Margaret Seekman

Reflecting on the life of Margaret Seekman, words such as selfless, loving, and fun come to mind, yet the word that is the most fitting word to describe her is generous! She lived her life to the fullest, taking nothing for granted, and looking for the good in others. Her optimistic outlook and her commitment to her friends and family will be the legacy she leaves behind to her many special friends and loved ones.

After many years of suffering through the Depression and World War II, the year 1949 brought much-needed prosperity. Televisions and cars were getting bigger and gaining in popularity in a growing consumer society. Born on November 2nd, the only daughter in a family of four, there was never a dull moment growing up with three brothers. The family lived on the north end of town on Travis Street where Margaret lived a typical childhood. When she was roughly five or six years old, her skirt caught on fire at a 4th of July fireworks celebration. Her brother, Chuck tackled her to the ground and helped put out the fire! This is a great example of how well she was cared for by her siblings throughout her growing years.

Margaret gained her education by attending Palmer Elementary and Riverside Middle School before later graduating with the Class of 1967 from Creston High School. She was always active during this time in her life. She started in Girl Scouts as a Brownie and later became a member of the drum and bugle corps. Margaret also enjoyed being a fashion model as a young teen. Fond memories of these early years were playing and swimming at the Briggs Park pool. Her mother was a PTA member and remained active in many different groups supporting her and her brothers during their growing years.

After high school, Margaret worked various jobs. She started as a waitress and bartender at the Frolick Bar in town. Later, she worked at Cutler making clothes and earned her way to a supervisor role. The Grand Rapids Elks Lodge and the Highlands Country Club Golf Course were where she met her future husband, Larry Seekman while working as a bartender. The two of them hit it off from the start and began dating. They later married in April of 1984. The newlyweds honeymooned in Las Vegas.

As a couple, they were active in their community. They remained members of the Elks and Highlands Country Club and enjoyed golfing together. She and Larry traveled a lot over their thirty-six years together. They toured China, Hong Kong, California, Las Vegas, Florida, London, Paris, and Italy. After visiting Florida for many years, she and Larry purchased a home there and moved to Fort Meyers, Florida for the winter months. Margaret savored many days swimming in the pool at their condo during their visits. They truly were a special couple.

Margaret held many special interests. A talented seamstress, she continued to make baby clothes. She also enjoyed sewing, embroidery, and cross-stitching in her free time. A favorite pastime of Margaret's was going to see a play at the Civic Theater. She loved the theater and found comfort in watching many productions. As much as she loved a good play, she also loved a good book and was an avid reader throughout her life. Margaret also enjoyed going out to eat and satisfying her sweet tooth with candy! She almost always had candy with her wherever she went! She also enjoyed playing games like Dominos, Setback, and other card games. An animal lover, she loved most animals and enjoyed giving treats to her special friends’ pet dog.

Margaret attended New Community Church later in life where she made many special friendships. Sadly, she is gone. Her genuine and good-natured ways of showing affection will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew and loved her.

Margaret Seekman, nee VanWeezel, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, June 10, 2024. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Eleanor (Smith) Van Weezel, her brother, John Van Weezel, half-brother, John Philip Van Dam, sister-in-law, Nancy Van Weezel and her husband of 36 years, Larry Seekman. Margaret is survived by her brothers, Chuck and Mike (Dee) Igleski, half sister, Sandra Stob, her sister-in-law, Joan Van Weezel, her stepson, Dan (Darrel Weatherford) Seekman, her special nephew, Ken Portenga, as well as many other nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. Margaret had a very caring spirit and became close friends with her neighbors, Mark and Sheri Larva, becoming a grandma figure to their daughter, Ella. Margaret is well known for her love of golf, sweets, her caring spirit, and her support of others.

A service to celebrate Margaret’s life will be held at 11 AM on Monday, June 17, 2024, at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel (2120 Lake Michigan Dr NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504). Relatives and friends may visit with her family an hour before the start of service, beginning at 10 AM, at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice. To sign her guest book, leave a memory, or to view the funeral service by live stream please visit his web page at www.heritagelifestory.com.