Marlene Mae Jannenga's Obituary
Marlene M. Jannenga, age 90, passed away October 6, 2024, in Holland, Michigan surrounded by her loving family. Marlene was born on March 30, 1934, in Muskegon, Michigan, to Gerard and Ada (Klug) Thornberg. She married the love of her life William Jannenga, in 1952, and they spent 53 years together before he passed away in 2005. Marlene had many passions in life, one being her journey as a cosmetologist. Marlene began building her legacy with Peggy White and continued to work with Peggy’s daughter Alexis up until her final week of life. She was an inspiration and role model to everyone who knew her, and if you didn’t know her personally; to Marlene, you were simply a friend she had not yet met. She had an infectious personality, a positive attitude about everything she encountered, and a smile that lit up any room she entered. Marlene had a heart for her family, they were all very precious to her from her son, her daughters, their spouses, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchild; they treasured their Nonnie, and she treasured them immensely. First and foremost, however, she had a heart for Jesus, she was faithful to the Lord and loved sharing that faith with others any chance she got. Her positivity and faith carried her far in life, even after her esophageal cancer diagnosis in 2022, she remained steadfast and made the most of the time she was given. She inspired many in her 90 years, and many felt she was like a second Mom, that is how deeply she cared. Marlene also loved having fun; with her mischievous smile and a twinkle in her eye, people were drawn to her. She valued her yearly Mexico vacations with friends that were family and family that were friends; be it Mexico, the shores of Muskegon or her daughter’s pool; she loved being in the sun. She also loved playing cards, and Skip Bo was her favorite. Most of all she loved spending time with her family. Marlene is survived by her children: Sandy (Tim) Stimers, Lynn (John) Wiggins and Dan (Renee) Jannenga; sister Donna (Al) Paluch; sister-in-law Joan (Gary) Yerkie; best friend, Susan Hirt and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and even great great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, Gerard and Ada Thornberg; husband, William Jannenga; sisters, Viola Wathen; Alice Maycroft; son, James Jannenga; and grandson Joshua Stimers. Donations in memory of Marlene can be made to Holland Community Hospital who took amazing care of her in her final days. FUNERAL SERVICE will be at 02:00 PM on Friday, October 11, 2024, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 3225 Roosevelt Rd., Muskegon, MI., 49441 with VISITATION starting an hour prior at 01:00 PM. Arrangements through the Sytsema Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 737 E. Apple Ave., Muskegon, MI., 49442. Please consider signing the family’s online guestbook and share memories at sytsemafh.com
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