Marilyn "Mare" Van Ess

As family and friends will certainly agree, Marilyn Van Ess truly understood the secret to a life well lived. She was a constant source of strength, no matter the circumstances, and she exemplified what it meant to follow faithfully after the Lord she loved so much. A remarkable woman from the inside out, Mare was a blessing in the lives of all who were fortunate enough to know her. She made the most of every moment she was given. Although she is gone far too soon, Mare will be forever loved and remembered.

The 1930s are remembered as some of the most tumultuous years in history for the United States and the rest of the world. The Great Depression still loomed, casting a dark shadow over the country, and tensions surrounding WWII were quickly reaching a boiling point overseas. During this trying time, however, there was great happiness to be found in the household of Martin and Evelyn (Gorter) Jonker in Grand Rapids, Michigan, as they announced the arrival of their firstborn baby. It was on October 10 of 1937 that Marilyn Helen made her entrance into the world, welcomed by her overjoyed parents.

In many ways, Mare enjoyed a typical childhood of her generation. She was raised in the family home in Grand Rapids alongside her brothers, Jack, Gary, and David, and her sister, Judy. The Jonker siblings were very close growing up. As a girl, Mare often entertained herself playing with paper dolls. She had a deep passion for music from a young age and loved singing and playing her violin. The family formed many priceless memories while vacationing and camping at Whitefish Lake. A defining moment of Mare’s teenage years occurred in 1953, when her father suffered a heart attack and passed away. Her mother, Evelyn, took on the challenge of raising her children on her own, and the family leaned on each other to get through their time of tragedy.

Throughout her childhood, Marilyn attended local schools, including Oakleigh Elementary School and Union High School. While in high school, she was an active member of a singing group known as the Three H’s—Hot and Hungry Hollanders. She was the secretary of her graduating class. Mare also sang at a place called The Froley’s and played the violin. Following her graduation from Union High School, she worked for Bell Telephone Company as an operator. The Jonker family attended Richmond Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, where Marilyn built the foundation of her faith, sang in the church choir, and served as their wedding coordinator.

Marilyn was blessed to have met the young man who would forever hold the key to her heart while still in high school. His name was James Van Ess, and they began dating after graduation. Mare and James shared an immediate connection. Over the next year of dating, they fell in love. Very much an opposites attract situation, their union was built on humor, fun and laughter. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Marilyn and James were married at Richmond Reformed Church on October 24, 1958. The newlyweds then enjoyed a honeymoon to Niagara Falls before settling into their first home on Richmond Street in Grand Rapids. James worked as a construction worker, and Mare dedicated herself to caring for their home and growing family. They would go on to spend 66 wonderful years together.

Of all the things Marilyn loved in life, there was nothing that was more important than her family. She and James were overjoyed to bring their two children, Lori and James “Toby,” into their lives. Mare thrived in her role as a mother, and she strove to be a kind, forgiving, and generous parent. Later in life, she was thrilled to become a grandmother to Kaley, Cassidy, Kody and Christian. Mare’s grandchildren were her pride and joy, and she doted on them whenever she could. She was also able to love on her great-grandchildren, Piper, Mack, Zane, and James. Marilyn always considered herself blessed to watch her family grow to include so many loved ones.

There were so many ways Mare found joy in life. She enjoyed traveling to beautiful locations such as Ludington in Michigan, Anna Maria Island in Florida, and Alaska. Mare especially loved visiting the Todd and Brad Reed store in Ludington, where she could look at the breathtaking photographs and books. Her favorite music was hymns, and she was deeply devoted to her faith and her lifelong church, Richmond Reformed. Mare loved to laugh, and she was always happiest when those around her were having fun.

When reflecting on the rich and overflowing life of Marilyn Van Ess, it is easy to see that she was a shining example of kindness and compassion. She was known for her unshakeable faith and her dedication to serving those around her. A caring wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Mare always made sure to hold her loved ones close through all the ups and downs of life. Her generous heart allowed her to touch the lives of countless others. Though she will be greatly missed, Marilyn leaves behind a priceless legacy that her loved ones will be proud to carry on in her footsteps.

Marilyn “Mare”, [Jonker] Van Ess, age 87, passed away in Grand Rapids, Michigan on April 28, 2025 with her loving family by her side.

Marilyn was born in the fall of 1937 in Grand Rapids, Michigan to the late Martin and Evelyn Jonker.

Along with her parents she was also preceded in death by her brother Jack Jonker and her son-in-law Kevin Faulk.

Marilyn is survived by her husband of 66 years, James Van Ess and their son James “Toby” (Jodi) Van Ess and daughter Lori Van Ess-Faulk as well as by her siblings Judy and Gord Hicks, Gary and Sharon Jonker, David and Mary Lynn Jonker, and sister-in-law Mary Jonker. Also surviving are her grandchildren Kaley (Travis) Laug, Kody (Kara) Faulk, Cassidy (Dan) Akubu and Christian (Savanna) Van Ess and great-grandchildren Piper, Mack, Zane and James and many nieces and nephews.

Marilyn had been a longtime and active member at Richmond Reformed Church.

A Celebration of Life for Marilyn, followed by a reception, has been scheduled to take place at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, Alt-Shawmut Chapel, (2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504) on Saturday May 3, 2025 at 11:00 AM.

Marilyn will be laid to rest in Rosedale Memorial Park in Grand Rapids, MI.

Memorials contributions in Marilyn’s memory may be made to Mathews House Ministry, (766 7th St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504).

To sign Marilyn's guestbook, share a memory or condolence message, please visit www.heritagelifestory.com