Marlene VanderSloot

Compassionate, kind, and a tender caregiver with a heart of gold, Marlene VanderSloot lived each and every day to the very fullest. She was a constant source of strength, no matter the circumstances, and endured every challenge that came her way with perseverance. There was nothing that brought Marlene greater joy than being surrounded by her friends and family. Her spirit of positivity never faltered, and her willingness to go above and beyond to serve others leaves an unforgettable impact on so many. Already so dearly missed, Marlene will be forever loved.

The 1950s were an influential chapter in history for the United States of America. The Korean Conflict came to an end overseas, ushering in an era of peace. Here in the U.S., rock and roll took the music scene by storm, and in the world of entertainment, popular TV shows such as “I Love Lucy” and “Father Knows Best,” brought laughter into every home. During this exciting time, John and Gloria Rosendall of Grand Rapids, Michigan, were eagerly awaiting the arrival of their second child. On July 7 of 1954, they welcomed their second daughter, Marlene Sue, into the world. Marlene joined her older sister, Marsha, in the Rosendall family and soon became an older sibling herself to her younger sister, Dianne.

Marlene enjoyed a wonderful childhood filled with many happy memories. She was raised on Penn Street in Grand Rapids alongside her sisters. The family often went swimming at Bostwick Lake and took vacations to many beautiful locations up North. As a girl, Marlene attended Plymouth Christian Schools and Creston High School. She began working in the kitchen at Resthaven Homes at the age of 16, building the firm foundation of the work ethic that would serve her well throughout her entire life. Marlene graduated from Creston in 1972 and started working as a nurse’s aide at Resthaven Homes as soon as she was allowed, dreaming of what the future held in store.

New and exciting changes were on the horizon for Marlene as she began going to church, taking her father’s advice to find a nice young man. And find a nice young man she did! His name was David VanderSloot, and he invited Marlene to attend the church’s Young People’s Group with him. Over the next year of dating, the two fell head over heels in love. They spent their time picking apples at Crawley’s Apple Orchard to save for their future honeymoon, planning for their lives together. Marlene and Dave were united in marriage on October 25, 1974, at Free Reformed Church in Grand Rapids. The newlyweds then enjoyed their honeymoon to Traverse City. Dave worked at Rodger’s Department Store, and Marlene continued building her career at Resthaven Homes. They were soon able to buy their first home on Barrett Avenue in Grandville.

Of all the things Marlene loved in life, all who knew her will certainly agree that her family was her greatest treasure. She and Dave were overjoyed to welcome their four children, Matthew, Erin, Brandon, and Darryl, into their arms. As their family grew, they settled down in a home on Gridley Avenue in Walker with more room for the kids. Marlene thrived in her role as a mother. She continued working part-time as a nurse’s aide at Resthaven, but her primary focus was raising her children. Marlene was attentive and caring, and she never missed a t-ball game or special occasion. She made many blankets and dresses for the family herself, and she was also an amazing cook and was famous for her pot roast and apple pie. Marlene’s kids were truly her pride and joy.

Over the years, the VanderSloots enjoyed many getaways to spend quality time together as a family. They would often rent cottages in different locations across the United States, and spending a weekend in a hotel in Chicago became somewhat of a tradition. The family loved visiting the Great Smoky Mountains and Cedar Point as well, creating priceless memories. Later in life, Marlene was thrilled to become a grandmother. She loved helping out by watching her grandkids, as well as children from the neighborhood. Marlene faithfully attended t-ball games and special events, and she took every chance to dote on her grandchildren. She considered herself blessed to watch her family grow.

Marlene poured her heart and soul into her work at Resthaven for many years. She transferred to Stonebridge Manor for a short time but eventually made her way back to Resthaven, where she continued to work until her retirement. Stepping into retirement gave Marlene even more time to spend with her family. She also enjoyed crocheting, cross-stitching, and shopping. In the last few years of her life, Marlene was happiest taking care of her baby dolls and loving on her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

As family and friends gather to reflect on the life of Marlene VanderSloot, it is easy to see both her boundless generosity and her limitless love for those around her. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she deeply cherished her family and friends, and her selfless spirit allowed her to touch the hearts of so many. Although life will not be the same without Marlene here, she leaves behind a priceless legacy that her loved ones will be proud to carry on in her footsteps.

Marlene Sue VanderSloot, age 71 of Walker, MI passed away on Saturday, February 7, 2026 in the company of her loving family.

She was born in Grand Rapids, MI on July 7, 1954, to the late John and Gloria Rosendall. Along with her parents, Marlene was preceded in death by her husband, David; her son, Brandon; daughter-in-law, Brenda VanderSloot; granddaughter, Georgia; sister, Marsha; brothers-in-law, Jack and Paul VanderSloot, and sister-in-law, Laurina VanderSloot. She is survived by her children, Matt (Kim), Erin, Darryl (Leah) VanderSloot; grandchildren Noah, Makayla, Cassidy, Kambrie, Walker, Carly, Ashley, Justin, Mya, Lily, Marcia, Kingston, Ben, Addyson; great grandchildren, Zayden, Winnie and Kaysen, as well as niece, Alexandria.

Also surviving are her sister, Dianne Olson, sisters-in-law, Jan VanderSloot, and Jane (John) Koomans.

Friends are invited to visit with her family from 6-8 PM on Friday, February 13, 2026 at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Alt and Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW, Grand Rapids, 49504. One hour of visitation will also take place one hour prior to her funeral at church. Marlene's funeral service will be held 12:00 noon on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at Walker United Reformed Church, (1941 Randall Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49534). Interment will take place at Rosedale Memorial Park. For those who wish, memorial contributions to Word and Deed, (PO Box 157 Hudsonville, MI, 49426) are appreciated. To read more about Marlene, to share a memory or photo, or to sign her guestbook, visit www.heritagelifestory.com