Marilyn VandenHeuvel's Obituary
Marilyn VandenHeuvel, age 75, was welcomed to her heavenly home on Wednesday, April 13, 2022, in Muskegon, MI. She was surrounded by family and passed peacefully after a valiant battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Marilyn was born on August 10, 1946, in Grand Rapids, MI, to her parents Rev. Ralph and Ida (VanWyk) Heynen. She graduated from South Christian High School in 1964 and went on to study at Calvin College. On August 19, 1967, she married her husband, Willis “Bill” VandenHeuvel, and they spent 54 wonderful years together. Marilyn was a life-long artist, who loved to apply her creative mind to "figure things out" - a trait she inherited from her father, Rev. Ralph Heynen. She had an artistic appreciation for creation, and she would often bring attention to the beauty of the world around her. She owned her own business, Banners Unlimited, and her liturgical banners were appreciated by congregations across West Michigan. Marilyn’s faith was very important to her, which she instilled in her children and grandchildren. She was a longtime member at Hillside Community Christian Reformed Church, but more recently had been attending Ferry Memorial Church, where she performed in their bell choir. One of her spiritual gifts was hospitality, she cared deeply for everyone and frequently volunteered her time for helping others. Marilyn had a strong spirit and she always spoke from her heart. Marilyn was a caring mother and grandmother, and she was very proud of the family that she raised. Marilyn will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Bill; five sons: Kiff (Cheri), James (Krista), Jereme (Sarah), Ryan (Emily), and Andrew (Laura) VandenHeuvel; 10 grandchildren: Cora, Abigail, Elijah, Ella, Ilsa, Luke, Maraleisa, Leo, Penny, and Louisa; and three sisters: Jean, Carol, and Wendy. She was preceded in death by her parents. A MEMORIAL VISITATION will be taking place from 5:00-8:00 PM on Tuesday, April 19 at Hillside Community Church (1440 68th St, Grand Rapids, MI, 49508). In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Hillside Community Church Christian Education Fund or Pine Rest Patient Assistance Fund. Arrangements by The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St, Norton Shores, MI, 49444. Please sign the family’s online guestbook and share memories at sytsemafh.com
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