Minnie Delong

Minnie DeLong lived a long and full life; one filled with faith, hope and love. Her extensive life experiences taught her to be frugal, to treasure her family and to cling to her faith. Minnie had a generous spirit and loved to give of her time and talents. Looking back at the life she led lends an even greater appreciation to her presence in the world, a presence her family and friends will remember forever. 1908 was a time of transition and progress in the United States. The industrial age was in full swing and mass production made prices fall to all time lows. Henry Ford provided the first affordable car and the Sunday drive became a national pastime. In the community of Muskegon, Michigan, life for John and Carrie (Noordhof) Buikema was also in transition. On April 27, 1908, the couple delighted in the birth of their first child, a beautiful daughter they named Minnie. She was later joined by her six younger siblings: Evelyn, Henry, Henrietta, Christine, Winifred and John, Jr. Minnie enjoyed a happy childhood growing up in their family home at 616 Catherine Street in Muskegon. Her father earned a living as a core maker at the CWC Foundry, while her mother was a busy homemaker. Minnies family was proud of it's Dutch heritage. They were faithful members of the Berean Church. The Buikemas spent alot of quality time together going on outings and having picnics with their family in Montague. Minnie received her education in the Muskegon Public Schools. After graduating from Muskegon High in 1926, Minnie attended business college for a year. In 1927 she began her career working at JC Penney on Western Avenue. She continued to live at home and helped her parents as much as she could. The Depression years took a great toll on her family, especially after her mother died in 1936. Minnie was suddenly thrust into the role of a mother, and she performed her responsibilities with great pride. Minnie met her first husband, Gerrit Medendorp, at church, and it wasnt long before romance blossomed between the two. Gerrit and Minnie were happily married on November 23, 1937, in Minnie's family home on Catherine. Gerrit provided well for his new bride working at American Store Equipment, and they soon had a new house built on Amity Street in Muskegon, of which Minnie was so very proud. She and Gerrit had a wonderful relationship. They loved to take weekend trips up north, where Minnie enjoyed shopping for jewelry and knickknacks. Of course, they would stop to eat along the way, which they both looked forward to, especially when it was a buffet. Faith was also important to Minnie, and she loved to go to church, always dressed in her Sunday best; she was an avid Bible reader too. Family was the greatest source of happiness in Minnies life, and she loved spending time with her loved ones. She was always very happy and fun to be around, which brightened everyones day. For many years, Minnie crocheted kitchen towels and made nylon net scrubbies, which she gave to her family and friends. Sadly, Minnie lost her beloved husband Gerrit in 1967 after thirty years together. She eventually sold their home on Amity Street and moved to an apartment in Tiffany Woods. A year after losing her husband, Minnie decided to retire at the age of 60, having worked as an office manager at JC Penney for forty-two years. After some time, Minnie found love again with longtime friend, Wesley DeLong. They were married on October 17, 1975, and made their home together in Wesleys place in North Muskegon. Minnie and Wesley were very happy together. They attended the Church of the Open Door (which later became the Calvary Bible Church). Minnie enjoyed accompanying Wesley on his trips to conventions. A real social butterfly, Minnie fit right in and made many friends with her friendly conversations and delightful personality. Minnie didnt have any children of her own, but she quickly became close with Wesleys children and grandchildren, whom she dearly loved. Minnie suffered another great loss when her beloved husband Wesley died on January 22, 1985, after only nine years of marriage. She then moved back to the Tiffany Woods Apartments and remained there until she turned 100 years old. Minnie then went to live in an assisted living community, and it was here, surrounded by the family she loved so dearly, that she died on Monday, March 22, 2010, at the age of 101. Minnie truly knew how to enjoy, cherish and celebrate every moment that life had to offer. Her deeds and actions are an inspiration to those that knew and loved her. She will be greatly missed. Minnie is survived by her sister, Winifred Nagtzaam of Grand Haven; sister-in-law, Virginia Buikema of Muskegon; stepson, Ronald (Marlene) DeLong and family of Muskegon; stepdaughter, Cheryl (Gordon) Norman of Rockford; several nieces & nephews; and her DaySpring "family." She was preceded in death by her husbands, Gerrit Medendorp & Wesley DeLong; sisters, Evelyn Buikema, Christine Kadelsik, Henrietta Helmers; and brothers, Henry & John Jr. Services will be held on Friday, March 26, at 11:00 a.m. at the Clock Chapel of Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon. Interment will be at Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be on Friday, 1 hour prior to the service at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon. Memorial contributions may be made to the Calvary Bible Church or Muskegon Rescue Mission. Please visit Minnies personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory with her family or sign her online guest book.