have been married for 52 years. Gloria cherished her husband and best friend, Gene. A consummate mother and homemaker, she reveled in spending time with her five children, their spouses, and 12 grandchildren. She took joy in being with friends and, passionately volunteered in numerous community organizations. Gloria was an active sports enthusiast and particularly enjoyed her time playing golf and being in the outdoors. She also loved traveling, gardening, watching birds, cooking, and playing bridge. Gloria was fond of music and theater and in the early years performed in and directed numerous productions. Gloria had a very strong faith in God and loved the Lord. She was an active member of St. Hugo's Catholic Church of Bloomfield Hills and St. Robert of Newminster Parish of Ada, Michigan. Gloria is survived by her husband, Gene; and five children: Kathy Bego Schneider (husband, Jack and children, Henry, Karl, Clare, Leo, and Ben) of East Grand Rapids, MI, Chris Sturm (husband, Jim Sturm and children, Matt, John, and Dan) of Princeton, NJ, Greg Bego (wife, Tracy and children, Kris and Kelsea) of Ada, MI, Jenn Coffman (son, Alex) of East Grand Rapids, MI, and Michael Bego (wife, Charlene, daughter, Ainsley and expected baby in July) of Greenwich, CT. She is also survived by her six siblings, Mary Dolven of Idaho Falls, ID, Pat McCoy of New London, WI, Dave Utschig of Colorado Springs, CO, Barbara Brown of Green Bay, WI, Tom Utschig of Eau Claire, WI, and Jeff Utschig of Menomonee Falls, WI. Parish Rosary will be prayed 7:45 PM Tuesday at the funeral home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 AM Wednesday, May 22, 2013 at St. Robert of Newminster Parish, 6477 Ada Dr. SE, Ada, MI 49301 with Fr. Len Sudlik as celebrant. A memorial visitation will be held from 5-8 PM Tuesday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Covenant House. Arrangements by: