Ethel Mae Visser, age 81, died Tuesday, May 10.
Ethel started the Calvinettes at the Dorr Christian Reformed Church. She worked for Dorr Township elections for more than 50 years and served on the Dorr Township Zoning Board of Appeals for 40-plus years. She enjoyed her family, bowling, golfing, and singing.
She is survived by her daughter, Mary (Dawn Outwin) Balfoort; grandchildren Ashley (Eric Smith) Balfoort; great-grandchild, Renn Smith; brother-in-law, Len Mlejnek; many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Ethel was preceded in death by her second husband, Peter Visser; first husband, James Balfoort; son, Bruce Balfoort; parents Gerard and Christine VanderZyden; brother, Gerard VanderZyden; sister, Elsa Mlejnek; brother-in-law, Jack Brown; and sister-in-law, Gay VanderZyden.
Visitation with friends and relatives will take place from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, May 14, at Byron Center United Methodist Church, 2490 Prescott St. SW. A celebration of Ethel’s life will commence at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 14, at Byron Center United Methodist Church with visitation one hour prior. Interment will be at Dorr Cemetery.
In honor of Ethel and in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Salvation Army.
I had the honor of working with Ethel on the Dorr ZBA for years, she was a great lady who had strong convictions and a heart of gold. Sometimes she made us excellent cookies and cakes, she was a dedicated public servant and a one-of-a-kind wonderful lady. Our hearts go out to her family.