Anna Mary LaBrenz

Anna Mary LaBrenz, of Grand Rapids, passed away peacefully at age 95 on Friday, April 18, 2025. 

Anna was born on April 27, 1929, to William and Anna Hailfinger, German immigrants. Anna grew up in a neighborhood on the lower west side of Grand Rapids, an older area of the city that teemed with immigrant families. Anna often spoke about how much she loved growing up with children who came from diverse cultures and ethnicities. Her love of, and deep appreciation for, all people and all cultures continued throughout her life. She had a broad perspective on the world, exhibiting empathy, compassion, and respect for all living beings, including humans, animals, and the environment. 

Anna was a lifelong member of St. John’s United Church of Christ where she was baptized, confirmed, and married. She had a deep faith and was very involved in her church, where she taught Sunday school and participated in a variety of church activities. She was actively involved in preserving and curating the history of St. John’s and was especially passionate about applying her devotion and compassion to help others, especially the poor and downtrodden.

Anna was an avid reader and enjoyed all types of books, especially those about history and global events, and was especially concerned about the Earth and environmental issues. She loved the Great Lakes and had a special place in her heart for Lake Michigan.

At the center of Anna’s life was her beloved family. She and her husband, Clyde, had a long, happy life together and were married for 71 years before his passing in 2019. Anna was a wonderful mom, grandma, and great-grandma. When her grandchildren were little, she enjoyed every minute with them: reading, playing board games, going to parks, sharing meals, hosting birthday and holiday parties, and just talking with them and being there for them. She was positive, upbeat, and loving. As the family grew and many moved far away, she continued to find great joy via cards, phone calls, and, especially, video visits---often poking fun at herself for her less-than-stellar computer skills! Anna was a warm-hearted, loving, and dedicated wife, grandma, great-grandma, and friend, known for her sweet, giving, and generous ways. She will be dearly missed.

Along with her parents, Anna was preceded in death by her husband, Clyde, and her brother, Erwin. Anna will be lovingly remembered by her three children: Tom (Shari) LaBrenz, Karen (Gary) Frost, and Marcia LaBrenz; six grandchildren: Jennifer Anderson (Paul), Stephen Sepaniak, Catherine LaBrenz (Pablo Ravest Catalan), Christopher Frost (Jenny), Thomas Frost (Taylor), and Nicholas Frost; six great-grandchildren: Madeline, Ryan, Magdalena, Matilda, Camila, and Jasper; and by her many friends. 

A service will be held at St. John's United Church of Christ, 1934 Bridge St. NW, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49504, on April 26, at 11 a.m. For those who wish to attend remotely, the service will be live streamed via YouTube, www.youtube.com. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Anna’s memory may be made to God’s Kitchen of Grand Rapids, 303 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI 49503; United Church Outreach, 1311 Chicago Dr. SW, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49509; or St. John's United Church of Christ.