Marion Buehrle

Marion Buehrle was a remarkable woman who loved adventure. Ready for whatever came her way on a moments notice, she enjoyed a wonderful life alongside her beloved husband and the family who brought her much joy. Through adversity and trials early on in life, Marion came to be an independent woman who brought much to the lives around her. She enjoyed great friendships and served in many capacities throughout her community. Deeply missed, she will be fondly remembered as a woman of grace, fortitude and love in the hearts of many. The Roaring Twenties was a fantastic period in our nations history. Strike Up the Band and Old Man River played on the radio and news of the day was the heroes welcome given to Charles Lindbergh following his historic transatlantic flight. With prohibition in full swing, the flapper redefined womanhood and gay times filled the air. With progress being made across America, it was indeed the golden age of industry, and above all, a time of plenty. It was into this happy time when Norris and Erma (Wandel) Moore of Lansing, Michigan welcomed the birth of their baby daughter, Marion Mae, on May 8, 1927. Raised as an only child, Marions father was a tool and die maker for Cadillac and Oldsmobile while her mother cared for Marion as a homemaker. Although Marion attended the local schools, her family moved back and forth several times throughout her formative years between Lansing and Detroit due to her fathers work. However, she developed a lifelong and treasured friendship with Geraldine Nardowicz with whom she considered one of her closest friends. During Marions youth she learned to play the piano and developed a love and appreciation for music. It was a wonderful form of expression for her and served as an outlet through some of her most trying times. Following her graduation from Lansing Sexton High School in 1945, her fathers work found them settling in the lakeshore city of Muskegon, Michigan. During this time life for Marion at home had its share of challenges. It was through these difficulties that Marion found solace in the wise counsel of Fr. Bill Reaves from St. Pauls Episcopal Church. He helped Marion a great deal and there she found her lifelong church home, remaining an active member of the church for the rest of her life. In time Marion began working as a legal secretary but decided to further her education. She began attending Michigan State University, but this time in her life would also prove to be a wonderful turning point for Marion. With Christmas break upon her, Marion was in need of a ride back home to Muskegon for the holidays. Upon looking over the ride board at school, she found that a young man named Don Buehrle was headed in that direction, and she called him. Along with his buddy, Don gave Marion her ride back home but she made his pal ride in the back seat. After sharing good conversation all the way home, Don and Marion discovered a spark that in short order would ignite a lasting love. They dated during the holidays and before long they fell in love. The two shared vows of marriage just eight months later on August 12, 1950. They soon they welcomed the blessing of children into their hearts with the birth of their daughter, Diane who was born in 1951. Brenda followed in 1954 and their third daughter, Laura, completed their family in 1958. They made the Norton Shores area of Muskegon their home and at first lived in a small house on Leif Street before moving to a home on Maryland. They finally settled into a home on Nob Hill Drive where they would share wonderful family memories and where Marion would remain for the rest of her days. Marion was an active homemaker and made a wonderful home for her family. She was very involved in the girls school and church activities. She also kept quite busy with her membership in the Muskegon Womans Club and the Service League where she volunteered with many fundraisers. Marion enjoyed bowling and was on several leagues. She was also quite talented when it came to knitting, crocheting and sewing. During the summer months, Marion loved listening to the Detroit Tigers on the radio while sunbathing in the backyard of their home. Fun filled family trips to Florida were always a highlight each summer when school got out each June, and lasting memories were made as well at their cabin up north on Little Manistee River. She and Don loved adventure, and together with their family they enjoyed all the pleasures of their motorcycles, quad runners and snowmobiles. Marion and Don even took up power parachuting for a time. With their shared love for adventure, Don and Marion had a great relationship and enjoyed many memorable times together. Marion could be ready at a moments notice to do most anything and was always prepared for the unexpected. As Don grew his successful engineering company with his partner, brotherin-law, and dear friend Ken Tyler, it gave he and Marion the opportunity to travel. They traveled all over the world with trips to Europe and Spain, and cruises to South America and Alaska. With Dons love and penchant for big game hunting along with Marions love of photography, they traveled several times together on month long trips to Africa where Marion took beautiful and inspiring photographs. Their home was filled with exotic animal trophies from Dons numerous hunting trips. Marion also took other trips with friends, often organized by Cam and Kim Farmer, to New York for shows and other interesting places. She was also a great lover of animals and even rescued several from the Humane Society. Along with sharing so much throughout their life together, Marion and Don also ironically shared the same birthday which made for fun celebrations and great times. Their 50th wedding anniversary was shared on a beautiful and spectacular cruise to Alaska which made for lasting memories. When Don began suffering from health issues over the years, Marion lovingly took care of him with great devotion and care. Marions independent nature greatly helped her through the loss of Don when he passed away in 2001. Although it proved to be a tough and difficult time for her, she remained strong. She joined the Widows Together group, finding enjoyment in the company of their comfort and support. Following Dons death Marion continued to travel and enjoyed times with her daughter Brenda and grandchildren. Eventually her own health began to decline, and she had to forego driving. Wonderful caregivers allowed Marion to retain her independence so she could remain in her home. At the age of 83, Marion Mae Buehrle died on Monday, November 29, 2010, peacefully at home. Marion is survived by her daughters: Brenda (Ted) Britton of Muskegon, Diane (Robert) Stirling of Missouri, Laura (Robert) Muhlech of Pinckney; grandchildren: Trisha (Chris) Henagin of Grand Rapids, Lori (Chad) McCarl of Virginia, Peter Stirling, Daniel Stirling, Amy Stirling, Matthew Muhleck, Dayna Muhleck; great-grandchildren: Audrey and Ethan McCarl, Jackson Stirling. SERVICE: Thursday, December 2, 2010, 11:00 AM at St. Paul's Episcopal Church with Rev. Dr. Thomas C.H. Scott, Rector officiating. Interment at Sunrise Memorial Gardens. VISITATION: Wednesday, 6-8 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home-Muskegon. MEMORIAL: St. Paul's Episcopal Church Building Fund, Wings of Mercy, or Noah's Project. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a favorite memory or photo of Marion or to sign her online guest book.