Marilyn Poortenga

Poortenga, Marilyn J. Kalamazoo Passed away Tuesday morning, February 5, 2019 at Rose Arbor and peacefully entered the gates of Heaven. Marilyn was born June 2, 1940 in Kalamazoo; the daughter of the late Peter and Rica (Nederhood) VanderMeulen. She was a graduate of Kalamazoo Christian High School and worked for the Upjohn Company in various positions; most known for her work in the Pharmacy. Marilyn was a member of Comstock Christian Reformed Church. She loved the warm weather and sunshine and spent the Spring and Summer seasons working in her many flower gardens. She enjoyed entertaining and spent many summers in South Haven and winters in Florida with her husband, Jerry. Marilyn loved going to sporting events, especially when it involved her children and grandchildren. She was a sweet, loving person who always had a smile and a kind word for every person she came into contact with. On June 26, 1959, Marilyn was united in marriage to her loving husband of nearly 60 years, Jerry Poortenga who survives. Also surviving are her children, Julie (Loyd) Pylat, Cheryl (Dave) Hawkes, Brian (Shannon) Poortenga; 4 grandchildren, Justin (Danielle) Hawkes, Chad Hawkes, Alex Pylat, Carly Pylat; a sister, Pat (Jerry) Clough; and several nieces and nephews. She was lovingly awaiting the birth of her 1st great-grandson Baby Hawkes due this month. Friends may meet the family from 6-8pm Thursday, February 7th at the Langeland Family Funeral Home, Westside Chapel, 3926 South 9th Street. A memorial service will be held at 11:00am Friday, February 8th at the Comstock Christian Reformed Church, 5300 Comstock Ave., with Pastor Dan Brouwer officiating. A light luncheon will follow in the reception hall. Private interment will be in Maple Grove Cemetery in Comstock at a later date. Memorials may be directed to the Comstock Christian Reformed Church or Rose Arbor Hospice. To view Marilyn's personalized guestbook, please visit www.langelands.com.