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Louise Malinoski

June 11, 1929 - October 2, 2017
Rockford, MI

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Service

Tuesday, October 3, 2017
2:00 PM EDT
Rosedale Memorial Park
0-50 Lake Michigan Drive NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49544
Map

Service

Friday, October 13, 2017
2:00 PM EDT
Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes
Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel
2120 Lake Michigan Dr., N.W.
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
(616) 453-8263

A time to visit with her family will immediately follow the service.

Driving Directions

Contributions


At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.

Humane Society of West Michigan
3077 Wilson Dr NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49534
Web Site

Life Story / Obituary


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In the hearts of those she loved, Louise Malinoski was a hard working woman who found no greater joy than being surrounded by her family and close friends. Her care and concern for those closest to her was a testament to her motherly love and instinct. Louise was a woman who spoke her mind. She was opinionated and on the stubborn side, yet in all ways, her love of family was evident. Gone but never to be forgotten are the treasured memories she leaves behind.

By 1929, the days of the flapper and the infamous Roaring Twenties gave way to hard economic times from coast to coast. Just merely the beginning, the Great Depression was officially launched in a country that had seen much growth and prosperity. Despite these troubling times, the lives of Andrew and Nellie (Shrier) VanderVeen were forever changed when on June 11, 1929 they welcomed the birth of their little girl, Louise Jane into their arms.

Born in the riverfront city of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Louise was the fifth of eventually six children, and all girls! The VanderVeen’s lived in the Wyoming area where Louise enjoyed a childhood typical of her generation. With five sisters to contend with in their bustling household, there was never a lack of anyone to play with. Although the recipient of many hand-me-downs, Louise was quite a skinny girl growing up and many needed to be altered. She attended the area schools but as she grew older she experienced trouble in school as she was often made of for being so thin. The teasing got the best of her and she left her schooling behind at the age of 16.

Louise began working as an elevator operator at Michigan National Bank and at Herpolsheimer’s Department Store. She then went on to work as a cashier, ticket-taker and usher at Keith Theaters where she remained for five years. Along the way, Louise met the young man who would come to change her life. She began dating Murray "Bud" Malinoski and in 1948 at the age of 19, Louise married her sweetheart at the office of the local Justice of the Peace. The newlyweds settled into a home to call their own on the West side of Grand Rapids where they welcomed the births of three sons, Bud, M. Charles and Merl, all about five years apart in age. Louise remained at home with them as a homemaker until her youngest was about three when she returned to working outside the home.

Louise made a good home for Bud and their boys. As a mother she was firm but fair. She was often left to raise their kids on her own and when it came to cooking for her three strapping boys, nothing made their mouths water more than her love for baking. Louise made the best apple pie, cherry delight and zucchini bread which were longtime family favorites. She also kept a garden in the backyard and canned a lot of her own homegrown tomatoes.

When their family was young, Louise and Bud loved traveling together as a family. They pulled their trailer on multiple trips throughout Michigan over the years, and often to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan where Bud was originally from. They eventually bought a cottage on Big Star Lake where they enjoyed many summer days making numerous memories. During these fun-filled times, Louise enjoyed being with her family and sitting around the campfire. And after a hot day in the sun, a cold Coors Lite beer was always welcomed. As a couple, Louise and Bud also took time for themselves by going out with friends and having a good time. They often attended gatherings held at the American Legion Post which often times included dancing.

Louise began her 28-1/2 year career sewing at the Fisher Body plant of General Motors on Alpine. She loved her work there, but more importantly, the many friendships she forged there that became a big part of her social life. With the boys now older and having worked the second shift, she often made casseroles that were easy for them to heat up for dinner. She also kept them busy enough and occupied with chores and their schoolwork. And they knew full well that because Louise got home from work so late she didn’t like getting up too early; they never disturbed her until after ten in the mornings. Later when the boys were grown with lives of their own, Louise and Bud found themselves as empty nesters. They decided to divorce which seemed to suit them both well.

Over the years, Louise became acquainted with her good friend, Harry. Following the death of his wife, he and Louise began spending time together, and more so after she retired. They shared many of the same interests, and did some traveling together, too, including traveling to Arizona in Louise’s fifth wheel. Louise eventually purchased some land near her longtime friend and placed a home there. Independent by nature, Louise enjoyed Harry’s companionship yet she enjoyed her free time with friends and family, as well. In many ways, Louise was a homebody. She was comfortable at home, doing her own thing and puttering. She loved watching crime and investigative shows on TV, and whenever she could, she loved seeing her grandchildren. Some lived closer than others so she saw them more, but she loved them all just the same.

Louise definitely had her say when it came to opinions and she was very stubborn, but at least everyone knew where they stood with her! At the same time, she was very caring and concerned for her family and friends. In later years, Louise shared companionship with her dear feline friends, Tiger, Princess and Cookie. Over the last few years, Louise experienced a steady decline in her health but was ever determined to remain at home. While her family tried convincing her to live closer to them, Louise held her ground; her will prevailed and hospice was called in to help and check on her several times a week. More than anything, Louise had a desire to live longer than anyone else in her family. At the age of 88, Louise accomplished was she set-out to do. Louise will be dearly missed and fondly remembered.

Louise J. Malinoski, age 88 of Rockford, passed away October 2, 2017. She is survived by her children, Dr. Bud & Pam Malinoski Jr., M. Charles Malinoski, Merl & Debbie Malinoski; grandchildren, Jacqueline, Ryan, Nick, and Holly Malinoski, Angie (Brad) Sikkema; and great –grandchildren, Melody and Donavin. Louise was preceded in death by her sisters, Anna Hoeksema, Marie Dryer, Nellie Lane, Rena Tomlin, Alberta Olson; and by the father of her children, Murray "Bud" Malinoski. The service to remember and celebrate Louise's life will be held on Friday, October 13, 2:00 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW where friends may visit with her family immediately following the service. Contributions to the West Michigan Humane Society are appreciated. To read more about Louise's life, share a memory or to sign her guestbook, please visit www.lifestorynet.com.

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