Marlene Alice (Pepper) Groeneveld, 87, of Byron Center, died June 7. Born on September 16, 1937, to Merland and Lillian Pepper, Marlene lived a life filled with love, music, and creativity.
A graduate of Wayland High School, Marlene furthered her education at Western Michigan University. On Oct. 25, 1957, she married her husband, Arnold Groeneveld, and together they built a life.
Marlene was a devoted mother to Brian (Lisa) Groeneveld, Kevin (Deb) Groeneveld, and Kristi (Frank) Garzelloni; her 13 grandchildren, Brianna, Michael (Lindsay), Jacob, Kaylee, Aaron (Cassi), Kegan (Monica), Emily (Ryan), Nicklas, Shelby, Molly, Jillian, Frank, and Giada; and her two great-grandchildren, Dalton and Goldie and two more on the way. Marlene also is survived by her brother, Lee (Kaye) Pepper. She was preceded in death by her sisters, Phyllis Hatcher and Charlotte Terpstra.
Marlene’s musical talents shined brightly as she played the piano, organ, trumpet, and accordion, and sang in her church choir. She enjoyed golfing and bowling. Her creative spirit extended to knitting and sewing, crafting countless quilts and sweaters for her children and grandchildren.
For 20 years, Marlene and Arnold enjoyed winters as snowbirds in Sebring, Florida, where she was an active member of her quilting and chorale groups.
The family will greet visitors on Tuesday, June 10, from 4 to 7 pm at the Stroo Funeral Home, 1095 68th Street, SE; Grand Rapids, MI 49508. Her funeral will be determined at a later date. Interment will be in Winchester Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Marlene, may be made to Faith Hospice at Trillium Woods.
