Jean Meinzinger

Loving, gracious, and kind, Jean Meinzinger lived a life devoted to faith and rich in family and friends. Spanning over a century, Jean’s life bore witness to times of tremendous trial and profound peace and prosperity. With unwavering faith, grace, and a servant’s heart, Jean generously gave of her time and talents, compassion, and support. She was resourceful, talented, intelligent, and a steadfast provider, encourager, and proud mother and grandmother. Jean embodied the principles of her faith and always led with her heart. An inspiration and blessing to all who knew her, Jean will long be remembered and so very missed.

The 1920s were an age of dramatic social and political change. Post-war peace, a booming economy, rising wages for most Americans, and falling consumer prices resulted in a higher standard of living for most. Tremendous confidence, prosperity, and previously unknown comforts marked this roaring decade when a person’s success was largely determined by their ability to identify their desires and then work to make them a reality. For Charles and Charlotte (Ambrose) Pinches, this vibrant decade grew even brighter on August 2, 1922, when they welcomed their daughter, Jean Ruth, into their hearts and home in London, Ontario, Canada. The youngest girl and middle child of seven, Jean enjoyed a good childhood. Many wonderful memories were made playing hockey with her family in the backyard. Jean was very studious, and as a teen, she worked at a local grocery store. When her church congregation welcomed soldiers from the local Royal Canadian Air Force Medical Corps base, she had the good fortune of meeting William “ Bill” Meinzinger, who was invited to her family home. She quickly caught his eye, and he found a way to make sure they would meet again. Soon, the couple was dating and setting their hearts on building a future together. The couple married in 1945 and became parents when their son David was born.

Jean and Bill soon moved to Detroit and then Royal Oak, Michigan, so Bill could teach art at his uncle’s school, Meinzinger Art School. Their family continued to grow with the births of John, Ruth, and Mary, and the family would eventually move to their longtime home in South Rockwood, Michigan, where they raised their children. They lived near the Huron River and enjoyed the outdoors.

Jean remained home, caring for her family and ensuring they were provided with a loving and supportive home firmly rooted in faith. Jean was always positive and looked for the Lord’s blessing in every moment. She raised her children with wisdom from the Bible, rejecting the current philosophy of the day. Every day began with “This is the Day the Lord has made – let us rejoice and be glad in it.” She held consistent expectations, which the kids were clear about, and she never had to raise her voice when disciplining them. Her home was always open for her kids’s friends, and as a lover of books, she enjoyed taking kids to the library and returning home with stacks of books. But she was devoted to reading her Bible. With a huge garden, Jean did a lot of canning fruits and vegetables. The family ate very healthfully, eating organic foods long before it became common practice, and enjoyed several family trips to visit family, often back in Canada.

Sadly, Bill died after being sick for about six years when Jean was 46. She returned to college, earned a secretarial degree, and was quickly hired by Michigan Wisconsin Pipeline (now DTE) as an executive secretary. As the commute was long, she moved to Detroit and worked for the company for 15 years. Jean also continued to actively nurture her faith. Her relationship with her Savior, Jesus Christ, was always the center of her life. She believed in prayer and faced challenges by saying, “Let’s see what the Lord will do.” She always acted from a position of dependence and trust in the Lord. She was in a happy fellowship at Dearborn Chapel for many years and used her professional skills to volunteer for the Christian Mission for Deaf Africa.

After retiring, Jean celebrated by making a cross-country trip with her sister Frances. They enjoyed traveling through the United States and Canada, visiting friends and family along the way. She spent two years at Immanuel Mission in Arizona, near her daughter Ruth. Jean loved her cup of coffee and, later in life, collected elephant figures. Her collection included some that held much value and others that were better for the young children to touch. She also enjoyed sewing and then some latch-hooking. After moving to Rest Haven Homes in Grand Rapids in the 90’s, Jean quickly made friends. Her kindness and positive words to others always led to friendship. Her fellowship grew to include those at Rest Haven as well as those at nearby Northwest Gospel Hall. A lifelong learner, Jean was not afraid of technology, embracing early computers with enthusiasm and confidence. With her history of secretarial work, she volunteered at the desk, with Ready Helping Hands, helped develop the library, and helped host game nights. Jean loved her community and was well cared for, especially during the last five years while she lived in Rest Haven Assisted Living.

As a grandmother, Jean was engaging and listened well. She was wise and only offered advice once, allowing the recipient to take what they wished and leave the rest. Fully trusting in God, Jean felt tremendous peace and did not worry about things. This is the foundation of her beautiful legacy we are honored to carry forward in our own lives. In each moment, we choose faith over fear, center ourselves in love and service, and give thanks for our blessings, we celebrate the many ways Jean gifted our lives and the world. In so doing, we keep her spirit alive and inspiring others as she so inspired each of us.

Jean Ruth Meinzinger, age 101, of Grand Rapids and formerly of South Rockwood, Michigan, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on September 22, 2023. She is survived by her children David & Margie Meinzinger, John & Becky Meinzinger, Ruth Bloom, Mary & Robert Bruce; twelve grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-granddaughter; as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, William “Bill” Meinzinger; son-in-law, John Bloom; brothers and sisters, Arthur Pinches, Frances Meinzinger, Helen Wurster, Charles Pinches, Russell Pinches, and Thomas Pinches.

The service to remember and celebrate Jean’s life will be held on Monday, September 25, at 2 PM at Rest Haven Homes in Grand Rapids (will also be live streamed). Friends are invited to visit with her family beginning at 1:30 PM and for a time immediately following the service. Friends and family are also invited to join at the graveside service at Riverside Cemetery in South Rockwood, Michigan, on Tuesday at 11 AM. For those who wish, memorial contributions to Rest Haven Home are appreciated. To share a memory or sign her guestbook, visit www.heritagelifestory.com.