Marie E.Borgeson

People who knew Marie Borgeson were blessed by her unconditional love, and her generosity of spirit. She was a gracious, most kindhearted woman who, through her love and hard work, provided a strong and benevolent foundation for her family. The year was 1918 and Woodrow Wilson had been elected to his second term as President, Irving Berlin penned God Bless America and World War I was reaching its crescendo. On March 27, 1918, in Muskegon, Michigan, John T. Ryke and his wife, Henrietta (Denotter), welcomed a tiny bundle of joy into their lives with the birth of their first child, a beautiful daughter they named Marie Elizabeth. She was later joined by five younger siblings: John, Betty, Henry, Sam and Ruth, rounding out the Ryke family with six children. Marie was born and raised in their family home on Larch Avenue in Muskegon. While her mother was a busy homemaker, her father was a baker in his own business called Rykes Bakery, which started in a room attached to their house. At the age of 14, Marie became involved in the bakery, delivering the renowned Rykes Butter Thin Cookies to Muskegon residents. By her fathers example, Marie grew up with an appreciation for hard work, and she carried this with her throughout her life. She applied this to any task she undertook, including learning to play the piano. Like many young girls of the time, Marie attended a Christian school through the 8th grade, and then left to find full-time work. Marie was in her early 20s when she married Roy Borgeson in 1942. Over the next few years, the couple was blessed with two sons, Roy (1943) and John (1946). Unfortunately, Marie and Roy separated after only 6 years of marriage. Having a strong family was always important to Marie. While she was dedicated to the Bakery, Marie, together with her sons, created a rich and dynamic family life. She balanced the hard work of being Co-Owner (1969), Sales Manager and Bookkeeper of Rykes Bakery, with the harder work of a loving and devoted mother. By example, she taught her sons to be men of integrity, to work hard and treat people with respect and kindness. She wanted them to be happy, to be good men, and above all, to know that they were loved. Marie was very close with her siblings too, and they spent a lot of time together over the years. Traditionally, Marie and her sons had their evening meals with her father and siblings, and when the holidays rolled around, they looked forward to being with the entire Ryke clan. Although Marie worked hard to provide for her family, she also knew how to have fun. She and her boys enjoyed many summer outings and Sunday afternoons at her fathers cottage on Little Silver Lake, where her boys created many fond memories swimming and playing around with their cousins. They also loved the annual family pool party at her sister Ruths house, summer visits to Uncle Bills farm in Utica, a special trip to Niagara Falls, and outings to John Ball Park in Grand Rapids. Memories of times together become treasures of the heart! Later in life, Marie took a once in a lifetime trip to The Netherlands with her sisters, Betty and Ruth, to visit distant relatives. Proud of her Dutch heritage, Marie learned to make several traditional Dutch dishes, which her father and sons really enjoyed. Though Marie made some fabulous fried chicken and homemade applesauce too. Church was also a very important part of Maries life. She was a longtime, active member of the Berean Church, where she taught Sunday school for over 40 years, and was a member of the Persis Society and founder of the Widows Agape Fellowship. Marie was active in Child Evangelism too, and generously made monetary donations to Missions and the Muskegon Rescue Mission. Always thinking of others, Marie thoughtfully made homemade soups for shut-ins and those who were sick in the congregation. She enjoyed lunch with the ladies club from church too. Marie retired from the Bakery in 1983, at the age of 65. Being retired meant she had more time to spend with her precious grandchildren, whom she adored. She used to bring them their favorite donuts from the Bakery. Her favorite moments, however, were when they came to her home to fish in nearby Bear Lake, while she made them their favorite meals. They usually finished the day up with a round of Trivia Pursuit, which Marie was very good at. Marie was involved in a serious car accident on October 4, 2002, and spent the next 3 years rehabilitating at Seminole Shores Assisted Living. Then, she was transferred to Hillcrest Nursing Center, where she lived out the rest of her days with Alzheimers. Nancy Reagan said, Alzheimers disease is the long good-bye. What gave Marie the greatest joy was sharing herself with her family, offering them the most precious thing she possessed her time. It is a gift none of them will ever forget. With heartfelt sympathy, the sons and family of Marie Ryke Borgeson share the news of her death. She leaves a legacy of integrity, character, love and commitment to her sons and families. Marie passed away peacefully at a local nursing home on Sunday, March 7, 2010, at the age of 91. Marie is survived by her sons, Roy (Karen) Borgeson of White Lake, John (Pat) Borgeson of Muskegon; grandchildren: Scott Borgeson, Michael (Tammy) Borgeson, Kerri (Rick) Allen, Krista (Dan) Midkiff; great grandchildren: Cody, Chase, Nicole, Corbin, Ricky, Alex and Drew; sisters, Betty VanDyke of Muskegon, Ruth (Bob) Carr of Muskegon; brothers, Henry (Ellen) Ryke of Muskegon, Sam (Anna Mae) Ryke of Grand Haven. She was preceded in death by her parents, John T. & Henrietta Ryke, and her brother, John. Services will be on Thursday, March 11, at 10:30 a.m. at Berean Church with Rev. Dwight Reed officiating. Interment at Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation is on Wednesday, March 10, from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon. Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy are kindly asked to consider Berean Church Memorial Fund or Alzheimer's Association. Please visit Maries personal memory page at www.clockfuneralhome.com where you may share a memory with her family or sign her online guest book.