Marianne Dahlinger

Marianne Dahlinger, of Kalamazoo, MI passed away at age 76 on Saturday, May 20 at Bronson Hospital, Kalamazoo, MI. Marianne was born on July 11, 1940 in Pittsburgh, PA to Michael and Mary Suhanin along with her three brothers, Raymond, Richard, and William. In Pittsburgh, as a teen she began working at the local library and met the love of her life, Charles Dahlinger Jr., at the Riverview Pool. They dated for four years before meeting under the clock tower to elope. After two attempts, they were finally married and spent the last 58 years as husband and wife. Marianne and Chuck moved around the Midwest before finally settling in Portage, MI to raise their three children Charles Dahlinger III (Pam Dahlinger), Dawnann Hinman (Roger Hinman), and Michael Dahlinger (Missy Dahlinger). While raising her children, Marianne became a Licensed Practical Nurse and retired as the Assistant Director of Tendercare Portage. Retirement was anything but restful. Marianne was an active member of Southridge Reformed Church where she volunteered in the nursery, a book club member, and a bridge player. She attended every performance, baseball/softball game, dance recital, and school event for her six grandchildren. Her family and friends will remember her for her generosity and love. She is survived by her husband Chuck, her brother William and his wife Mary Lou, sister-in-law Sylvia, her brother and sister-in-law Rick and Dianne McGiffin, her godchild Elizabeth, her children, and her grandchildren Alex, Katie, Nick, Megan, Danielle, and Hayden. A visitation is scheduled for Thursday, May 25 from 5:00-7:00pm at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 S. 9th Street and memorial service on Friday, May 26, 11:00am at Southridge Reformed Church (6726 Texas Drive) with a luncheon to follow. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Marianne's life. Memorials can be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.