Marilouise "Weezie" Reuterdahl's Obituary
On Christmas Eve Marilouise ‘Weezie” Reuterdahl (Bruhn) age 78, peacefully joined her late husband, Carl Reuterdahl, and longtime partner, Dennis Farmer in heaven. She was surrounded by loving family.
Weezie was born September 19, 1946 and grew up in Grand Haven, Michigan, the daughter of Fredrick and Ruth (Bo) Bruhn (Casey) and a lifelong member of St. Paul's United Church of Christ. She was the cherished sister of Shirlee Achterhof, Fred Bruhn, Joe Bruhn, and Vicki Verplank. After graduating from Grand Haven High School, Weezie moved to California with her mother, Bo, and sister, Vicki and worked for Hunts Tomato Company. During a visit home, she was introduced to Carl by Vicki and Gary Verplank, and the two were immediately smitten.
Weezie and Carl soon became inseparable. Together, Weezie and Carl raised two sons, Ross and Nils, creating a family bond that was rich in adventure. Summers were spent sailing, winters were spent skiing, and the family traveled across the country and abroad. Each year the family spent a Christmas weekend with Weezie’s entire extended family at the Barothy Lodge, a beloved tradition that Weezie enjoyed.
Weezie was a favorite aunt to many nieces and nephews, including Kathy (Augie) Fabela (Achterhof), Nancy (David) Rasch (Achterhof), Jill (Jay) Zammit (Achterhof), Dr. Casey Bruhn, Chad (Tanya) Bruhn, Calvin (Brandy) Bruhn, Todd (Linda) Bruhn, Robert Bruhn, Marty (Ed) Koza (Bruhn), Tony (Monica) Verplank, Ashley Verplank, and Kyle (Samantha) Verplank. The holidays were never complete without Weezie’s famous homemade hot mustard, nuts and bolts (Chex mix), bonbons, and chili. She also delighted her family with her knitting, sewing, and creative touches, often crafting blankets, hats, sweaters, and jean comforters for those she loved.
After Carl’s passing, Weezie was fortunate to meet Dennis Farmer, and the two spent many happy years together. They divided their time between Michigan in the summer and Florida in the winter, enjoying power boating, golf, travel, and hosting dinner parties for their many friends. They also found peace at their cabin in Thompsonville, where they spent quiet days gardening and looking forward to visits from family.
In Michigan, Weezie and Dennis were frequently spotted on the sidelines of their granddaughter Charlie Reuterdahl's soccer games or bundled up together watching her ski races. Weezie adored Charlie and cherished every moment spent with her, even joining her on vacations to Jamaica and surprising her at Disney World. Charlie was the light of Weezie and Dennis' golden years, and in her final week, Weezie was in Vermont, supporting her granddaughter's skiing.
Weezie was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Bo Bruhn; her husband, Carl Reuterdahl; her partner, Dennis Farmer; her sister, Vicki Verplank; her brothers-in-law, Gary Verplank and Ken Achterhof; her sister-in-law, Carol Bruhn; and her father and mother-in-law, Bert and Min Reuterdahl.
She is survived by her son Ross, daughter-in-law Allison, and granddaughter Charlie; her son Nils, daughter-in-law Ashley, and grandson Riley; her brothers and sisters; her many nieces, nephews, and extended family; and a host of friends who will miss her dearly.
Weezie’s life was a grand adventure -a testament to the power of love, laughter (including towards the end when working out the details of her nuts and bolts recipe), wine and cherished connections to the people around her. God speed, Weezie. You’ve left us with more than we could have ever asked for, you will be forever in our hearts.
A celebration of life will be held in Spring 2025 with more information to follow. Please sign the family’s online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com
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