Marilyn Wilke

Marilyn R. Wilke, age 90, of Grand Rapids, went home to be with the Lord  on Monday, March 8, 2021.  She grew up  on a farm, she was a very intelligent young girl and learned how to drive a tractor.  As a young 18 year old, she bravely went to California to pursue a career in singing and met her first husband, Wayne Anthony there.  Her faith was very important to her and she ministered to those suffering addictions through her church.  Most of all, she loved spending time with her family, especially during the holidays.  She also loved to cook and made extra special baked goods.  She was very generous and there for people when they needed her.  She was preceded in death by her sons: Jeff Wilke, Jerry Loucks; daughter, Cheryl Benoit; husband, Jim Wilke; parents: Henry and Emily VanDyke; son-in-law, Arthur Rafferty; brother, Ron Wassenaar.  She will be lovingly remembered by children: Carol (Michael) Goeree, Wayne Anthony, Janice Rafferty, Jimmy Wilke Jr.; many grandchildren and great grandchildren.  A Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 12, 2021 at Stegenga Funeral Chapel, 3131 S. Division Ave, Wyoming, with Pastor Dennis Gilbert officiating. Burial will be held at Rosedale Memorial Gardens. Relatives and friends may meet the family Friday from 10-11 a.m. at the funeral home.  Condolences may be sent online at www.stegengafuneralchapel.com.