Marilyn "Mare" Van Ess

Marilyn “Mare”, [Jonker] Van Ess, age 87, passed away in Grand Rapids, Michigan on April 28, 2025 with her loving family by her side.

Marilyn was born in the fall of 1937 in Grand Rapids, Michigan to the late Martin and Evelyn Jonker.

Along with her parents she was also preceded in death by her brother Jack Jonker and her son-in-law Kevin Faulk.

Marilyn is survived by her husband of 66 years, James Van Ess and their son James “Toby” (Jodi) Van Ess and daughter Lori Van Ess-Faulk as well as by her siblings Judy and Gord Hicks, Gary and Sharon Jonker, David and Mary Lynn Jonker, and sister-in-law Mary Jonker. Also surviving are her grandchildren Kaley (Travis) Laug, Kody (Kara) Faulk, Cassidy (Dan) Akubu and Christian (Savanna) Van Ess and great-grandchildren Piper, Mack, Zane and James and many nieces and nephews.

Marilyn had been a longtime and active member at Richmond Reformed Church.

A Celebration of Life for Marilyn, followed by a reception, has been scheduled to take place at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, Alt-Shawmut Chapel, (2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504) on Saturday May 3, 2025 at 11:00 AM.

Marilyn will be laid to rest in Rosedale Memorial Park in Grand Rapids, MI.

Memorials contributions in Marilyn’s memory may be made to Mathews House Ministry, (766 7th St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504).

To sign Marilyn's guestbook, share a memory or condolence message, please visit www.heritagelifestory.com