Marion Grace Rodenburg

Marion Grace Rodenburg passed from this world into the arms of her Savior on November 17th, 2023, at the age of 101 years old, though “old” was not the term generally used to describe her. She was young in spirit with a lot of energy and blessed with good health. Eyeglasses, hearing aids, and medications were not daily essentials for her. Born on April 15th, 1922, to Fred and Allie Winters, her childhood was spent on the family farm with her younger brother, Ray. Being on the farm made things a bit easier during the Depression times, though things were certainly tight. She was a graduate of Caledonia High School, class of 1939. As a young woman, she volunteered at the veteran’s hospital as a Candy Striper, tending to the various needs of the patients. Marion was a social butterfly and enjoyed spending time with her friends, a pastime that carried on throughout the rest of her life. Through a mutual friend, she met Douwe (Dick) Rodenburg and on February 24th, 1945, in San Francisco, California, they wed. Dick had enlisted in the US Navy in 1941 and very soon after their marriage he was redeployed to serve in World War II. During this time, Marion worked at McInerney Stamping and at Lear, making parachutes for bombs. In 1948, Dick and Marion welcomed their daughter Cathy into the world. Cathy was followed by 6 more children for a total of 3 girls and 4 boys. As one would imagine, life was busy with 7 children but the small farm on Ada Drive offered plenty of entertainment and space for the youngsters to roam. In 1962, tragedy struck when their eldest daughter, Cathy, passed away from cancer at the age of 14. Times were incredibly tough, but Dick and Marion managed to make ends meet, raising their remaining 6 children on the very little they had. When the children left the nest, Dick and Marion enjoyed traveling with the Coleman’s and special lifelong friends, the Nicola’s. They always looked forward to the family reunions at Ada Park, spending time with their grandkids, visiting their New York relatives. Marion was an avid reader with a preference toward presidential biographies, reading each one in sequence. She was a faithful Wood TV News viewer and always knew the status of the weather. Her mornings began with the news and journaling. She was always “in the know” whether it be current affairs or family affairs. She was incredibly sharp in memory and had a wonderful sense of humor. Birthdays and special milestones were remembered with a greeting card which usually arrived on the actual day. She was notorious for her handwriting and those able to translate were few. Marion had a fascination with lighthouses, watching the birds on her feeders, and flowers. Marion truly loved life and living. She never shied away from a social gathering and every occasion was a reason to celebrate. She had a true love for meeting new people and had the unique ability to befriend those in the much younger generations. She was a longtime member of Knapp Reformed Church and a faithful servant in Christ. Marion was preceded in death by her parents Fred and Allie Winters, husband Dick Rodenburg, daughter Cathy Rodenburg, brother Raymond Winters, granddaughter Martina Brown, and great-grandson Brendon Rodenburg. She is survived by her remaining children Donna (Mike) Shirilla, Fred Rodenburg, Gary (Linda) Rodenburg, William (Dawn) Rodenburg, Mary Rodenburg, David (Jan Berling) Rodenburg, 14 grandchildren through lineage & adoption and 2 by marriage, 18 great grandchildren through lineage and 2 by marriage, honorary daughter Peggy Rogell, special friend Michelle Whipple and so many other precious friends. Services will take place at Knapp Reformed Church, 4025 Knapp Street NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 on Monday, November 27th at 11am with visitation beginning at 9am. Reverend Les Wiseman officiating. Luncheon will follow for those who would like to stay. Interment will take place at Ada Cemetery.