Arlene Heemstra

With her warm, approachable, and genuine demeanor, Arlene Heemstra was the sort of person whom everyone immediately loved. Accompanied by an unwavering faith, it was easy to see that it was her faith that guided her steps, and it was this same faith that provided her with the strength she needed to weather the storms of life that came her way. A devoted wife and mother if ever there was one, Arlene lived to nurture and care for her family that grew to include the grandson who was the light of her life. A woman who was content in all circumstances, she experienced so many of the best things that life has to offer, but what made these things truly extraordinary was sharing them with the ones she loved. A dear woman to many, Arlene will be deeply missed while her memory remains forever near and dear to the hearts of those she leaves behind.

The Roaring Twenties were an exciting time to be an American. Jazz music, the Charleston, and motion pictures in both color and sound colored the cultural fabric of our nation while the lights of Broadway never shined brighter. Washing machines and refrigerators became part of our homes, and with more affordable cars because of the assembly line people were able to explore new places. Amidst this eventful time was the year 1926 that was filled with great joy for a young couple from Grand Rapids, Michigan, as they announced the birth of their healthy baby girl on April 22nd. Arlene Ann was the middle of three daughters born to her parents, Peter and Helen (Schweikert) Horter, and she was raised in the family home near Alpine and Richmond, NW alongside her older sister, Ruth, and her younger sister, Helen. She also had a brother named Robert who died at a young age. Living on the West Side was of great significance to Arlene. She was also a lifelong member of St. Anthony Catholic Church where she faithfully attended services for as long as she was able.

In many ways Arlene experienced a typical upbringing. She enjoyed things like ice skating, dancing, and bowling. In fact, Arlene was a fantastic bowler who bowled a 300 on one occasion. She was a student at St. Anthony School and later went on to Catholic Central High School. Arlene and her sisters were close, and they remained that way for the rest of their lives. After high school she worked a few different jobs including for a pattern company, at RC Allen, and then at Michigan Bulb.

New and exciting changes were in store for Arlene when she met the young man who would forever hold the key to her heart. His name was John Heemstra, and they met while at a dance. They were amazing and graceful dance partners right from the start, and they soon began dating. After falling hopelessly in love, Arlene and John were married in the early 1950s. They continued to enjoy dancing together throughout their married life, and they drew quite a crowd when they were on the dance floor at weddings.

After several years, Arlene and John were overjoyed to welcome their daughter, Sharon, into their hearts and home. At that point Arlene left the workplace and focused her attention on being a wife, mother, and homemaker in their home in Walker before later moving closer to Marne. Their family later grew to include the births of two sons, Ray and Gerald. As a mother Arlene was patient, caring, and attentive to whatever her children needed. They ate dinner as a family each night, and the meals were fairly basic because she had stomach issues, but she made things like wonderful casseroles and potatoes. Arlene welcomed her children’s friends and made them feel accepted right away. As a family there were memorable times spent at their cottage on Little Brower Lake for vacations and weekends during the summer. Arlene loved it there because although she still tended to the needs of her family, she also had time to relax. Holidays found the Heemstras celebrating with extended family. As a child of the Great Depression, Arlene was a saver so she kept nearly everything since there may be a use for it someday.

Both Arlene and John were content to live a simple life and found such happiness in just being at home. Of the two, she was the more social one, but they both enjoyed playing cards, mainly bridge, with friends. Later in life they enjoyed dining out whether just the two of them or with close friends or family, and Arlene remained in touch with her school friends who met as a group for luncheons. By the time she was 50 she didn’t drive much as an accident had left her a bit more timid, but she did enjoy being at home reading stories in Reader’s Digest or watching classic television shows such as Andy Griffith and I Love Lucy as well as Shirley Temple movies.

In 1999, Arlene was deeply saddened with the death of her beloved John, and after a few years of living on her own she moved to Walker Meadows. She settled right in to her new surroundings and enjoyed making new friends. More recently Arlene had been living at FountainView Assisted Living where she received fantastic care.

All who knew Arlene Heemstra would agree that she was one of the sweetest people around. She could be a bit stubborn when it came to things she was passionate about, and although she wasn’t afraid to speak her mind when necessary she didn’t always voice her opinion. Arlene’s love for her family was unmatched, and her devotion to her faith was truly inspiring. Although she will be deeply missed, she will never be forgotten.

Arlene A. Heemstra, age 88 of Grand Rapids, passed away January 10, 2015. She was preceded in death by her husband, John; and by her sisters, Ruth Patin and Helen Zlotkowski. Arlene is survived by her children Sharon, Ray and Gerald Heemstra; grandson Evan Heemstra; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 14, 2015 at 11 AM at St. Anthony of Padua Church. Friends are invited to visit with her family on Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel with a Rosary service at 7 PM. Friends may also meet with her family on Wednesday at the church beginning at 10 AM. For those who wish, memorial contributions to FountainView Assisted Living are appreciated. To read more about Arlene's life, to share a memory or to sign her guestbook, please visit www.lifestorynet.com