Renee Ann Galombeck's Obituary
Mrs. Renee Ann Galombeck, age 81, passed away in Grand Haven on Monday, May 5, 2025. She was born in Muskegon, Michigan on June 27, 1943 to Maurice and Alyce (Chamberlain) Fredricks. After graduating High School, Renee worked for Hosler's department store in downtown Muskegon. She was a natural sales clerk and model for the store's advertisements and fashion shows. It was there Larry met her. He worked as a buyer for Grossman's department store down the street. After a beautiful courtship they were married on August 7, 1965. Early in their marriage they bought and operated Vet's Clothing Store, a favorite in downtown Muskegon. In 1988 they moved the business to downtown Grand Haven's Harbourfront Place as The Dockside Shop. Known as a dynamic duo, the couple's unique and friendly service style attracted customers from all over the Midwest. They enjoyed their seasonal buying trips to Chicago's Merchandise Mart, worked hard and had fun doing it. Renee was also very involved in the downtown area activities and fashion show fundraisers. Together they successfully operated their retail business for 48 years prior to their retirement in 2020. In her younger years, Renee created and co-owned Muskegon Monogrammers, Inc. with her neighbor. As a home-based business she was able to work while raising their three children. She adored being a mother and made the simplest of things extra fun. She had an infectious smile and charismatic personality. Her husband, children, and family were always her number one priority. Renee had many lifelong friendships. She was part of a women’s club that met monthly over the course of her lifetime. She was a competitive neighborhood tennis player and loved to ice skate and cross-country ski. She loved cooking, canning, and had a passion for collecting antiques. She enjoyed filling their beautiful home with all her treasures. Renee loved the sun and spending time along the Lake Michigan beaches. Many family gatherings were held at her parents cabin on the Pere Marquette River in Ruby Creek. Later in life, she and Larry looked forward to spending time with their grandchildren and vacationing together in Sarasota, Florida. Renee and Larry thoroughly enjoyed their 55 years of marriage prior to Larry's sudden passing in 2021. She will be greatly missed by her children, Chad (Jill) Galombeck, Andrew (Kathy) Galombeck, and Sarah (Matthew) Smith; grandchildren, Dr. Abigail Galombeck, Josh White, Emma Simonelli, Cole Galombeck, Chloe Galombeck, Cade Galombeck, Cody Galombeck, Conner Davis, Ashton Davis, Riley Smith, McLaine Smith, Tex Smith, and Boone Smith; sister, Sally (Jim Schmidt) Gould; sister-in-law, Joan Fredricks; brother-in-law, Robert (Irene) Galombeck; and many loving nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Larry; parents; brothers, Gar Fredricks and Ben Fredricks; sister, Marlyce Harte; and brother-in-law, Garett Galombeck. A CELEBRATION OF RENEE’S LIFE will be held 2:00 PM Thursday, June 19, 2025 at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444. VISITATION will be from 1- 2pm and following her service from 3-5pm for refreshments and fellowship. You may sign her online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com
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