Valarie "Val" Fortenbacher's Obituary
Valarie “Val” Fortenbacher, age 85, passed away peacefully Tuesday, February 19, 2024, in her Roosevelt Park home. She was born July 9, 1938, in Muskegon, MI, to David and Elizabeth (Campbell) Robarge. She attended Muskegon Heights High School and graduated in 1956. Val married William “Bill” Fortenbacher, Sr. on January 19, 1957, and he preceded her in death on October 24, 2020.
Val owned the Ye Olde Tavern with Bill for 21 years, where they created many friendships and relationships. She enjoyed playing and watching golf and cross stitching in her free time. She and Bill traveled to Las Vegas quite often and enjoyed visiting various casinos and trying her luck at scratch off Bingo cards. Val loved camping with her granddaughter Kerra up at Silver Creek RV Resort in Mears, MI for 12 years and created many fond memories with family and friends. During the winter months, Val and Bill could be found enjoying the warmer weather on Anna Maria Island. She also held a special place for her granddogs Wilson and Oberon and going to see her grandkittens Oreo and Pumpkin. Most importantly, Val’s pride and joy were her two special grandchildren, Derek and Kerra, and the many memories they created together will forever live on. One of Val’s greatest joys was born July 19, 2023, Max William Anderson, her first great grandchild.
Val will be dearly missed by her children, Bill Fortenbacher Jr. and Carol (David) Anderson; grandchildren, Derek (Jenna) Anderson and Kerra (Derek) Bush; great grandson, Max William; sister, Nancy Franczek; brother, David (Susan) Robarge; and very special friend, Carolyn Minott. Along with her husband Bill, she was preceded in death by her parents.
A private GRAVESIDE SERVICE will be held. MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS in honor of Val may be directed to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Arrangements entrusted to The Lee Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services (6291 Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444). To share special memories with the family, please visit http://www.sytsemafh.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Valarie?
What’s a lesson you learned from Valarie?
Share a story where Valarie's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Valarie you’ll never forget.
How did Valarie make you smile?
