Marjorie Ann Bueche

With a warm smile and a happy heart, Marjorie Ann Bueche lived a life rich in faith and family. A natural caregiver, Marge was always on the go and willing to lend a hand where needed. She relished in caring for her family. Regardless of life’s challenges, Marge embraced each day with gratitude and her responsibilities with confidence. She knew she was called to serve others and did so without hesitation. A devoted daughter, wife, mother, and grandmother, Marge proved an inspiration to all who were blessed to know her.

Despite the obvious gloom of the growing conflict in Europe, 1939 held much to celebrate, including the end of the Great Depression, the premieres of the classic film Gone With the Wind and The Wizard of Oz, regular television begin to broadcast nationwide, and The World’s Fair in New York. As the US actively armed for war, families continued to center their lives in love and hope for a brighter future. Nowhere was that hope more evident than in Grand Rapids, Michigan, as Donald Henry Bockheim and Ann Theresa Lackus welcomed their daughter Marjorie into the world on January 25.

Growing up on 1147 Jeanette NW, for many years, Marge was the center of her parents’ lives. Her father worked as a foundry worker, while her mother tended the home. Active members of Sts Peter & Paul Catholic Church, The Bockheims built their family on a firm foundation of faith. When Marjorie was 18, she became an older sister when her brother Donald was born. The family enjoyed camping trips throughout Michigan. Some of their favorite places to camp included; Interlochen, Brower Park. Hess Lake when Marge was a young girl. Marge loved camping in a tent.

Marge attended Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic School and later Catholic Central High School. While in high school, she loved participating in dance and theater. Much to her good fortune, Marge was blessed to meet fellow 11th grader, Gordon Bueche. Instantly smitten, the pair began dating and were soon hoping to spend their futures together.

After graduating with the class of 1956, Gordon began his service with the US Navy. For the next three and a half years, Marge and Gordon stayed in contact through letters and occasional phone calls. Marge’s first job was at Michigan Bell Telephone, where she worked in data entry. Later, she worked as a secretary for Key Construction. When Gordon safely returned home, the happy couple was married on a warm fall day at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, October 29, 1960.

The newlyweds honeymooned to Niagara Falls and then settled into their first apartment on Broadway. Sadly, just a few years into their marriage, Marge’s father passed away. Without hesitation, she and Gordon chose to return to Jennette to live with her mother and help care for her brother. In 1967 Marge and Gordon were delighted to welcome their only child, daughter Joyce, into their family.

Despite the challenges they faced, Marge and Gordon met each day with gratitude and grace. Gordon provided for the family by working as a barber in the shop he bought soon after graduating from barber school, “Gordy’s Barber Shop” on Alpine. in 1981 Marge and Gord decided to open an ice cream parlor next door to Gordy’s barber shop on Alpine called The Tin Roof for 3 years til her mother fell ill and Marge stayed home to care for her. marge relished in homemaking and parenting. She was a meticulous homemaker and took great pride in her spotless house. She loved to cook and enjoyed spending time with her mother. She also loved to work in the garden, growing many vegetables and flowers.

Humble and happy, Marge found joy in many things especially their grandsons, Nicholas and Zachery. she and Gord took there grandsons on separate train trips, one to California and the other to the Grand Canyon. She enjoyed staying in contact with treasured friends, including many of her school pals and cousins. She also enjoyed the loyal friendships of her two canine companions, Boots and Lady. A proud Lithuanian, Marge enjoyed exploring and celebrating her heritage, and she was very active in her church at Sts. Peter and Paul’s. In her leisure time, she enjoyed knitting and crochet many gifts for family and friends. She loved to paint statues and loved her ceramics. She loved watching soap operas on TV, especially Dark Shadows. She also enjoyed the classic humor and entertainment to be found while watching: The Merv Griffin Show, Mike Douglas, Carol Burnett, Sonny & Cher, and Flip Wilson really anything that made her laugh. She loved visiting Frankenmuth with her family. she loved any color pink, especially when it came her mother’s pink rose bushes.

Without a doubt, Marge’s favorite sources of joy were her family and being of service to others. Whether working as a lunch lady at Stocking School where her daughter went to school, riding her daughter Joyce’s Sting-Ray bicycle to keep an eye on the neighborhood or just to say hi or making a meal, Marge was happiest when she was with her family. She and Gordon moved to Royal Vista Apartments in 2005. Gordon died in 2010, where she lived until 2011. As her health diminished and she required more care, she moved to Edison Christian Health Center, where she received loving care from a dedicated staff. On Saturday evening, March 14, Marge died at Edison Christian Health Center with her daughter Joyce at her side.

Clearly, life feels less certain in the absence of Marge’s bright, loving company. And while she will be deeply missed, she will also be lovingly remembered. May we continue her legacy by offering our time and talents in service of others, keeping an eye out for our neighbors, lovingly creating a meal, or dressing in pink. In this way, we will celebrate Marge’s life and the many gifts she so freely gave.

Marjorie Ann “Marge” Bueche (Bockheim), aged 81 of Grand Rapids, passed away on Saturday, March 14, 2020. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon Bueche and her son-in-law, Kevin Conner. She is survived by her daughter, Joyce Conner; brother, Don (Mary) Bockheim; grandchildren, Nicholas Noordyke, Zachery Noordyke; great-grandson, Xander Noordyke, step-grandchildren, Alivia (Tyler) Buxton, Kurtis Conner, Jacob Conner; nephew, Derek (Mallory) Bockheim; 4 step-great-grandchildren; many other, family and friends.

Marge was a member of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, 224 Carrier St. NE, where the Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 18, at 11:00 am. Burial in Sts. Peter & Paul Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet her family on Wednesday at St. Alphonsus Church from 10:00 am until the Mass begins at 11:00 am. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Edison Christian Home and Emmanuel Hospice for the love and care extended to Majorie and her family these past few years. Contributions in her memory may be made to Christian Rest Home or Emmanuel Hospice. To read more about Marge’s life, to sign her guest book and leave your own memory of her visit her web page at www.heritagelifestory.com