Marian Byker

Marian Byker, age 88, of Jenison, met Jesus face to face after a long struggle with Parkinson’s Disease on Sunday, January 27, 2019. She was preceded in death by her husband Bert; son, Roger; and granddaughter, Hanna Rae Bylsma. Marian graduated from Lee High School, where she played on the basketball team, pitched for the softball team, and played drums in the marching band. She pitched for the Eighth Reformed women’s fast-pitch softball team for many years. Marian married Bert on February 13, 1953, ten days after he was discharged from the Army, and shortly after moved into their first home on Koster Street in Jenison. They moved to a new house “up the hill” on Graceland Drive, 6 weeks after their 7th child was born in 1966, and remained there for nearly 50 years. Marian was dedicated to her Lord & Savior, and had never-ending love and passion for her kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids, blessing them with her time, hugs and kisses, food, time on her lap, games, and reading books. She bestowed wisdom, advice, and a listening ear to her beloved family. Marian worked part-time at the Grand Rapids Auto Auction for 38 years and enjoyed almost every minute of it. Marian and Bert enjoyed traveling the U.S. and spending time with the family at the cottage on Silver Lake for more than 40 years, where they always took in the sand dunes and spectacular sunsets. Marian especially loved her morning walks along the shore or along the road around the lake, spending time with her family, and dishing out homemade treats to her visitors. She will be lovingly remembered by her children, Ron and Gayle Byker, Mary and Bill Oosterbaan, Jan and Mike Orcutt, Randy Byker, Sandy and Dan Brummel, Sharon and Dan Bylsma; daughter-in-law, Jennifer Byker; 24 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; brother Carl and Shirley Kleymeer, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Win Byker, Kay Hamstra, Henrietta Byker, Will and Mary Jane Byker, Harry and Joan Byker; many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday, January 31, 2019 at Sunset Manor Chapel, 725 Baldwin St, Jenison, with Pastor David Mosterd officiating.  Interment Floral View Cemetery.  Relatives and friends may meet the family Wednesday from 6-8 pm at Matthysse-Kuiper-DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW, and from 1:00-2:00 pm prior to the service on Thursday. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the Reflections Unit at Sunset Manor in appreciation of their loving and tender care to the residents and families to whom they are entrusted.