Marilyn VanderKlok

Kindhearted and generous with all that she had, Marilyn VanderKlok was a shining example of integrity throughout her nine decades of life. She possessed a steadfast strength that came from her deeply rooted faith in the Lord. Marilyn was the heartbeat of her family, and there was nothing that brought her greater joy than being surrounded by those she loved so dearly. Her willingness to go above and beyond to serve others in her community allowed her to touch countless lives in ways big and small. Already so missed, Marilyn will be forever loved and remembered by the many friends and family members she has trusted to carry on her legacy.

The mid 1930s were difficult years for most living in the United States. The Great Depression was a heavy burden on the shoulders of many Americans. With conflicts that would eventually explode into WWII already rising overseas, tensions were at an all-time high. Even amidst such trying times, however, there was happiness to be found in the household of Martin and Agnes (Vanderwerf) Katsma as they announced the arrival of their fifth baby. Their daughter, Marilyn Kay, was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on August 3 of 1936.

In many ways, Marilyn grew up as a typical girl of her generation. She was raised in the family home on Crosby Street on the NW side of Grand Rapids alongside her five siblings. From a young age, Marilyn loved playing with kids and babysitting. She had fond memories of ice skating at Richmond Park in the boys’ skates she had painted white. Although the Katsma family didn’t have a lot of money, they always found a way to stretch what they had. The children all attended West Side Christian School, where Marilyn’s favorite subject was spelling. She went on to attend Grand Rapids Christian High School and graduated in 1954, eager to see what her future held.

It was around this time that Marilyn met the young man who would quickly become the love of her life. During high school, her father would drop her and friend off on Division Street, and the girls would walk the rest of the way to school. There happened to be a commercial laundry company on that corner, and Marilyn caught the eye of one young employee, Ralph VanderKlok. The two first officially met a few months later. Ralph noticed Marilyn walking down Leonard Street and offered her a ride with friends. It didn’t work out at the time, but later that year, Ralph asked Marilyn to be his date to a 1955 New Year’s Eve party. Marilyn was happy to say yes. After just a few short months of dating, the couple were married on October 7, 1955. The newlyweds then enjoyed a honeymoon to Chicago before settling down in an apartment on the NW side of town.

Before long, Marilyn’s family began to grow. She and Ralph were so happy to welcome their biggest blessings, Ralph III, Kathy, and Kristy, into their hearts. Marilyn thrived in her role as a mother and homemaker, and her three children were her pride and joy. She raised her kids in their longtime home that Ralph had built himself near 4 Mile and Alpine. The VanderKlok family enjoyed camping for weeks each summer in many locations including Silver Lake, Grand Haven, Muskegon, and up North by the Mackinaw Bridge. They also took memorable camping trips to Saugatuck with friends and the whole family. When Marilyn tragically lost her son, Ralph, to a car accident in 1981, she leaned on the support of her loved ones to lead her through the grief.

Later in life, Marilyn was thrilled to become a grandmother and even great-grandmother. She adored her grandchildren more than anything in the world. Marilyn was always eager to babysit, and she looked forward to hosting slumber parties. Affectionately called “Nintendo Grandma,” Marilyn was extremely competitive in video games with the grandkids. She certainly wasn’t the type to let just them win—if they wanted to beat her high score, they had to earn it! Marilyn’s many great-grandchildren could always make her smile. Her family was undoubtedly her greatest treasure.

Throughout her entire life, Marilyn’s faith was her firm foundation. She and her family were members of 12th Street Christian Reformed Church for many years. Later, Marilyn found her church home at Westend Christian Reformed. She lived out her faith in word and deed. Marilyn and Ralph volunteered at Mississippi Christian Family Services with friends. She also poured into her community when she could and taught a sewing class for 4H, passing on her skills.

In her free time, Marilyn let her creative spirit flow through her crafts, knitting, quilting, painting, and ceramics. The beach was her happy place, especially at dusk. For nearly 40 years, Marilyn and Ralph escaped to Nettles Island, Florida, after Christmas time. They also enjoyed 29 unforgettable bus trips with their close friends. Marilyn enjoyed her hymns and novels, and she was known for her sweet tooth. She always had cookies or snacks prepared so that she could treat anyone who happened to drop by. She was always happiest in the moments shared with family and friends. Marilyn loved trips to Birch Run with her girls on Mother’s Day weekend. She and Ralph also savored their Thursday morning breakfasts with the girls for decades.

As all who knew were touched by Marilyn VanderKlok’s light can surely attest, she was blessed with a life rich in laughter, friendship, and family. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Marilyn held her loved ones close, and as a powerful role model of compassion and humble service, the strength of her character will serve as an inspiration to us all. Although life will never be the same without Marilyn here, she will always be remembered and loved.

VANDERKLOK (Katsma) Marilyn Kay VanderKlok age 90, of Grand Rapids, passed away on August 13, 2026. She was preceded in death by her son, Ralph VanderKlok III; son-in-law, Dale Hyma; great-granddaughter, Caroline Mulder; and 2 brothers and 2 sisters. Marilyn is survived by her husband of 70 years, Ralph VanderKlok Jr; daughters, Kathy Hyma and Kristy (Bill) Mulder; daughter-in-law, Michelle Thiss; grandchildren, Bradley VanderKlok, Nick (Alicia) Hyma, Katie Hyma, Kyle (Lisa) Hyma, Rachel (Jeff) Beld, Josh (Amalia) Mulder, Alec (Samantha) Mulder, and Nikki (Mike) Koning; and great-grandchildren, Alyssah, Alex, Noelle, Joey, Titus, Asher, Coen, Noah, Charlee, Louis, Ben, Max, Jace, Emmie, Colton and Sammy. Also surviving are her sister, Joyce (Bob) Bergsma; brother-in-law, Andy (Joyce) VanderKlok; sisters-in-law, Marilyn Vanderlind and Joan VanderKlok; and many nieces and nephews. The funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Monday August 17, 2026 at Westend Christian Reformed Church, 1015 Westend Ave NW. Family and friends may gather from 2-4 on Sunday at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Alt and Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW and for one hour prior to the service on Monday at church. Interment in Washington Park Memorial Gardens. Contributions in her memory may be made to Mississippi Christian Family Services or the Christian Education Fund at Westend CRC. Celebrate Marilyn’s life by sharing your favorite memory or picture on her dedicated memory page at heritagelifestory.com