Nancy Rademaker

Nancy Rae Rademaker was a wonderful sister, loving aunt and cherished friend. She was able to see the good in others and never had a bad word to say about anything. Her laughter gave joy her family, and her friendliness brought cheer to her neighbors. It was readily said about Nancy, that if there were more people like her, the world would be a better place. Nancy was born in Muskegon, Michigan on December 4, 1942, the youngest of Henry and Lillian (Ulmer) Rademakers three children. It was a time of political turmoil around the world and anxious times at home as families held up under the strain of war. Additionally, the Rademakers had been cast into mourning with the death of their second child, Jerry, a few days after he was born in 1940. So when Nancy was born, her parents became very protective of her. Her mother kept her close to home on Catawba Street, while her father went to work at Continental Motors. Yet, as faithful members of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, the family provided a secure environment for Nancy to develop values and character traits that served her well throughout her life. Along with her older brother William, Nancy attended Muskegon Public Schools, but after the 8th grade her mother took her out of school. Given the mental challenges that Nancy faced, the school system at that time was not well equipped to offer the kind of education that would have allowed Nancy to live a more productive life. However, her positive disposition, caring nature and bright personality paved the way for Nancy to impact many lives. Because of her love for the outdoors, Nancy was delighted to spend summer vacations on Lake Michigan. The family often rented a cottage in Arcadia, Michigan and spent endless hours of enjoyment with the Recknagle family. Even when she was at home, Nancy liked to be outside. She routinely walked halfway to her nieces school, where she met Rhonda and walked her home. It was disappointing to Nancy when, years later, the neighborhood grew less safe and she didnt feel as secure about going outside. Still, that didnt stop her from spending time with her nieces and nephews. Nancy couldnt help but laugh at her nephew Toms humor, and she was very attentive to their lives. She never forgot a birthday and was sure to wish her loved ones a happy birthday. Nancy lived with her parents during most of her adult life. When her mother died in 1997, she moved with her father to a mobile home in a lovely North Muskegon park. There she was free to walk around the park and talk to neighbors. As a result, Nancy made lots of friends and became a beloved neighbor. When her father died in 1999, Nancy continued to live on her own. In fact, she really came into her own. She kept house, did laundry, went to church every Sunday and cared for her little dog named Dolly, who kept her company for 9 years. Nancy also relaxed by watching Animal Planet and soap operas on TV, all the while stitching embroidery. Her greatest pleasure was spending time with her great nieces and nephews and enjoying the children that lived around her. Nancy was loving and loved. Late in the spring of 2008, Nancy underwent surgery to remove a tumor that had just been discovered. Unfortunately, the operation wasnt as successful as the family had hoped, and her health steadily declined. Nancy died on Tuesday July 8, 2008 at the age of 65. She was surrounded by her beloved family who will miss her sweet smile, delightful laughter and loving heart. Miss Nancy Rae Rademaker is survived by her brother, Bill (Anita) Rademaker of Whitehall; niece, Rhonda (Owen) Latsch; nephews, Terry (Deb) Rademaker, Tom (Maya) Rademaker; many great nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held Friday, July 11, 2008, 11:00 AM at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church with Rev. Robert Conradt officiating. Interment at Restlawn Cemetery. Friends and relatives may visit with the family Thursday, 2-4 and 6-8 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon. Memorial contributions may be made to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory of Nancy or sign the online guest book.