Claudia Bielinski

In her ninety-four years, Claudia June Bielinski had gained the wisdom to know what was truly important. She knew that material things didnt last, and that family and friends mattered most. She lived through amazing world events, including two world wars, the cultural upheaval of the 1960s, space travel, and the increasingly widespread use of her favorite invention, the washing machine. She was an adoring wife and mother, a doting grandmother, and a faithful friend. While rumors of war in Europe made their way across the Atlantic, Raymond and Rhoda (Griffin) Peterson of Grand Haven, Michigan, looked forward to the birth of their first child. Little Claudia arrived on July 10, 1913, and was later joined by her little sister Margery and brother Stanley, whom they promptly nicknamed Bud. Raymond provided for the family as a barber and Rhoda managed the home. Growing up in the village of Fife Lake near Traverse City, Claudia had plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. She had a pleasant childhood and loved her family. She helped out in their garden and was taught to can their produce by her mother. She was almost eight years old when she learned that the United States had granted women the right to vote. When she was sixteen, Claudia won the Miss Fife Lake pageant. The following year, the family moved to Croton Dam and later to Muskegon where Claudias father set up a barbershop on Getty Street. Claudia played basketball for her high school at a time when women had six players on the court, only three dribbles were allowed, and some people were arguing that the sport was hazardous to womens health. Dances were popular social events during Claudias youth, and one of them changed her life forever. At a dance at the Fruitport Pavilion, Claudias sister introduced her to a classmate, a young man named Albert Bielinski who was three years Claudias junior. Margory had picked the right fellow, and over the next few years, Al and Claudia fell in love. Those years were difficult for everyone as the world struggled through the Great Depression. Claudia worked at the Norge plant making refrigerators. She earned ten cents an hour and worked ten-hour days, about one-fifth of the average yearly wage, but she was fortunate to have a job at all. She and Al were ready to face the challenges ahead as long as they were together, and when Al turned twenty-one, he and Claudia exchanged vows in Als parents upstairs apartment in downtown Muskegon. July 2, 1937, was their first day of over sixty years of commitment, love, and teamwork. Al got a part-time job as a postman, eventually working his way to Postmaster of Greater Muskegon. The young couple started out their married life in an apartment at Claudias parents home, then later settled in East Muskegon. Claudia and Al were thrilled to welcome their first son, Stanley, in 1942. Their precious little girl Norma joined the family in 1946. Claudia took care of the children and maintained the home during the day, then worked part-time in the evenings for Virginia Trudeaus catering company. They often vacationed in Michigans beautiful Upper Peninsula and traveled to Niagara Falls. They also looked forward to their annual trip to Traverse Citys summer Cherry Festival. Community involvement was important to the Bielinskis. They faithfully attended Central United Methodist Church for over fifty years where Claudia was active in the Ladies Guild. Al was a member of the Masonic Lodge and Claudia of the Eastern Star. They had a wonderful group of friends that bowled together for years, and they often hosted potlucks and card parties with those same friends. In the early 1960s, Claudia began working at the newly built Steele Junior High School. She became the cafeteria manager and worked there until her retirement at the age of fifty-eight. After the children moved out, Claudia and Al moved to their final home together on Mills Avenue in North Muskegon. After retiring, they spent their winters in Las Vegas along with some other Muskegon friends. They made new friends there, too, and loved the activity of the city as well as the casino action. Claudias favorite pastime, however, was spoiling her grandchildren. There was nothing as precious to her, and she and Al were their biggest fans at their sporting events and band competitions. In 1998, Claudia endured the tragic loss of her dear husband. After so many years together, it was difficult to adjust to life alone, but she took comfort in her family. Claudia slowed down a little after that. She enjoyed staying home, and got a great deal of pleasure from reading, baking, and canning vegtables. In 2006, Claudia suffered a stroke. She and her cat, Sammie, moved into Seminole Shores Assisted Living. She liked it there and added her own personal touches to make it her home. Over the years, she grew weaker until she died on Saturday, March 22, 2008. Her loved ones will miss her, but during her lifetime she made sure they would be left with many sweet memories to treasure. Her husband, Albert, preceded Claudia in death on January 14, 1998. She is survived by her son, Stanley (Karen) Bielinski of North Muskegon; daughter, Norma (Lyle) Bogner of Lowell, Michigan; three grandchildren, Todd (Kris) Bogner of North Muskegon, Wendy (Zachery) Caccia of Rockford, Illinois, and Amy Bogner of Lowell; two great grandchildren, Skyler and Joslynne Bogner of North Muskegon; a sister, Margery Reams of Norton Shores; and a brother, Stanley (Marjorie) Peterson of Muskegon. Please visit Claudias family and friends on Monday, March 24, from 6 8 p.m. at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, March 25, at 11:00 a.m. at Central United Methodist Church with Rev. Randall Hansen officiating. Interment will be at Sunrise Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions to Harbor Hospice are appreciated. Please visit Claudias personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a favorite memory or photo, sign the online guest register, or learn how to make a memorial contribution.