Jeanie Krzywos

Jeanie Krzywos was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend to many. A hard worker and a lover of all people, Jeanie was sincere and generous with her time and resources and no one was ever a stranger. Her wonderful spirit and genuine interest in making others feel special will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

There is no doubt that WWII had a significant impact on the 1940s. Many basic items were rationed to ensure that everyone’s needs were met. It was a time of great turmoil in our nation. By 1945, Lawrence and Dorothy Miller welcomed their second daughter, Marilyn Jean, on October 26th in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Sandwiched between her sisters, Janet and Deborah, her birth brought great joy to the family home.

Growing up on the northeast side of the city, Jeanie lived a typical childhood. She enjoyed traveling with her family visiting Yellowstone and spending time on their houseboat on the Muskegon River. A quiet and reserved teen, she enjoyed participating in Junior Achievement and babysitting during these years. She made many lasting friendships during her high school years. After graduating with the Class of 1963 from Grand Rapids Central she went to work for the Elks Country Club. During these years, she was introduced to Bob Krzywos while visiting Smittie’s, a neighborhood store. They dated for roughly a year and a half before celebrating their marriage on May 8, 1965, at the Cathedral of St. Andrew. The newlyweds moved to the northwest side of town and started their own family. Together they raised two wonderful children, Michael and David, who became the center of their lives.

As a mother, she was even-keeled and loved to stay active. She learned to camp and fish with her family frequenting Wabasis, Hamlin Lake, and Grand Haven. A wonderful caregiver, she treated her family to home-cooked meals and enjoyed shopping for them picking out their favorite items or treasures. They grew accustomed to her delicious BBQ and her savory prime rib. She had a secret white cake recipe that she would make special for birthdays and events that she was shown how to make from her husband's secret family recipe. No celebration was complete without a slice! An avid Detriot Tigers fan, they enjoyed listening to all of the games on the radio during these developing years. Every season, Jeanie was back to cheer on her Tigers! Her competitive nature also lent itself to hosting card games with her sisters and their families every weekend. They enjoyed playing Setback and Rook long into the evening hours! Her children grew up knowing they were loved and the importance of family. She always made time to listen to their issues and concerns as well as celebrate their successes.

With the children growing and out of the house, Jeanie filled her time with many activities. She worked as an office manager at a dental office. She was good at saving her money for special shopping trips. She looked forward to taking her daughters-in-law on shopping trips and splurging on them! Jeanie loved tagging along with her sister on travel sales trips so she could spend her time shopping while her sister was busy with clients. Her shopping addiction also included ordering from catalogs and QVC. Jeanie looked forward to the packages arriving on her doorstep. When Bob passed, Jeanie visited Graceland with her sister. A long-time fan of Elvis, she had seen him three times in concert and visiting his home was a dream come true! Her love of his music passed on to her family over the years. Jeanie enjoyed planning her next trip or adventure and always looked forward to spending time with her family.

As much as she enjoyed being a mom, her heart was thrilled when she was blessed as a grandmother. She devoted much of her time to spoiling her grandchildren and was blessed to welcome great-grandchildren into her life. Jeanie especially loved the infant stage and was always available to babysit. She hosted overnights over the years where she treated them to special moments and plenty of fun! Wonderfully patient and kind, Jeanie enjoyed being surrounded by her loved ones as well as the many special friends in her life. She never complained or had a negative word to say about anyone and enjoyed her life to the fullest. May her loved ones cherish the special memories they made together and may she rest in peace.

Marilyn “Jeanie” (Miller) Krzywos, aged 79, of Grand Rapids, MI, passed away on Thursday, February 6, 2025. She is survived by her children, Mike and Patti Krzywos, Dave and Jodi Krzywos; her grandchildren, Zachary (Jordyn), Taylor, Colby, Christian, Max and Brenden; her great-grandchildren, Elliana, Liam, Everly and Lennyn, her sister, Deborah Dantuma (Robert Hicks), her sisters-in-law, Marilyn Kibbey, Loretta (David) Homrich, Mary (Dan) Baatz, Nancy Harris; nieces, nephews and many friends. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of many years, Robert G. “Car Wash” Krzywos, and her sister Janet Raterink.

Jeanie was a loving and dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend to all who knew her. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held on February 20th at 11 AM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. Relatives and friends may visit with her family on February 19th from 5-7 PM, and again before the memorial service from 10:00 AM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. To share a favorite photo or memory, or to sign her guestbook, visit www.heritagelifestory.com