Marjorie "Marge" Heykoop

Great satisfaction can be found in the meaning of relationships and how we all play such an important role in the lives of our family and people we meet as we journey through life. Marjorie "Marge" Heykoop took her role as a wife, mother and grandmother to heart and showered her family with unconditional love, devotion and generosity. She truly believed that life's most precious gifts were the ones you love. The stock market crash would forever mark 1929 as the year the Great Depression began. More than that, though, it was also the year that John and Nellie (Hoffman) Plescher of Muskegon, Michigan, welcomed the birth of their beautiful daughter, Marjorie, on February 25, 1929. Marge, as she was called, grew up in a fairly large family that included six children. She was very close with her sister, Joan "Suzy", and four brothers, Don, George, Harold and Fred. While Marge's mother stayed home and cared for the needs of their family, her father worked as a landscaper for the Muskegon Parks and Recreation, and was also a cabinet maker by trade. Although her siblings were great playmates, Marge loved to hang out with her best friend, Betty Medema, who remained a lifelong friend. With dancing shoes on, she and Betty would head into town or Chicago with her brothers, George and Harold. Some of Marge's fondest childhood memories included picking blueberries with her family at her Uncle Herm's farm in New Era and taking the ferry to Newberry in the Upper Peninsula, where they spent time with her Uncle Jim. They would rise early in the morning to pick cherries then spend the rest of the afternoon playing. Marge and her family also enjoyed camping when they went on vacation, a pastime she would share with her own family one day. Marge received her education in the Muskegon Public Schools. Typically, after her school day was done, she and her sister Suzy would go to their Aunt Florence's home, where a delicious homemade snack was always waiting for them. Marge graduated from Muskegon High School in 1947. One fateful day while at a street dance, Marge met the love of her life, Peter Heykoop, Jr. The young couple couldn't help but fall in love for they had so much in common. From dancing and camping to playing cards and being outdoors, they enjoyed each other's company in whatever they were doing. On February 3, 1949, Marge and Peter bound their hearts together as husband and wife, and spent the next 48 years making wonderful memories together. The couple was blessed with six children throughout the years: three sons, Jim, Peter, Joe, and three daughters, Barb, Sandy and Brenda. Marge took great pride in providing a loving, nurturing home for her children. Her family always came first, even if she had to go without so that they had what they needed. Like in her childhood, Marge and her family enjoyed camping, and many unforgettable memories were made during their annual two-week trip to Burt Lake. This "family" trip would eventually grow to include her grandchildren and great grandchildren, whom she adored. Time together with family was always important to Marge and she eagerly looked forward to every family reunion and holiday that they could spend together. Besides being a devoted wife and mother, Marge also worked at Sealed Power for a while before putting in 15 years at Tek Mold. After retiring in 1983, Marge spent much of her leisure time traveling, reading or fishing with her husband Peter. She was a member of the Al-Anon and Girl's Poker Club, which consisted of some of her high school friends that got together once a month for dinner and card games. Marge was also involved in the AA with Peter. Although Marge had many cherished moments in her life, there were a few extra special events that stood out in her mind. These included her wedding day, her 75th birthday party with Betty while in Florida and her trips to Ireland and Alaska. Marge was a wonderful and loving wife, mother and grandmother, who will be deeply missed and fondly remembered. Marjorie "Marge" Heykoop, age 77, died on Wednesday, May 31, 2006. SURVIVORS: 3 sons: Jim (Kristine) Heykoop of Elgin, IL, Peter (Chris) Heykoop of Ravenna and Joe (Robin) Heykoop of White Cloud; 3 daughters: Barb Heykoop of Muskegon, Sandy (Jim) Brinn of Grand Haven and Dr. Brenda (David) Clark of Muskegon; 14 grandchildren: Joe, Heather, Josh, Chad, Laura, Lisa, Jenny, Shannon, Josh S., Adam, Erick, Danny, Rob and Courtney; 5 great grandchildren; 1 sister, Joan "Suzy" (Ron) Linthicum of VA; 1 brother, Don ( Doris) Plesscher of Belmont; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Peter, in 1997, and 3 brothers, George, Harold and Fred Plescher. SERVICE: Monday, June 5, at 10:00 a.m., at the Clock Chapel with Pastor Russ Damm officiating. Interment at Sunrise Memorial Gardens. VISITATION: Sunday, June 4, from 4-6 p.m. at the Clock Life Story Funeral Home. MEMORIALS: Leukemia Society of Michigan or Hackley Visiting Nurse Hospice of Muskegon. You may share a favorite memory of Marge or sign the online guestbook at www.lifestorynet.com.