Marian Van Spronsen

With a journey that spanned decades full of both laughter and grief, plenty and want, war and peace, Marian Van Spronsen kept her family at the forefront of her focus. Her faith was her firm foundation, and there was nothing she wouldn’t do to serve all those around her in her home, her church, and her community. Dearly loved, Marian will be forever missed and remembered.

The early 1930s were far from the easiest years to be living in the United States. The Great Depression was in full swing following the historic stock market crash in 1929, making everyday life tumultuous for many Americans. During such a dark time, however, there was much to be celebrated in the household of Dick and Mattie (Vander Kooi) Eggink of Vona, Colorado, as they announced the arrival of their newest baby girl. Born on April 13 of 1931, Marian Mae joined the Eggink family as the fourth daughter.

Marian enjoyed a wonderful childhood filled with many memories she would often reflect on with fondness. Her father, Dick, was a farmer and factory worker while her mother, Mattie, was both a dedicated homemaker and a seamstress. Marian was raised in the family home alongside her six sisters, Jessie, Cornelia, Marie, Charlotte, Dorothy, and Nancy. The sisters were fairly close in age, with the exception of Nancy, who was much younger than Dorothy. The girls were very close and would “borrow” each other's clothes, argue about who had to do the dishes, and have endless conversations about dating. They also enjoyed playing “grown ups,” pretending they had husbands and children of their own. Marian would remember having her tonsils removed around the age of six, at the same time as two of her sisters. She was enraged at the time because they put her in a crib at the hospital!

Throughout Marian’s formative years, the Egginks lived in Vona and later in Ripon, California. She attended church with her family, building the foundation of her faith. They were members of Christian Reformed Church of Vona in Colorado, then Ripon Christian Reformed Church while living in California. Holidays were always spent with family, and Marian enjoyed many picnics with aunts, uncles, and cousins. She loved swimming and playing all kinds of games outdoors, including hopscotch, jump rope, and ring toss.

Growing up, Marian attended local schools. In second grade, she received an award for her penmanship. One of Marian’s greatest passions was singing, and she was involved in several plays and sang in the glee club. She also sang in a trio and directed hymn sings for her church’s young peoples’ group in high school. Marian loved volleyball, and she played as a catcher in softball as well. She graduated from Ripon Christian High School in 1949, then left home to attend Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Once she ran out of money, Marian began working in the college registrar’s office.

A new and exciting chapter was about to unfold in Marian’s life as she met the young man who would forever hold the key to her heart. His name was Cornelius Van Spronsen, and the two first met when Marian was a sophomore at Ripon Christian High School. Cory was a new student who had just moved to Ripon from Michigan. The two began dating, but the time soon came for Cory to return to Michigan. They were so happy to be reunited at the registrar’s office at Calvin College seven years later. Over the next eight months of dating, Marian and Cory quickly fell head over heels in love. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, they were married at the Calvin College Seminary Chapel in Grand Rapids on August 19, 1955. The newlyweds then enjoyed a honeymoon to the Upper Peninsula before settling into their first home on Sherman Street in Grand Rapids.

It wasn’t long before Marian’s family began to grow. She and Cory were so happy to welcome their four children, GJ, Yvonne, Richard, and Sandra, into their hearts and home. Marian thrived in her role as a mother, and she devoted herself to raising her children as a homemaker. The family moved several times over the years but eventually settled down in their longtime home on Bradford Street in Ada. Marian loved being able to take camping trips with the family, visiting spots in Michigan and in various national parks. They also enjoyed staying at Sugar Island in the U.P. Once the kids were in high school, Marian returned to the workforce as an administrative assistant for Pine Rest Hospital and Calvin College.

There were so many things that brought joy and meaning into Marian’s life. She loved riding with Cory on his motorcycle. Marian gave freely of her time and energy to pour into her community. She participated in many school and church socials and fundraising events. Marian also volunteered in Mother’s Club and with Ada Christian School. She led many Bible studies and mentored countless young women. Marian served as a prayer servant and an elder in her church, and she sang in the church choir. Later in life, she was thrilled to become a grandmother and even a great-grandmother. Marian considered herself blessed to watch her family grow to include so many loved ones.

In her free time, Marian was an avid reader. Her favorite authors included Philip Yancy, Eugene Peterson, and David Wilkerson, and she loved listening to all kinds of classical, choral, and Gospel music. She liked bowling, fishing, sewing, and getting creative with her crafts. Cooking was one way Marian showed her love. She was well known for her beef stews and Sunday roasts, her casseroles, and her cakes, pies, and after-church coffee and sweets. When she wasn’t cooking her own meals, Marian enjoyed eating at Red Lobster and the Bil-Mar in Grand Haven. In her retirement years, she was able to travel all around the U.S. visiting family and even to Israel. Some of Marian’s most prized possessions included her Bible from Grandma Eggink, her wedding and engagement rings from her beloved Cory, and her mother’s ring with birthstones for each of her children.

As we gather to celebrate the overflowing life of Marian Van Spronsen, it is easy to see her unwavering dedication to caring for those around her. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she cherished every moment spent with her family, and she exemplified what it meant to follow faithfully after the Lord she loved so much. Although she is already so greatly missed, Marian leaves behind a priceless legacy of kindness and compassion that her loved ones will be proud to carry on in her footsteps.

Marian Mae Van Spronsen, age 94 of Grand Rapids, Michigan, traded time for eternity and now dwells with Jesus.

Marian was born in Vona, Colorado to the late Dick and Mattie [Vander Kooi] Eggink in the spring of 1931.

Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband of over 60 years, Cornelius “Cory” Van Spronsen, their son Richard Van Spronsen and son-in-law Glenn Visbeen. All of Marian’s six sisters had preceded her in death.

Marian is survived by her children, Gerard Jan "GJ" and Michelle Van Spronsen, Yvonne Visbeen, Sandi and Dan Folkertsma and her daughter-in-law Linda Van Spronsen. Marian leaves behind her grandchildren E.J. (Heather) Hawley, Ryan (Julie) Hawley, Corey Hawley, John (Chalsey) VanSpronsen, Amy (Ahmet) Guduk, Grant (Katelyn) Visbeen, Adam Visbeen, Alyssa (Preston) Bailey, Lance (Shellie) VanSpronsen, Clare (James) VanSpronsen, Anastacia (Matt) Postema, Faith (Roland) Hadden, Casey (Jim) Folkertsma, Danielle (Cade) Holmes, and Connor Folkertsma and great-grandchildren Skyelar, Tatum, Regan, Brady, Acacia, Ehmeric, Kayla, Tyler, Liam, McKinley, Lennon, Jonah, Stella, Aliyah, (baby sister), Elijah, Theo, Austin, Mya, and Dean as well as many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 2 PM at Madison Church, (1441 Madison Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49507) with visiting prior beginning at 12:30 PM. Marian will be laid to rest next to Cory in Ada Township Cemetery.

Memorial contributions to the Holland Home Patient Assistance Fund, (2121 Raybrook SE Grand Rapids, MI 49546 or Autism Support of Kent County, (PO Box 150348, Grand Rapids, MI 49515) would be appreciated.