Marian Deboef

Although Marian DeBoef traveled the world over and experienced so many of the best things that life has to offer, there was nothing that was better than sharing her many adventures with the ones she loved. She was fun-loving, adventurous, and an active woman who was game to try just about anything. A devoted wife and mother to be sure, Marian was blessed to share most of her journey with her true love with whom she witnessed her family tree blossom to include numerous branches of young ones who made her so very proud. Life was not without times of trial for Marian, but she facd what came her way with graceful courage and quiet strength that were truly inspiring to all who were near. She leaves behind a timeless legacy that is deeply rooted in faith, compassion, and unconditional love that will continue on in the lives of those who follow in her footsteps. With the end of WWI in 1918, America was recognized as a world leader and poised for greatness. We did not disappoint as the Roaring Twenties were a vibrant time filled with innovation that was transforming the way we lived our daily lives. Jazz music, the Charleston, and motion pictures in color and sound shaded our cultural fabric during a time when cars became more affordable thanks to the assembly line. It was just as this exciting decade was dawning that a young couple from Shelby, Michigan, was delighted with the birth of a baby girl on Christmas Day, December 25, 1921. Marian Clara Augusta was the third of six children born to her parents, Henry and Henrietta (Stier) Brischke, and she was raised in the family home alongside her brother, William, and her sisters, Florence, Lorraine, Lucille, and Sally. Her father worked as a farmer while her mother was a busy homemaker. In many ways Marian experienced an upbringing that was a reflection of the time. She was responsible for her fair share of the farm chores including milking the cows, and since her mother died when Marian was only a young girl of six or seven all the girls in the family took over the household duties as well. As a family they attended St. Stephens Lutheran Church, and she attended local schools, but only through the eighth grade as was common during her generation. Marian moved to Chicago for a short time to work, living with relatives during this time, but she later returned to Shelby. She and her sisters, Lorraine and Lucille, then moved to Muskegon and shared an apartment. It was while working as a waitress at the Hostess Restaurant in downtown Muskegon that Marian met the young man of her dreams. His name was Harry DeBoef, and he was a police officer for the City of Muskegon who often stopped in the restaurant. They began dating and soon found themselves deeply in love. Just three months later, Marian and Harry, along with her sister Lucille and her boyfriend Don, eloped to Toledo, Ohio, where the two couples were united in marriage in a double ceremony on January 21, 1946. In 1948 they bought a house on Washington Avenue in the Nims School neighborhood where Marian called home for the rest of her life. The house had an upstairs apartment where Harrys parents lived for many years. Their home was also a bustle of activity as they raised their five children, Don, Kathy, Nancy, Jim, and Tim there. From the moment she became a mother Marian fully embraced the role. She was an active part of her childrens lives including in her work with the PTA at Nims School. As a family they enjoyed camping during the summers, often to Muskegon State Parks and Pioneer Park, and they also took a few camping trips to Northern Michigan and to the Upper Peninsula. As a family they attended a few different churches before settling in at Our Saviors Lutheran Church just a few blocks from their house. Marian and Harry enjoyed being together and having fun. One of their favorite things to do together was to go out square dancing. Once he retired, they had more time traveling around the country, often to Harrys Air Force reunions. There was also a memorable trip to Hawaii. Sadly, Harry was diagnosed with cancer in the early nineties. Marian tenderly cared for him until his death in 1992. With strength from the love of her family coupled with her faith, Marian continued on her own as she held her children and grandchildren even closer to her heart. Beginning in the early seventies, she established the tradition of hosting family dinner at her house on Wednesday night, and this continued for nearly 40 years. Marians grandchildren called it Grandma Night, and for years she was the one who did all the cooking for anywhere between 20 and 40 family members. Her cooking was always amazing, and she also made special cakes for birthdays. Eventually, other family members took over on the cooking but everyone still got together, often adding a few hands of the family card game, nickels, into the evening. Marians spirit of adventure remained well into her sunset years. She wintered in Dade City, Florida, where she owned a mobile home with her sisters. They enjoyed being together and could often be found playing cards including their favorite game, nickels. Marian belonged to the Red Hat Society there, too. For years she ended up spending six months in Michigan and six months in Florida. She also frequently traveled with family, especially with her son Don and his wife Marg. Their travels took them to Europe, Maine, both the East and West coasts, and a big family trip to Niagara Falls. Marian loved seeing new places and trying new things including climbing mountains, hiking into caves, and wine tasting, just to name a few. A collector of teddy bears, she was always on the lookout for more to add to her collection. A few years ago Marian began showing signs of dementia and moved into the Hume Home for more care. With unending love for her family, Marian DeBoef fully embraced each and every day she was given along her lifes journey. She wasnt focused on what she had, rather, her focus was continually on how she could brighten the days of those around her. A woman who was truly beautiful on the inside and out, Marians memory will be forever cherished. Marian C. A. DeBoef died on Monday, December 22, 2014. Marians family includes her sons, Donald (Marg) DeBoef of Muskegon, James DeBoef of Louisianna, Timothy (Cindy) DeBoef of Holton; daughters, Kathy (Joe) Doyle of Muskegon, Nancy (Gary) Brezinski of Muskegon; grandchildren, Tracy (Doug) Boardwell, Shannon DeBoef, Tatum Smillie, Michael Brezinski, David Brezinski, Julie (Adam) Schoell, James DeBoef, Joel DeBoef; many great grandchildren; two great great grandchildren; sister, Lucille DeVires of Muskegon; many nieces & nephews. Marian was preceded in death by her husband, Harry in 1992; grandson, Christopher Todd DeBoef in 2002; sisters Florence, Lorraine, and Sally; and her brother, William. Services will be held on Saturday, December 27, 2014, 11:00 a.m. at Our Savior's Lutheran Church with Rev. John Ferra officiating. Interment in Benona Township Cemetery. Visit with Marians family and friends on Friday, December 26, 2014, 2:00 pm - 4:00 p.m. & Friday, December 26, 2014, 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Clock Funeral Home - Muskegon. Memorials can be made to Harbor Hospice.