Lena Marsman (VanBemden), aged 77 of Kentwood, was called home to be with her Lord on Sunday, August 13, 2017. She was preceded in death by her husband, David Jay Marsman; sister, Wilma McCarty; brothers, Casey VanBemden, Gerard “Butch” VanBemden, and Isaac “Ike” VanBemden. Lena was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother that treasured her family. Over the years she worked at Knape and Vogt, Allied Finishing, and retired from Steelcase after 17 years of faithful service. She and her husband Dave were avid race fans, attending many tracks across the United States. She had a love for softball, many memories were made playing on teams from both Knape & Vogt and Allied Finishing. She will be lovingly remembered by her children and grandchildren, David and Ann Marsman (Grace), Steve Marsman, Scott and Regina Marsman (Breanna, Brittany and Johnny Hillis); brothers and sisters, Joe and Carol VanBemden, Van and Brenda VanBemden, Cora and Fred Roelofs, Dee VanBemden, Pete VanBemden, Adrian and Linda VanBemden, Mary Gingrich, Jackie and Harry Lucas, Jenny and Eric Pannill, Jenny VanBemden; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Max Ingram, Linda and Al Metzger, Mary Boot, Kenny and Bonnie Marsman; several nieces, nephews and cousins; and her adopted family, Terri and Debby Munly and children. Funeral Services will be held Thursday at 11am at Heritage Baptist Church, 1570 - 60th St. SE, Kentwood with Pastor Tim Oberst officiating. Interment in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. Relatives and friends may meet the family at the Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Chapel (Kentwood), 4646 Kalamazoo Ave. SE on Wednesday from 3-5 and 7-9 pm and also 1 hour prior to the service at church. For those who wish to make memorial contributions, the family requests the American Heart Association or Heritage Baptist Church Missions Fund.
Leave Your Tribute Message
August 19, 2017 6:26am
So sorry to hear about the passing of Aunt Lena. Beautiful memories come flooding back as we remember a very special lady who had a gift for always brightening everything and everyone up. She made you feel loved and included. I cherish and love each and every memory I have of her and there are many. Every time I think of her it just makes me smile. That was the effect she had on people. Although I know you will miss her here on earth, heaven just got a little brighter. We have been and will continue to pray for you all.
- Tim and Deb (Marsman) Matchinsky
August 17, 2017 6:43am
Our deepest sympathies to the family.
We will miss Lena and keep her in our hearts. Have many good memories of our time together. Charlene, Issa and Angie,
Lori and Scott
- Charlene vanbemden
August 16, 2017 7:54pm
To my Aunt Lena, who always made me feel like one of her own sons. I have always loved you and will miss you, though your laughter and great sense of humor will never be forgotten., I remember many occasions at your home, Indy, and Bills Lake, we enjoyed life,and now the Lord has decided to call you home. Our prayers and thoughts are with the family during this time of significant loss., Please know you will always be with us., Steven, David. Ann, Scott, Regina, and children, my love could not be any stronger for you at this time of loss., I will not be present to personalize my respects, but know my heart and soul are with you at this difficult time in your life.
- Gary Marsman
August 16, 2017 6:55am
My condolences to the families.
- Karen Clark (De Waal)
August 15, 2017 1:11pm
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of this dear, sweet, energetic lady who we were blessed to have known as our backyard neighbor. Many chats and offers of swimming to our children are some of memories we cherish. Our hearts break for you all for the loss of your dear mom.
- Wayne and Linda Schalk
August 15, 2017 4:45am
Our deepest sympathies to the family with the loss of your mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and our cousin. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
- Mieke and Steve Bazen