Marjorie Ortman

Marjorie Glenna (Bjork) Ortman of Zeeland, Michigan went home to her Lord early Thursday, January 14, 2016, on the 53rd anniversary of the death of her beloved father, Gunnard Victor Emmanuel Bjork in 1963. Marjorie ("Marge") was born in Kent City, Michigan on May 18, 1932. After graduating from Holland High School in 1950, Marjorie enrolled in the nursing program at Kalamazoo College and Davenport College. Marjorie was a Dutch Dancer in her high school years and enjoyed sharing stories about early Tulip Time. On May 28, 1952 she married the love of her life, Sherman Ortman in Holland, Michigan. She welcomed four children, Joan Marie Mack (Ronald Mack) of Wellington, Florida, Robert Sherman Ortman of Holland, Michigan, Marla Joy Driesenga (Paul Driesenga) of Hamilton, Michigan and Karen Beth Ortman of Holland, Michigan. She was so proud of her grandchildren, Amy (Lemson) Knapp (Richard Knapp) of St Joseph, Michigan, Kirsten (Lemson) Ledesma (Rudy Ledesma) of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Elizabeth Lemson of Holland, Michigan, Sgt. Anjelina Mare (Seburn) Henderson of Fort Stewart, Georgia, and Mark Sherman Driesenga of Hamilton, Michigan. She was welcoming to her step-grandchildren Nicole (Mack) Murphy (Troy Murphy) of San Antonio, TX and Melanie (Mack) Zabel (Michael Zabel) of Bellingham, Washington. She felt it was a matter of personal achievement to have 8 successful great grandchildren and was so pleased that this past year she was the matriarch of the fifth generation when the family welcomed two new great great grandchildren. Marjorie loved the company of her family, the fellowship of her church, and the friendship of many loyal friends. Marjorie's parents owned and operated the A & W Root Beer Stand on Eighth Street in Holland in the 1950s. That's where she met her future husband, Sherman, where she was a car hop. Marjorie celebrated this era with her old A & W friends for many years and has been commemorated in the newspaper many times over the years. She was a committed volunteer at Zeeland Hospital for seventeen years. She was funny, quirky, inspiring and loyal. She tried hard to be a good person, a wonderful mom and a great wife. In the end we can proudly say she succeeded in all these things. She trusted in her understanding, "Be Still and Know I am God." (Psalms 46:10) She is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Sherman, her four children, her seven grandchildren, her eight great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren. Visitation will be 2:00 to 4:00 pm on Sunday, January 17, at Yntema Funeral Home, 251 South State, Zeeland and on Monday, January 18, at 11:00 to 12:45 at Faith Reformed Church, 220 West Central Ave, Zeeland with the funeral directly afterward at 1:00 pm. Join the family for light refreshments at the church after the service. Donations may be made in Marjorie's name to any Hospice of your choice who were so kind to her and the family during her short illness or to Faith Reformed Church in Zeeland. www.yntemafh.com

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Marjorie Ortman

May 18, 1932 - January 14, 2016