Arlene Willison

Arlene Mae Willison was a woman who exemplified all things a mother should be. She was patient, caring and generous with her time. She never thought twice about going out of her way to help someone in need. Arlene took great pride in her children and grandchildren. The successes in their lives are a great testimony to her parenting.

Arlene Mae was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on October 3, 1912, a quieter, more relaxed time in American history. There were no televisions, automobiles were a rarity and families tended to sit down to meals together. Arlene's father, Lewis Loverin, provided for the family as a superintendent for the U.S. Postal Service. Her mother, Freda (Schwoebel), meanwhile, stayed home to care for their only child. The family was active members of St. John’s Evangelical Church on Broadway Avenue. Her parents were on the building committee for the new church to be built on Covell and Bridge Street NW, since the s-curve would demolish the old one.

Arlene spent much of her childhood pursuing her favorite activity – swimming. Whether she was a lifeguard at Grand Haven State Park, competitively swimming on her high school swim team or simply enjoying a swim with friends, she truly loved being in the water. This passion would carry on throughout her life. Many wonderful memories were made each year on family vacations to Big Star Lake. Her father loved to fish, and often times Arlene would accompany him in the boat.

Arlene received her formal education from Sheldon Elementary School and South High School. She holds the proud distinction of graduating with former President Gerald R. Ford, class of 1931. After graduation, Arlene earned an Associates in Commerce at Grand Rapids Junior College, in 1933, then she took her first job at Consumer Power Co.

While in college, Arlene became a member of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority. One day, a sorority sister, Ida Willison, introduced Arlene to her brother, Merle. Soon, the young couple began dating and fell in love. They were happily married on June 6, 1941, at Fountain Street Church Chapel. After honeymooning at Sunset Point in Cadillac, Michigan, the newlyweds started their married life together in the apartment above her parents home on 921 Lafayette SE. It was here that Merle and Arlene welcomed the births of their four sons: Bob born on February 5, 1942, Bill born on September 19, 1943, Fred born on March 11, 1946, and Dan born on August 14, 1948.

In the 1940s, Merle worked for Goodyear Rubber Co. and received a deferment from the war. However, in 1944, he was called up to serve in the U.S. Army, and was stationed stateside until the war ended in 1945. Meanwhile, Arlene was home raising their first two sons. After returning from the service, Merle worked a variety of sales jobs selling greeting cards, tires, mobile homes, travel trailers, automobiles, and finally cemetery monuments (Patten Monument).

In 1951, the family moved to Merle’s family dairy in Lakeview, Michigan. Life on the farm not only brought them closer as a family, it also taught the boys the importance of hard work and responsibility. In 1971, Merle and Arlene left farm life for Cadillac, Michigan, for 2 years, then moved to Jenison. After a short time, they moved and settled in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on 355 Glenhaven NW, where Arlene lived until October of 2003.

One of the family’s favorite activities together was deer hunting. Arlene enjoyed going along and being outdoors, though she never pulled the trigger. Merle and the boys usually hunted small game like rabbits, partridge, pheasant and squirrel. No matter what it was, Arlene could cook a tasty meal. This hunting tradition is still carried on by the sons and grandsons.

Although Arlene’s life was happy, it was also marked with great sorrow. She lost her husband Merle on May 6, 1978, after he suffered a severe stroke and died at Blodgett Hospital. She would later lose her son Bob on May 11, 2001, after a short battle with cancer. His passing was very hard for Arlene, but with her strong faith, determination, and family she was able to get through this difficult time.

Although Arlene’s family kept her busy, she valued her community so much that she always remained actively involved. She was a member of St. John’s United Church of Christ, the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority - Xi Iota Chapter and Adult Education German Club of Union High School, Co-chair of the Lay Calling Committee, Telephone Communications, Secretary of the Women’s Fellowship and Officer of the Young at Heart Group. She was also treasurer of the Medical Assistance Society of Kent County and was honored for her long-time service with the organization.

In her spare time, Arlene loved to cook and was a fantastic baker. She learned to be a great cook from her grandfather who was a baker by trade. Some of her specialties included spaghetti and baked beans, which everyone loved. Arlene enjoyed doing crossword puzzles and watching Jeopardy and golf on television.

After retiring in 1986, Arlene and her good friend, Charlotte TerBeek, became traveling partners and on two separate occasions visited Arlene’s family in Germany. Arlene cherished these trips and meeting her cousins who lived there.

Arlene was one of those very special people you hope to have the good fortune of meeting one day. A lady in the truest sense of the word, she had a special knack of making people feel at ease everywhere she went. Her family was the center of her world and often times was referred to as a “worry wart” because she cared so much.

Arlene Mae Willison, aged 91, of Grand Rapids, passed away on Wednesday, July 14, 2004, at Heron Woods Assisted Living facility with her family by her side. She was preceded in death by her husband, Merle Willison; son, Bob Willison, and step-sons, James and Gary Willison. Arlene is survived by her children: William (Patricia) Willison of Greenville, Fred (Marlene) Willison of Hudsonville, Dan (Yolanda) Willison of Marcellus; daughter-in-law, Michele Willison of Big Rapids; step-son: B. Thomas (Allegra) Willison of Lake Tahoe, ID; sister-in-law, Dorothy Willison of Bloomfield Hills; step-daughter-in-law, Aara Sue Willison of Gaylord; 32 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; special friend, Charlotte TerBeek; numerous nieces and nephews.

Friends may meet with Arlene’s family on Sunday, July 18, from 7-9 p.m. at the Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW, Grand Rapids, MI. Funeral services for Arlene will be held on Monday, July 19, at 11 a.m. with visitation one hour prior to the funeral, at St. John’s United Church of Christ, 1934 Bridge NW, Grand Rapids, MI, with Rev.’s William Lyons and Gregg Shewan officiating. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to read Arlene’s life story. The family requests, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to St. John’s United Church of Christ or Hospice of Michigan. Arrangements are being handled by Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes.

Although she will be deeply missed, Arlene’s generous spirit and concern for those around her will continue to comfort and encourage those who knew her.