Doris Medendorp

Doris Medendorp was a woman who was full of surprises that delighted so many around her. She had a way of making each day special, which left no doubt in the minds of her family and friends about how deeply they were loved. Life was not without dark days for Doris, but she was a woman of faith who found such strength and peace in the relationship she shared with her heavenly Father. Together with the love of her life Doris raised two wonderful children who were the light of her life although she just may have argued that being a grandmother was the very best part. With a beauty and grace all her own, Doris was a true gift in the lives of those too numerous to count. The decade that became known as the Roaring Twenties was full of advancements in nearly every part of our nations way of life. These advancements changed everything from the cars we drove, to the clothes we wore, to the foods we ate. Nestled within this vibrant time was the year 1924 that boasted of the first regular airmail services, the premier of Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade, and the completion of the first round-the-world flight by two United States Army pilots. This was a year to remember for one young family from Muskegon, Michigan, since they were pleased to announce the birth of a healthy baby girl on June 20th. Doris May was welcomed into the arms of her loving parents, Elbert and Anna (Hanekamp) Beekman, and was the middle of five children in her family including her older brothers, Alfred and Stewart, and her younger siblings, Marvin and Beverly. Her father was a businessman who owned Beekman Lumber while her mother was a busy homemaker. Doris was raised in the family home on Pine Street in Muskegon where she loved spending time doing things with her family. They enjoyed trips to the beach, the Jackson Cascades, and Chicago in addition to doing fun things around the house. During her earliest years Doris and her family went to the Berean Church where she first began playing the piano and singing in front of people. She later performed at other churches in addition to her own. For her education Doris attended local schools including Moon School, Muskegon Junior High, and Muskegon High School. Doris took an art metal class in high school and after a car accident left her unable to finish the book ends project she was working on, a young man named John Medendorp stepped in to finish them for her. This gesture marked the beginning of a love story that would span more than 60 years. In addition to completing her studies, Doris held down a part-time job while in high school. She got a job in the local dime store when she was 15, and she also played the piano for a local radio program while working at Agerstrands in Muskegon. Doris proudly graduated from high school in 1942. After falling deeply in love with her sweetheart, Doris became Mrs. John Medendorp on February 17, 1944. Together they were blessed with two wonderful children, Sherry and Joni. They raised their girls in a home on Jiroch Street in Muskegon and a cottage on West Lake during the summer. Doris worked as a bookkeeper alongside her husband in their business, Medendorp Auto Supply, for over 25 years. As those who knew Doris can attest, she was always one to keep busy. Her church played an important role in her life, and she was heavily involved with Church of the Open Door and Calvary Bible Church. Her activities there included singing in the choir, playing in hand bell choir, and church parties and picnics at their West Lake home. They had a great group of church friends with whom they took long camping trips north and west. Doris enjoyed singing in church with her cousin, Stella Wagner, as well as with other ladies groups. She liked doing ceramics and even taught ceramics classes at the YMCA, and she also liked knitting and sewing. Doris made such beautiful clothing for herself, her daughters, and for others as well. Although she was a woman of many interests, there was never anything more important in Doriss life than her family. She was a longtime band parent and volunteer chaperone at Muskegon High School. When her children grew older and established families of their own, Doris couldnt have been happier. She loved having her grandchildren over and often had them stay for a few days at a time. There were so many things to love about Doris. At times she enjoyed doing things that were unexpected, but such a treat for her friends and loved ones. Although her family all enjoyed swimming and doing various water activities at their home on the lake, Doris never went in since she was afraid of the water. Determined to conquer her fear, Doris took swimming lessons one winter but didnt tell anyone about it. Imagine her familys surprise the next summer when Doris got right in the water with them! It was also a welcome treat for Sherry and her family when they were camping and Doris showed up at their campsite one evening with homemade cream puffs. Later in life there were both great joys and deep sorrows for Doris. She and her family were given a tough pill to swallow when her daughter, Joni, died in a car accident in December of 1978. In 1986 Doris and John purchased a small trailer in Cortez, Florida, near Bradenton on the Gulf Coast. They spent five months there each winter, but were eager to return to their family, too. Doris and John made an effort to get to their grandchildrens activities including sporting events, plays, and concerts. She was deeply saddened with the death of her beloved John in 2005. When we reflect on the life of Doris Medendorp we are reminded that there is nothing of greater importance than deeply loving those around us. She was compassionate and generous, kind and gracious. Doris cherished her family above all else and through the choices she made, she demonstrated what it means to live a life of faith. Life will never be the same without her here, but we will forever treasure the memories she leaves us with. Doris M. Medendorp died on Sunday, January 30, 2011. Doriss family includes her daughter, Sheryl (David) Styf of FL; grandchildren, Dan (Sarah) Styf of GA, Matt (Fianc Jenn Sanborn) Styf of Royal Oak, Jon (Catherine) Styf of TX, Meghan (Fran) Welch of VT, Aaron Oosterhart; 5 great grandchildren; sister, Beverly (Howard) Kolk of Fremont; sisters-in-law, Artis (Tom) Nummerdor of Muskegon, Connie Beekman of CA, Betty Beekman of Grand Rapids; brother-in-law, Casey (Ruth) Medendorp of Coldwater. Doris was preceded in death by her husband, John in 2005; daughters, Sandra Medendorp in 1949, Joanne Oosterhart in 1978; parents; brothers, Alfred, Marvin & Stewart Beekman. Services will be held on Sunday, June 12, 2011, 2:00 p.m. and visitation 1 hour prior to the service at the Clock Chapel - Muskegon. MEMORIAL: Berean Church. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.