Linda K. Andre

Through the life she lived each day, Linda Andre taught us that every day is a gift to be embraced no matter what circumstances surround us. She was a dedicated mother who spent the best years of her life with her true love by her side both in work and in play. Linda was a courageous woman with a quiet strength as her constant companion, even when faced with the fight for her life. She was community minded and through her kindhearted ways and generous spirit, Linda touched the lives of so many others. Although she will be deeply missed, all who knew her will forever consider themselves blessed for having been touched by such an extraordinary woman. With the end of WWII in 1945, America was focused on turning over a new leaf as the war had finally brought us out of the depths of the Great Depression of the thirties. With the return of countless servicemen, the women who had fulfilled their responsibilities in the workplace were expected to return to their homes. Having tasted their independence for the first time, however, their hopes and dreams would never be the same. Nestled within this pivotal decade was the year 1947 that boasted of great joy for one young couple from Muskegon, Michigan, since they were pleased to announce the birth of their first child on August 2nd. Linda was welcomed into the arms of her parents, Louis and Frances (Udell) Wilbur, and was the oldest of six children in her family including her siblings, Floyd, John, Lillie, Louis, and Terry. Her father worked at Lakey Foundry while her mother worked at Zarhts Restaurant. In many ways Lindas earliest years were rather typical for the youth of her generation. She attended local schools including McLaughlin Elementary and Orchard View High School. The Wilburs enjoyed camping and swimming, and Linda loved swimming so much it seemed she was part fish. In addition to keeping up with her studies in high school she also worked at Maryland Dairy. As a young woman Linda experienced both great joys and deep sorrows. She was gravely saddened with the death of her father when he was killed in a car accident in 1968. Brighter days were on the horizon, however, as nothing could have prepared Linda for the happiness she would experience when she became a mother to two wonderful boys from her first marriage, Darrell and Jim. Life was drastically changed for Linda when she met the man who would forever hold the key to her heart. His name was Gerald Andre and they met at a square dance in 1975. Their love blossomed over the following weeks and months and with a desire to build a life together, they married on July 10, 1976. With their union JJ, Jim, Amber, and Darrell were all joined into one family who would stand together through thick and thin. Gerald worked for Clark Floor Machine while Linda worked at Olympia Restaurant. They also owned Loggers Inn and Andres Bakery in Muskegon and bought a concession wagon that they took to festivals all around the state. There were priceless memories made on family trips to Ohio to see Linda and Gary. Much of Lindas daily life was enjoyed alongside her family. She was very involved at her childrens schools through the years, and the family was involved with the Maycroft Square Tappers, which required a lot of traveling. The Andre's enjoyed camping and cookouts at Blue Lake, and their home was usually the gathering place for extended family for various holidays as Lindas gift of hospitality was unmatched. Her cooking skills were also greatly appreciated as all the neighborhood kids knew her house was the place to be for mouthwatering foods of all kinds. Lindas children usually had good luck when they took some of her homemade suckers to sell at the local bowling alley. When her family grew to include grandchildren, Linda couldnt have been happier, and spending time with her grandchildren quickly became a favorite activity. Through the years she went to countless activities that her grandchildren were a part of including various sporting events and school functions. She loved the companionship of their family dog, BG, like an additional member of the family. With some of her leisure time Linda pursued her individual interests, too. She was an avid lifelong pool player who was part of a Wednesday night league. Linda was very involved with the Twin Lake community including as a volunteer at the Twin Lake Community Civic Center. She had a great love for the outdoors and although she was allergic to lilacs, they were always her favorite flower. Linda was a member of GAMWPBL, the Fruitport Eagles, and a former member of the Holton America Legion. During the sunset of her life Linda was forced to deal with health issues. When her brother, John, was stricken with leukemia and in need of a bone marrow transplant in June of 2000, Linda stepped forward during his time of greatest need. Understandably so, she was devastated with his death just a short time later on January 31, 2002. Linda was again given a tough pill to swallow when she was diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2003. She underwent surgery and it was removed, but she then experienced a ten year battle with the ravaging disease. Someone who was never afraid to work hard, Linda Andre wholeheartedly applied herself to everything she took on whether she was on the job, raising her children, or engaging in a ten year battle with an unrelenting enemy. Although she could be stern and meticulous at times, she was as loving and gentle as they come. The family Linda raised alongside the love of her life was first and foremost in her life and her greatest source of pride and joy. The memories she leaves behind will remain forever near and dear to the hearts of many. Linda K. Andre died on Sunday, June 12, 2011. Lindas family includes her husband, Gerald; sons, JJ Andre, Jim Ripley, Darrell (Stacia) Ripley, all of Muskegon; daughter, Amber (Jon) Bergquist of Muskegon; 8 grandchildren; mother, Frances (Carl) Sorensen of Muskegon; brothers, Floyd Wilbur, Louis (Chris) Wilbur, both of Muskegon; sisters, Lillie Shaft of Muskegon, Terry (Dave) Kinserdahl of WI; several nieces & nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Louis and brother, John. Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 17, 2011, 11:00 a.m. at the Clock Chapel - Muskegon with Pastor David E. Gruber officiating. Interment at Twin Lake Cemetery. Visit with Lindas family and friends on Thursday, 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon. Please visit www.lifestoeynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or sign the online guestbook. Memorial donation may be directed to the Linda K. Andre Memorial Fund.