Marianne "Freddie" Stehouwer

STEHOUWER – Marianne “Freddie” Stehouwer age 82, of Grand Rapids, went to be with her Lord and Savior on August 3, 2025.

Marianne was born on July 19, 1943 in Ocheyedan, Iowa, the second daughter of what would eventually consist of a family of four girls. The family lived in Iowa until 1950, when they moved to Moline, MI. In 1956, Marianne’s father accepted a position as pastor at Sherman Street Church, which brought the family to Grand Rapids, MI.

Marianne attended Grand Rapids Christian High School, and upon graduating in 1961, she enrolled in Calvin College’s nursing program, where she earned her LPN degree. During a family trip to Big Star Lake, she met Charles “Chuck” Stehouwer, whom she would eventually marry in 1964 at Sherman Street Church. The couple moved to Ann Arbor for Chuck to attend an MBA program, and Marianne took a job at St. Joseph’s Hospital, where she worked in both the pediatric and burn units.

Upon completion of Chuck’s MBA, the couple returned to live in Grand Rapids, where they began their family. Chip was born in 1967, followed by Jeff in 1969, and finally Lorianne in 1975. As the family grew and needed more space, they built and moved into the house on Hillburn Ave., directly next to the Blandford Nature Center. In 1977, Chuck and Marianne purchased their cottage at Big Star Lake, which the family has enjoyed every summer since. The cottage at Big Star Lake became a focal point of family gatherings, with the most recent occurring this last July, where Marianne enjoyed a week surrounded by her children and grandchildren.

Marianne’s first grandchild, Travis, was born in 1991, followed by twin granddaughters Jessica and Nicole in 1999. Marianne’s love for her grandchildren, along with her involvement in their lives, was immeasurable. Marianne enjoyed marking all of the major milestones of their lives, from birthdays to graduations, including the weddings of Nicole (also at Sherman Street Church) in 2023 and Jessica in 2025.

Marianne lost Chuck to cancer in December of 2012, and though this event was devastating, she continued to anchor the family with her love. Everyone who knew Marianne knew her dedication to her family. Her generosity was boundless, and she served others both with her time and money, without any expectation for recognition, gratitude, or reward. Her faith informed her life and attitude, and inspired many others in her selfless embodiment of her belief.

Marianne suffered health problems throughout her life. She went through numerous surgeries and hospitalizations, but in spite of the pain she endured she remained positive and joyful throughout it all – finding strength, comfort, and peace, all brought by her faith.

All who encountered Marianne were positively affected by her. It is impossible to measure the impact she had on others’ lives, both in the sheer number of people that she engaged with as well as the depth of her compassionate commitment to others’ well-being. She was an advocate for others – not just her family and friends, but also for those who did not have an advocate. Though we mourn the loss of Marianne and will deeply miss her presence in our lives, she will continue to inspire all of us through our memories of the example she set.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Chuck; and sister and brother-in-law, Jackie and Dante Venegas. Freddie is survived by her children, Chip and Holly Stehouwer, Jeff Stehouwer, and Lorianne and Matt Turner; grandchildren, Travis Stehouwer, Jessica (Jonah) Stehouwer Witte, Nicole (Matt) Stehouwer Boelkins, J.T. (Abbie Bickler) Fournier, Nathan Fournier, and Eli Fournier. Also surviving are her siblings, Arlys and Gene Heeringa and Lois and Dick VanDonselaar; sisters-in-law, Jean and Bob Freye and Mary and Phil VanderMeer; brother-in-law, Tom and Joyce Stehouwer; and a large extended family.

The visitation will be held from 5-8 PM on Thursday Aug 7, 2025 at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Alt and Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. The Memorial Service will be at 11 AM on Friday, August 8, 2025 at LaGrave Ave Christian Reformed Church, 107 LaGrave Ave SE Grand Rapids, with a visitation at the church from 10 AM until the start of the service. Contributions in her memory may be made to Mission India or The Grand Rapids Art Museum. To celebrate Freddie’s life, please share a favorite story or photo on her dedicated memory page at heritagelifestory.com