Ilene J. Medema's Obituary
Ilene Medema, age 78, went to be with her heavenly Father on Tuesday, October 31, 2017. She was born on August 21, 1939 to John and Celia (Diephouse) Dewind in Muskegon. Ilene will be remembered by being a loving and caring wife, mother, and grandmother. She had a great talent for playing the piano and organ at Fifth Reformed Church for over 50 years, where she was a life-long member, and enjoyed making others happy with her music. On May 16, 1964, she married Clarence “Stub, Red” Medema and they had two children, Kristi and Mike.
Ilene had been a registered nurse for over 18 years with DeBoer Nursing Home. She also worked for Blodgett and Hackley Hospitals. She enjoyed staying active with bicycling and walking. Her greatest ministry was her piano playing and the thousands of cards that she sent to others for birthdays, get well, encouragement, and sympathy.
She is survived by her husband, Clarence Medema (of 53 years), children, Kristi DeVerney of Ferrysburg, Mike (Heather) Medema of Grand Rapids, and grandchildren, Blake & Kole DeVerney and Annalise & Case Medema, sisters, Shirley (Len) Fisher of Norton Shores, Donna (Glenn) Weesies of Indianapolis, IN, Flo (Dave) Oegema of Fenton, MI, and Mary (Dan) Doctor of Muskegon, several nieces and nephews and many close friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, John & Celia Dewind, Uncle Henry & Aunt Jean Meyers, and nieces, Theresa Oegema & Amy Doctor.
A VISITATION for Ilene will take place on Friday, November 3, 2017 from 5-8 PM at the Sytsema Chapel, 737 E. Apple Avenue, 231-726-5210. A CELEBRATION OF ILENE’S LIFE will take place on Saturday, November 4, 2017 at 11:00 AM at Fifth Reformed Church (2330 Holton Road, Muskegon) with visitation an hour prior to the service at church. Burial will take place at Oakwood Cemetery in Muskegon. The family would like to express their utmost gratitude to the staff at American House for their excellent care of Ilene during her time there. For a more lasting memory, donations (in Ilene’s name) can be made to Fifth Reformed Church.
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