Marian Wiseman

During her lifetime Marian Ethelyn Wiseman was a devoted daughter, sister and wife, but her true calling was as a mother and grandmother. She was always there when her family needed her, involved in their lives, and, above all else, loving. As her own children got older, she took all of the knowledge she had gained as a mother, and used it to enrich the lives of her grandchildren. All in all, she was dedicated to the well being of her family, and cherished every minute she had with them. Though World War I began in 1914, the United States did not enter The Great War until the spring of 1917. All over the country, I WANT YOU posters urged thousands of young men to enlist in the fight. Christopher Porter of Copemish, Michigan, however, was not gearing up for war. Instead, he and his wife Frances (Faleon) were busy preparing for the birth of their sixth child. Already the proud parents of Doris, Clare, Fern, Ada, and Clinton, on March 13, the entire family welcomed baby Marian Ethelyn. Copemish, Michigan is a village located in Manistee County, with a population of just over 200 people. In 1917, the primary means of supporting a family was farming, and this is what Marians father did. They had dairy cows, chickens and grew a variety of crops. Her mother had her hands full caring for the home and the six children. Marian liked growing up on the farm and doing her required chores. She always said she had a good childhood. When her older sisters got married, Marian was old enough and responsible enough to babysit for them. She graduated from Copemish High School in the mid-1930s and excelled as a student. After graduation, she moved to Muskegon to live with one of her sisters. Here, she was able to get a job as a live-in housekeeper with a local family. One day, while walking down the street with her sister, a young man by the name of John Hank Wiseman, drove by. Perhaps because of Marians beautiful red hair, he stopped and asked the girls if they wanted to go for a ride. With a resounding yes off they went. Hank and Marian were almost immediately attracted to one another and soon after eloped to Indiana where they were married on December 19, 1936. For young couples in love, Indiana was the place to go, because the marriage laws werent as strict as in Michigan. Marian was 19 years old. The newlyweds lived with Hanks family for a short while until they were able to get a place of their own. They were delighted when daughter Barbara was born in 1938, followed by Gerald in 1940. Hank worked as a truck driver while Marian loved staying at home, being a mother and housewife. After Jerry was born, the family moved to Tennessee where Hank planned on starting his own business hauling coal. However, after a few years, things had not progressed as well as they had hoped, so Marian and Hank moved their family back to Muskegon and settled on Larch Avenue in East Muskegon. It was here, in 1945, that their son Ray was born. Marian truly loved being a mother. She took great care of the children and the home and taught her daughter how to sew, which was one of Marians favorite pastimes. She also like to crochet. Everyone looked forward to meal time because Marian was a great cook and made delicious baked goods. They always had a big vegetable garden, and being a good cook, Marian canned all the fruits and vegetables they grew, turning them into wonderful meals. When the children were old enough, Marian began working at the nearbyTyler Bakery, and now brought home their fresh baked goods. Hank was now working as an electrician. Summer vacations were spent at their trailer, which they kept at Copemish Park. This was a great location for visiting relatives and enjoying summer activities at the same time. In time, Marians children grew up and had children of their own. Now she could spend her time with her precious grandchildren, and they loved spending time with her, especially if she had made home-made peanut butter cookies. However, in 1967, tragedy struck when her son, Jerry, who was also an electrician, was killed in an accident while working. Not only was his death devastating to Marian, but he left two small children. When Hank finally retired, he and Marian began traveling more. They started out with a truck camper, moving up to a bigger camper, and finally buying a motor home. Each year they planned a trip across the country, often going with friends from Muskegon. They often wintered in Florida to get away from the cold of Michigan. They stayed in several different parks and made many friends through the years. In 1973, Marian and Hank moved once again, to a home on Woodhaven near Reeths-Puffer High School. There were Wiseman family reunions to look forward to at Twin Lake Park, north of Muskegon, and Marians potato salad was always a big hit. In 1989, one of Jerrys daughters, Alicia, was killed in an automobile accident. Marian was heart broken once again. When Hank died in 1990, it was almost more than she could bear. However, with the help of her family, life went on. In 1991, she sold the family home and moved into a mobile home in Park Meadows. This was a good move for Marian and she made many friends in the park. She began volunteering at Hackley Hospital and remained active at Evanston Avenue Baptist Church, where she had been a member for years. At the age of 85, Marian broke her leg and this is when her health began to fail. This prompted a move into the Assisted Living Center at Christian Care and eventually in the Nursing Home there. As much as she was able, Marian remained active and would go to visit different family members homes for the holidays and special occasions. However, as time went one, although her spirit was strong, her body grew weaker. Marian died on Wednesday, September 10, 2008. More than anything, Marian Wiseman loved spending her golden years creating cherished memories, spending time with her children, and grandchildren. Even though her family misses her dearly, they are rejoicing in their faith because they know that Marian has been called home to be with the Lord. Marian is survived by her daughter Barbara Fiskars of Eau Claire, WI, her son Raymond (Pat) Wiseman of Muskegon; daughter-in-law, Jeanne (Rick) Schmehil of North Muskegon; grandchildren, Karin (Allen) Douglas, Lisa (John) Sobotta, Steven Fiskars, Gerald Wiseman, Jr, Rebecca (Bill) Kotecki & Tim (Karmen) Wiseman; 9 great grandchildren; several nieces & nephews. Marian was preceded in death by her husband, John; son, Gerald; granddaughter, Alicia; son-in-law, Lars J. Fiskars; brothers & sisters, Doris (Fred), Clare (Ann), Fern, Ada (Fred) & Clinton. Funeral services will take place Saturday, September 13, 2008, 11:00 AM at Evanston Avenue Baptist Church with Pastor Al Engstrom officiating. Interment at Sunrise Memorial Gardens. Visitation is Friday, 5-8 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home Muskegon and 1 hour prior to the service at the Church. Please visit Marians person memory page at www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book. Memorials made be made to Christian Care Nursing Center or Evanston Avenue Baptist Church.