Carolyn Marie (nee Lilly) Klenk passed away February 10, 2025. Carolyn was born on December 21, 1942, in Benton Harbor, Michigan. She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Dennis; daughter, Darcymarie Connelly (Mark) of Denver, Colorado; and brother, Lyndon Karl Lilly (Carol) of Spokane, Washington. Carolyn was preceded in death by her father, Karl Veron Lilly; and mother, Esther (Price) Lilly.
Carolyn attended Benton Harbor High School and graduated in 1961. After graduation she worked as a secretary at Whirlpool headquarters in Benton Harbor, Michigan. She married Dennis Klenk on July 6, 1964. After marrying and starting her family in Battle Creek, Michigan, they settled in East Grand Rapids, Michigan, where she worked for 20 years as a secretary at Amway Corporation in Ada, Michigan.
Carolyn’s hobbies were cooking, home decorating and entertaining as well as antiquing and RV traveling. She was particularly fond of decorating for the holidays, having her fully decorated home featured in the Grand Rapids Press in 1978. Additional joys were her pet cats, all rescues, Annie, Abbie, and Mr. Sox.
Carolyn and Dennis were long time members of Westminster Presbyterian Church, where she spent many happy years participating in the choir. She particularly enjoyed the choir musical theatre productions, participating in the events as well as contributing to facility decorations.
Per Carolyn’s wishes, cremation has taken place, no formal service by request. A Time of Gathering will be held in her honor to allow friends and family to share memories; from 2-6PM on Friday February 28, 2025, at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Funeral Home, 3980 Cascade Road SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Humane Society of West Michigan, 3077 Wilson Dr. NW Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49534 or any charity of choice.