Marcia Van Houten

Marcia Van Houten never asked, “Why me?” She was content to live in the moment, appreciating the family, friends and events that brought her life incredible joy.

The mid 1930s were the worst years of the Great Depression, when the economic crunch took a toll on everything from the largest factory to the smallest family. However, hope shone on the horizon through their new and invigorated President, Franklin D. Roosevelt, who aimed to lift the country back onto the pedestal of greatness. It was a decade of transition; an era that left an indelible mark on those who lived through it.

Marcia entered this world on October 29, 1934, in the city of Grand Rapids, Michigan. She grew up in a loving home with her mother, Marie Wieland, and Joseph Lipinski, who her mother later married and he adopted Marcia. She was an only child for 13 years and lovingly spoiled by her parents. Marcia then became a quite a bit older sister to two brothers, Don and Doug, whom she loved.

Marcia was an excellent student and excelled in her studies at Stocking Elementary School and Union High, where she graduated in 1952. Marcia’s life took a new direction when she met Jack Van Houten, a star football player from Creston High School. The two were set up on a blind date and as fate would have it, they fell in love. Marcia and Jack were happily married in the East Leonard Christian Reformed Church on February 16, 1953, and then honeymooned in Chicago. While settling into married life together, Marcia attended nursing school for a year, until they found out she was married, which was not allowed. It wasn’t long after that Jack followed the same patriotic calling of other young men of the time to serve his country overseas in the Korean Conflict.

After the war and Jack’s safe return home, he and Marcia went about filling their home at 4580 Westgate NW in Comstock with the joy and laughter of four wonderful children: Kathy (1956), Shelly (1958), Brenda (1960) and Steven (1965). Marcia was a wonderful mother, completely devoted to supporting, loving and protecting her children. She kept an immaculate home and every morning she would go in after the children were out of bed and straightened up, all the while reminding them that “the birdies are singing.” Marcia hung her sheets out on the line to dry and she would often tell the children to “smell their sheets at bedtime” – just a small way of showing her love. And who could forget her wonderful cooking, especially her Sunday roasts, and the funny little way they said goodnight, like the Waltons. Marcia was actively involved in her children’s schooling, but the family was also faithful members of the Calvary Church, until they were asked to help start the Maranatha Bible Church.

Time together as a family was always important to Marcia and Jack. They bought a cottage on Lake Michigan near Port Sheldon, where the family spent just about every weekend together. They’d pack up and leave out on Friday night, which the kids thought was just to keep them out of trouble, and make a stop to eat some Cobb’s chicken and get groceries at Meijer for the weekend. Every Sunday morning Marcia made a feast for breakfast before the family headed to church at Lakeshore Baptist in Grand Haven, where they became faithful members. Aside from the cottage, the family also enjoyed Disney World in Florida every year, with Marcia and the kids having fun in the parks while Jack golfed. Unfortunately, Marcia and Jack’s 29-year marriage ended in divorce in 1982. Tragically, Jack died suddenly a year later.

Marcia was always very independent and just carried on with her life. She went to work in the lunchroom at the County Building downtown, and some time later, she secured a job in the Clerk’s office at Kent County Circuit Court, where she remained for over 17 years. Outside of work, Marcia enjoyed socializing with her good friends, Nancy De Bruyn, Faith Gauger, Dolly Sullivan and Evie Brus. She often traveled, taking relaxing cruises and touring Europe. She also enjoyed listening to gospel music on WCSG, and her all-time favorite treat was butter pecan ice cream. Marcia loved the holidays, like Christmas, Thanksgiving and the Fourth of July, because it brought her family all together, and she was always in her glory surrounded by the love and smiles of her children and grandchildren. Marcia loved being a doting grandmother and spoiling her grandkids. She babysat for them at any time, except Fridays because she needed to rest after the work week. But that was Marcia - she cared for everyone around her, making everyone feel special. She even kept a journal of those who she was concerned about, so she wouldn’t forget anyone in her prayers.

Tragically, Marcia was hit by a City bus while crossing the street on September 17, 2002. She suffered many injuries from the accident, including a traumatic brain injury, which left her paralyzed on her right side. Because of this, Marcia was in need of full care and went to live at Covenant Village of the Great Lakes, where she received the compassionate care she needed.

Marcia was a strong-willed woman who lived her life by being an example of a loving mother and grandmother, devoted friend and faithful Christian. Her years of dedicated work afforded her both a happy place in life, and a family that loved her dearly.

On Monday, March 17, 2008, our mother, Marcia Van Houten, saw Jesus face to face. She was looking forward to this day and today she is finally home… for eternity. We will miss her so very much. Marcia is survived by her children: Kathy and Mark Putnam and their children, Erika (Jason) Kuhnle, Angie (Scott) Leuchtmann, and Nathan (Jen) Putnam; Shelly and Keith Harrold and their children, Jennifer (Matthew) White, Michelle Harrold and fiancé’ Steven Tollefson, and Stephanie Harrold; Brenda and Scott Brower and their children, Sarah (Phillip) Winslow, Katelin Brower, and David Brower; and Steven and Susan Votaw-Van Houten and their children, Hannah Votaw, Molly, Gracie and Emma Van Houten. Also surviving are her great grandchildren: Sasha and Samuel; brothers, Don (Pat) Lipinski and Doug (Judy) Lipinski; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Marie and Joseph Lipinski and by Jack L. Van Houten. A special “thank you” to Keith Harrold, Kathy Engel and the staff at Covenant Village of the Great Lakes for their compassionate care.

Friends are invited to visit with the family on Wednesday, March 19, from 6-8 p.m. at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW, Grand Rapids. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 20, at the funeral home. Interment in Fairplains Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Mel Trotter Ministries. Please visit Marcia’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory or photo with her family or sign her online guest book if you are unable to attend.