Marvin L. "Marv" Avery's Obituary
Marvin L. "Marv" Avery, age 77, died peacefully in his home on October 17, 2024, after
a short illness. He was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on 3/22/1947. He married
Izetta Van Camp on 8/31/1968. They were married for 56 wonderful years which were
filled with much love, laughter, and no regrets.
Marv grew up in Wyoming, Michigan, and graduated from Michigan State University. He
was a lifelong and loyal Spartan fan. He spent his career as a banker in Greenville,
Michigan, and became an integral part of that community. He was always active in
sports and played softball, basketball and tennis. As a teenager, and with his three
other brothers, he was a founder of the annual family Turkey Bowl Football Game that
they played each and every Thanksgiving. The old and the young alike in the family
loved this tradition.
After Marv retired, he and Izetta moved to Spring Lake, Michigan. It was here that he
discovered the game of Pickleball. He loved this game, was an avid player, and
eventually became a teacher and mentor to dozens of other people, both young and old
alike. His passion for the game was infectious and, although he wouldn't want this fact
to be shared, he earned a collection of Pickleball gold medals.
Later in life, he also came to be passionate about flowers. He filled his own yard and
the common neighborhood area with them as he wanted to share their beauty. In their
years together, Marv and Izetta adopted and raised several cats. Those were some
very lucky cats to have become part of their family. He loved to read, mostly non-fiction
books, and he and Izetta had a standing, weekly, Friday afternoon movie date. He
made Christmases special for each of his nieces and nephews by giving them
meaningful, creative, and funny gifts. He ate healthy, was a big supporter of organic
foods, and believed in the importance of exercise with one exception-his love of
(Vitamin B) Bailey's Irish Cream.
So many people have shared their thoughts about Marv: he was caring, helpful,
energetic, upbeat, and always held a positive attitude. He willingly shared his time and
talents with whoever or whatever the cause was. His presence made every gathering
more fun.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Joyce Avery, his sister-in-law, Mary
Louise Avery, many other brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws, and his nephew, Brian
Michael Avery.
Marv is survived by his wife, Izetta. He is also survived by his brothers Jim E. Avery,
Dean (Sandi) Avery, Al (Linda) Avery; brother-in-law, Rodney Van Camp, and
sister-in-law, Kim Van Camp; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends. He
will be deeply missed.
Per Marv's wishes, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Marv's life will be held Sunday, November 24, 2024, from 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM at Ted's Restaurant, located at 14977 Cleveland Street (M104), Spring Lake. MEMORIALS to the Harbor Hospice Foundation will be appreciated.
Share memories with the family at their online Guest Book at www.sytsemafh.com.
Arrangements by the Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 6291 S.
Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444. Telephone: (231)798-1100
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