Marlene Holwerda

Through the life she lived each day, Marlene Holwerda taught us what it means to be the hands and feet of the Lord she loved as she lived to serve others. She was a devoted wife and mother, and although she treasured these roles she just may have argued that becoming a grandmother was her greatest gift. A woman who was gracious and content in whatever life brought, Marlene had a great sense of humor and a quick wit to boot. Although she enjoyed many things throughout her life, nothing ever filled her with more joy than being surrounded by the family she treasured. The memories she leaves behind will be cherished for generations to come.۬

The year 1934 brought our nation some of the darkest days in our history as we were in the heart of the Great Depression with a crippling drought that gripped the heartland of our great land. There was a ray of hope during this year, however, as the unemployment rate had fallen from over 25 percent to 22 percent, getting things moving in the right direction. Despite the harsh conditions around them a young couple from just outside Grand Rapids, Michigan, was delighted to announce the birth of their healthy baby girl on July 8th of that same year. Marlene Joy was the oldest of five children born to her parents, Robert and Helen (Boss) Matson, and was raised in the family home alongside her siblings, Keith, Randy, Todd, and Janelle. Her father worked as a baker when she was born and later got into insurance while her mother was a busy homemaker.

As the oldest child in the family Marlene put in many hours babysitting her younger siblings, and her life was anything but easy. She did enjoy fishing on Hess Lake, and as someone who could run like the wind Marlene was the fastest runner in her school. As a student she attended local schools including South High School, but she moved to Godwin Heights for her senior year. Marlene was an excellent student and she would have loved to go into medicine, but her parents didn’t support her pursuing a higher education. She went on to graduate from high school in 1952.

Not to be forgotten during her teenage years was Marlene’s introduction to the young man who stole her heart. His name was George Holwerda, and they met at Sneider’s Rootbeer Stand on Eastern Avenue where Marlene was working when she was just 15 years old. He was a regular customer there who took a liking to her and became a three penny tipper. It wasn’t long before they began dating, with one of their favorite dates being a day out at the beach. Their blossoming romance was soon challenged when George was sent to Korea when he was 19 years old. Before he left he gave his sweetheart his ring.

After his return George and Marlene were married on April 23, 1954, at Burton Heights Christian Reformed Church. Following a honeymoon at Niagara Falls the couple settled in to a house they rented on Nevada NE. They later lived on Van Auken SE, in three separate homes through the years. Together George and Marlene were blessed with four children, Elizabeth, Ruth, Jon, and Mary. As a mother she was second to none as she selflessly focused her attention on caring for her children. In 1965 they began vacationing as a family at Sand Lake where they later purchased a lot. They loved spending time there as it was a safe place for kids to play and a great place to gather with friends. Most summers found them there from Memorial Day to Labor Day with George commuting to and from work every day. Even today their place on Sand Lake continues to provide a beautiful backdrop for the family to enjoy being together.

It was George who introduced Marlene to the Christian faith. He led her to believe in Jesus Christ while they were dating, and she made profession of faith while he was in the military. George also made it perfectly clear that the only education their children would have would be a Christian one. They were longtime members of Millbrook Christian Reformed Church, and together George and Marlene reached out to so many others in the congregation. They were the first ones to deliver a home cooked meal to someone in need, and she loved being in the choir as well.

As her friends and family can attest, Marlene was always on the go. She liked to bowl with friends, and she remained close with some friends from high school with whom they boated and got together every New Year’s Eve. Monday nights were reserved for school circle where Marlene served as the president for a time, and she was also part of a volleyball league. She sang as an alto in the Metropolitan Choir with whom she traveled to Europe on one occasion. For 35 years Marlene loved driving a school bus for Grand Rapids Christian Schools and for the Christian Learning Center, too. Some may not know that she had a bit of an adventurous side and has even been called a thrill seeker who once road down her son’s pool slide backwards, giving herself a cracked rib! Marlene also took a memorable hot air balloon ride. In addition she enjoyed playing pinochle, embroidering, and usually had the radio on.

During their retirement years Marlene and George centered their lives on the grandchildren they dearly loved. Some of their favorite times continued to be spent at Sand Lake. Their sunset years were difficult years as they both struggled with health issues. Marlene was deeply saddened with the death of her husband in 2008 in addition to the deaths of two grandchildren, David and Matthew.

A vibrant, kindhearted, and selfless woman, Marlene Holwerda was a gift in the lives of those around her. She will be deeply missed and warmly remembered.

Marlene Holwerda, age 77, of Grand Rapids, passed away on June 23, 2012. She was preceded in death by her husband, George; grandsons, David Rottman and Matthew Beyerlein; and brothers-in-law, Bill Vander Vennen, Andy Holwerda and John Holwerda. Marlene is survived by her children, Elizabeth and Kent Rottman, Ruth and Mark Beyerlein, Jon and Kathy Holwerda, and Mary Holwerda; 16 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are her siblings, Keith Matson, Randy (Cyndie) Matson, Todd Matson, and Janelle (Marvin) Hall; sisters-in-law, Joanne VanderVennen, Fran and Jacob Ondersma, Sharon Holwerda, and Gladys Holwerda; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Marlene was a longtime and active member at Millbrook Christian Reformed Church and drove a school bus for Grand Rapids Christian Schools and CLC for 35 years. The Funeral Service will be held at 11 AM on Wednesday June 27, 2012 at Millbrook Christian Reformed Church, 3661 Poinsettia SE 49508 with Rev. Kent Rottman officiating. Interment in Restlawn Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family on Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the church. Contributions in her memory may be made to Millbrook Christian Reformed Church or Holland Home/ Raybrook. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to read Marlene's lifestory, archive a memory, photo, or sign the guestbook online.