Marian Kline

As family and friends can surely attest, Marian Kline truly understood the secret to a life well lived. She was a constant source of strength, even in the most difficult of times. Nothing brought Marian greater joy than surrounding herself with her loved ones. She was a shining example of kindness and selflessness, and her faith formed the unshakeable foundation of her life. Dearly loved, Marian will be forever missed by those who knew her best.

With the end of WWI in 1918, our nation was recognized as a world leader for the first time, which changed the trajectory the United States would take on a global scale. It was as we made the shift to being a nation of peace once again that Charles and Ida Momber were eagerly anticipating the arrival of their baby. On January 14, 1919, their wait was over, and they welcomed their daughter, who they named Marian Louise, into the world. Unfortunately, only 27 days after Marian was born, her mother, Ida, passed away, leaving Charles to care for five children and their farm in Alpine township.

Growing up, Marian was a typical young girl of her generation in many ways. She was raised primarily by her grandparents, John and Mary Momber in a home on 2nd Street NW. John worked at a furniture factory, and Mary was a midwife. Marian was always able to visit her father and four siblings on the weekends. Her father, Charles, eventually married a woman named Catherine Armock and welcomed three more children. On Marian’s visits, he would often give her a quarter to spend. Marian liked going to the movies and enjoying popcorn with that quarter. She and her best friend, Wanda, loved to put on dance shows or plays for the rest of the neighborhood. Throughout her childhood, Marian went to St. Mary’s Catholic Church with her grandparents, building the foundation of her faith. She attended St. Mary’s School as well and went on to graduate from Catholic Central School in 1937. Marian then completed the secretary program at Davenport College as well. She volunteered in college as a Grey Gal for Butterworth Hospital working alongside the nursing staff.

Navigating life during the Great Depression meant working hard and saving money whenever possible. Marian quickly grew to be very frugal and savvy. Following her time at Davenport, she began working for Westinghouse and General Electric. Marian experienced standing in bread lines during the Depression all while supporting the effort for WWII. Marian later worked in a factory making ashtrays for cars, then in a converted factory making parachutes. She never learned to drive and instead, walked wherever she needed to go. Marian was never afraid to work hard when it came to providing for herself and anyone who depended on her.

New and exciting changes were on the horizon for Marian as she met the man who would soon become the love of her life. His name was Alvin “Bud” Kline, and he was her brother Carl’s best friend and their farms were near each other. The two first met on one of Marian’s weekend visits to her father’s farm. When Bud joined the United States Navy during WWII, they exchanged letters faithfully, and their relationship flourished. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Marian and Bud were married on January 8, 1949, at St. Mary’s Church, followed by a reception at a Polish hall. The newlyweds soon settled into their forever home on 8 Mile Road NW.

All who knew Marian can certainly agree, that of all the things she loved in life, she treasured her family the most. Over the years, she and Bud were overjoyed to welcome their six children, Len, Phil, Mary Jo, Elaine, Ruth Anne, and Barb, into their hearts and home. Marian truly thrived in her role as a mother, and she was very supportive and encouraging to all of her children. Every summer, the Kline family would spend a week in the Upper Peninsula. They also enjoyed many day trips to Lake Michigan and Baptist Lake. Later in life, Marian was thrilled to become a grandmother and even a great-grandmother. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy, and she loved to sit with them at the kitchen table and play games, bake, color, or just talk. Marian always considered herself blessed to watch her family grow to include so many loved ones.

Marian was a strong and devout Catholic, and she leaned on her faith in good times and bad. She attended St. Joseph’s and was very active in a variety of organizations, including Christian Mothers Guild and Little Flower Guild. Marian enjoyed taking weekend women’s retreats in Conway, Michigan, and she loved her Bible studies. She was devoted to the Blessed Mother Mary and her daily rosary, and her book of prayers allowed her to grow in her faith alongside her husband, children, and grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Never one to sit still for long, Marian pursued many hobbies to stay busy in her free time. She enjoyed taking care of her home and her beautiful rose garden. Marian loved dancing and listening to big band music. She always hosted Christmas Eve and hosted Fourth of July celebrations every other year. Visiting extended family on Sundays was a weekly tradition. Marian was an avid reader, and she collected S&H green stamps. She loved Christmas shopping in downtown Grand Rapids. In her retirement years, Marian enjoyed trips to Florida, Washington, Arizona, Traverse City, and the Leelanau Peninsula.

When reflecting on the life of Marian Kline, it is easy to see both her unwavering strength and her unconditional love for her family. She exemplified what it meant to lead a life of grace and service to others. A dedicated wife for 51 years, as well as mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, she was a friend to many and beloved by all. She was always willing to go above and beyond to care for her family, and her primary focus in life was forming deep and personal relationships with those around her. Though she will be deeply missed, Marian leaves behind a priceless legacy that her loved ones will be proud to carry on in her footsteps.

Kline-Marian Louise (Momber)

Surrounded by her family’s love, Marian Kline peacefully passed away on Friday, March 15, at the remarkable age of 105. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 51 years, Alvin “Bud” Kline and granddaughter Emma Schantz. She is survived by her children, Len (Jane) Kline, Phil Kline, Mary Jo (Bill) Goodfellow, Elaine (George) Goodfellow, Ruth Anne (Larry) Dinkel and Barb (Rob) Schantz. She will be admired fondly by her grandchildren Laura (Mike) Jones, Steve (Tiffany) Kline, Andrew (Mary) Kline, Jonathon Goodfellow, Patrick (Laura) Goodfellow, Jaclyn (Jeff) Olmsted, Jeralyn (George) Vargas, Josh (Angie) Goodfellow, Diana Dinkel and Jacob Schantz and her cherished great grandchildren, Nolan, Liam and Henry Kline, Brennan, Owen and Bryce Kline, Caleb, Emmet, Katelyn and Ashley Goodfellow, Levi Olmsted, Emmie and Charlie Vargas. She is also survived by her brother, Charles Momber Jr. and several nieces and nephews.

Marian’s legacy will always be her faith and family. Her devotion to the Blessed Mother Mary, her daily rosary, and book of prayers fed her soul and grew her faith with her husband and children. She was the embodiment of grace to all who knew and loved her; she had an unfathomable amount of love to share throughout her lifetime. Marian’s grandchildren and great grandchildren were a source of immense pride and admiration. Each announcement of an upcoming graduation, career opportunity, wedding, or new pregnancy brought her so much hope and enthusiasm and each great grandbaby was a welcomed blessing. She never lost her touch for holding newborns and her perpetual smile radiated pure joy. She loved them all with her whole heart and treasured every visit to watch each one grow throughout her lifetime.

The family wishes to express gratitude and sincere appreciation to her dedicated caregivers De, Lenora, Joyce, Diane, Pat, Nancy and Kerrie over the last several years. Each of these wonderful women brought unique gifts of care to our mom and hold a very special place in our hearts.

There will be a time of visitation at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home on Thursday March 21, from 4-7:00 pm with rosary service at 7:00 pm. The Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Friday, March 22 at 11:00 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church 18784 8th Ave, Conklin MI with Father Andrew Ayers officiating. There will be a one hour visitation prior to Mass at church. Private interment following her celebration of life. Those wishing to offer expressions of sympathy are encouraged to make a donation to a charity of one’s choice or Divine Providence Academy, St. Joseph Campus.