Denise Potuznik Meier's Obituary
Denise Potuznik Meier, of North Muskegon, Michigan, died on September 22, 2016 at her home with her family by her side. Denise was beloved by her family, friends, and students and leaves behind her husband, Will; children, Hannah and Matthew; parents, Denis and Barb (Petrak) Potuznik; sister, Lieschen Montgomery, her husband Bryan, and their children, Thomas and Lily; her in-laws, Carl and Carolyn Meier; and Will’s brother, Richard. Matthew and Hannah’s triplet, Emily, passed away shortly after her birth. Born in Chicago, she lived most of her life in North Muskegon and was a member of Prince of Peace Catholic Church. Her parents and sister’s family all still live in North Muskegon and the three families are very close. Denis and Barb imparted to Denise the importance of taking care of family, being a loyal friend, hard work, and passion. The Montgomery’s live two houses away and Thomas and Lily love their “auntie” Denise. Denise remained dear friends with many of her high school classmates throughout her life, always reaching out to keep everyone in touch. Denise attended Tufts University near Boston where she received a BS and Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy. She also met Will at Tufts and they were married in 1989. They lived in Boston and Chicago, where Denise worked as an Occupational Therapist treating children from birth to three years old while Will went to business and law school. They moved back to Denise’s hometown in 1994. Matthew and Hannah were both born on September 17, 1994 and are currently attending Wittenberg University. Matthew plans to work in genetics while Hannah is looking to follow in her mother’s footsteps and become an Occupational Therapist. Denise began teaching in the Masters of Occupational Therapy program at Grand Valley State University. Denise loved teaching and her passion for OT inspired her students and co-workers. The mission trips to Guatemala she organized held a special place in her heart. Most important in Denise’s life were her relationships with her family, her wide circle of friends, and her students and co-workers. Denise enriched the lives of so many people and will be remembered for bringing joy to all. Her MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL will be CELEBRATED Monday, September 26, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church (239 W. Clay Avenue, Muskegon, Michigan) with Rev. Fr. Matthew J. Barnum presiding. Following Mass will be a Celebration of Denise’s Life from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Muskegon Country Club (2801 Lakeshore Drive, Muskegon, Michigan). In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Denise’s name to ARC, the Norse Education Fund, or Hearts in Motion. Arrangements by The Sytsema Chapel, 737 Apple Ave., 231-726-5210.
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