Alice Denio

A loving mother, with a passion for her grandchildren, Alice DeNio was an extraordinary woman. From a difficult childhood emerged a talented and giving lady. Her family was the center of her world, and she would have devoted every moment to her grandchildren, if time allowed. In 1924, Muskegon, Michigan was a bustling community, and the home of William and Kathryn (Bouwkamp) Wolf. Although the Great Depression was a few years away, life was still hard for this growing family. William was fortunate to work for the DPA, and his children were always proud of the fact that he was on the crew that asphalted the road that went past their house. As time went on, he also worked for Continental Motors and as a janitor at the Peoples Tabernacle. Kathryn was a homemaker and together they were eagerly awaiting the birth of their first child. Born just 2 days after Christmas, baby Alice Jane arrived on December 27, 1924, a joyous gift for her parents. Over the next few years Alice was joined by and even helped with some of the births of sisters Eunice and Kathleen and brothers Daniel, David, James, Arthur and John. Life was very difficult for this young family. At age 2, Alice almost died from typhoid fever. Many times a meal for ten consisted of just half a pound of hamburg. Christmas presents were often an orange and an apple from Aunt Ann and Uncle Bill, for which Alice was always grateful. With money needed for food, there was never enough for a Christmas tree so Alice and her siblings would walk around the neighborhood, looking in neighbors windows to see their lit and decorated trees. It would be 20 years before Alice would have a tree of her own. But what the family lacked in money, they more than made up for in love and faith. Alice attended Lindberg School and then went on to graduate from Muskegon Heights High School. She also attended Sunday School at a local ministers home, and these early teachings led her to become one of the first members of the Berean Church in Muskegon. One evening, while attending a youth activity at the church with a group of girlfriends, Alice met a young man named Russell DeNio, who was there with a group of his friends. The minute their eyes met, Alice knew this handsome, quiet, shy young man was for her. Russell felt the same way, and wanted to spend the rest of his life with this beautiful girl. They dated for a short time and their dreams came true when they were married on August 19, 1944. Alice was 19 years old and ready to start a new chapter in her life. Alice and Russell were blessed with five children daughters Cynthia and Diane and sons Ronald, Thomas and Jerry. She loved being a mother and spending time with her children. Mother-daughter banquets were always a treat. Depite the death of two sons, Jerry and Thomas, Alice's faith in God remained strong. Besides caring for her home and family Alice also worked outside the home. She was employed by Sealed Power, Hackley Hospital and later retired from Fitzpatrick Electric as a billing clerk. When not caring for her home, or working outside the home, Alice could be found with her nose in some kind of reading material. She didnt scan the daily newspaper - she devoured it, reading everything, even the ads. She loved historical novels, but her favorite was probably the Bible, having read it from cover to cover many times. She and Russell had a wonderful relationship and enjoyed spending time together. Russell was a carpenter and together they built a cabin in Fountain, Michigan, in 1969. Most every weekend they would travel north to the cabin. Many lasting friendships were formed sitting around the fire pit in the evenings. Alices days were spent catching up on her reading and soaking up the warm summer sun she always had the greatest tan. When winter rolled around, she and Russell spent fourteen of them in Ft. Meyers, Florida, where they maintained a doublewide trailer. When not up north, or in Florida, Alice and Russell frequently attended his annual reunions with the 820th Tank Destroyer Battalion. She also enjoyed attending events at the Grand Haven Musical Fountain and travelogue programs. What gave Alice the greatest pleasure, however, was spending time with her precious grandchildren, Dylan and Katelyn. They were the love of her life and since they lived right next-door, cookies and jelly beans with Grandma were an almost daily treat. Even when illness began to slow her days, Alice still looked forward to visits with her grandchildren. Alice DeNio was a loving woman with a wonderful sense of humor and a bright smile and enriched the lives of her loved ones every day even through her brief illness. Although she will be deeply missed, her legacy of love and dedication leaves her loved ones with wonderful memories and a strong foundation to look to for comfort. Mrs. Alice J. DeNio, age 82, died Sunday, December 23, 2007 at home with her family by her side. Members of her family include her husband, Russell; 1 son, Ronald J. DeNio of Muskegon; 2 daughters, Cynthia (Gary) Kempker of Muskegon & Diane (David Reid) DeNio of Saline, MI; special daughter-in-law, Kathy DeNio; 4 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; 2 brothers, Daniel (Thelma) Wolf of Muskegon & David Wolf of Muskegon; 2 sisters, Eunice Skuse of Fruitport & Kathleen Allard of Norton Shores. She was preceded in death by 2 sons, Thomas & Jerry & 3 brothers, James, Arthur & John. Services will be Thursday, December 27, 2007, 11:00 AM at Berean Church with Pastors Craig Apel & Dwight Reed officiating. Interment at Mona View Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday, 7-9 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home & Thursday, 1 hour prior to the service at the Berean Church. For those wishing, memorials may be made to the Muskegon Rescue Mission. Please visit Alices personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may leave a memory or sign the online guest book. Arrangements by Clock Life Story Funeral Homes Muskegon.