Marilyn passed away Tuesday, October 19, 2021 at Allegan General Hospital.
She was born February 15, 1940 in Orangeville, the daughter of Forrest and Francis (Allen) Rantz. She worked for Kal-Equip for 25 years, Hayworth and National Water Lift until her retirement. Marilyn enjoyed crafting, gardening, crocheting and was a skilled seamstress. She was a member of Martin Reformed Church and was a lifelong member of Calvary Church in Plainwell. On May 8, 1965 she married Fred Katje who passed away in 2015.
Surviving are her children, Kim Kanet, Jeff Martin, Dawn Katje and Kate Katje; grandchildren, Brooke (Matt) Bakhuyzen, Colleen Broadhurst, Chad (Samantha) Martin and A.J. Foote; 17 great-grandchildren; sister, Karen Keckler along with several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son, Theron; great-grandson, Levi; daughter-in-law, Sue Martin; sister, Sandra and brother, George.
Friends may visit with Marilyn’s family from 10:00 A.M. until 12:00 P.M., Saturday, October 23, 2021 at the Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego, where a funeral service will be held for immediate family and close friends at 12:00 P.M. led by the family.
Burial will follow at East Martin Cemetery.
Contributions in memory of Marilyn may be made to the
Alzheimer’s Association
.
Messages of condolence may be posted at
www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.
Offer Condolence for the family of Marilyn J. Katje
Condolence Messages
Kay
October 20, 2021 at 11:56 am
Kim, Jeff and family my heart hurts for all of you. May your beautiful mother be at peace. My condolences to all of you.
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Doug Smith
October 20, 2021 at 2:01 pm
Kim& Jeff. I am saddened by the passing of your mom. She was a very good Mom Grand mother friend and family matriarch. She will be dearly missed by all that have been fortunate to meet and associate with her over the years. Her suffering has passed her new life continues and you can bet their going to have a good time when they get together again up there. Love you guys ! Doug&Sue Smith
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Gayle L Veld-Sanders
October 20, 2021 at 2:18 pm
Kim, and family, I am so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing, please know you will be in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you always.
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Ronnie Marks
October 20, 2021 at 3:31 pm
Very sad to hear of Marilyn’s passing. She was a one in a million lady who I totally enjoyed talking to whenever I had the chance. All who knew her lost a great friend, and I am sure her memory will live on in all of our hearts. My deepest sympathies to my classmate and friend, Kim, and all of the family. Keep those fond memories close to your heart, and she will always be with you. May Marilyn rest in peace.
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Ruby and Jeremy Rogers
October 20, 2021 at 3:31 pm
Dearest Jeff and Kim- we are thinking of you at this time and extending sympathies your way. I will miss seeing your mom every month and visiting with her and her sweet personality and cleaning for her. She always expressed her love for her kids and grand and great grandkids. She always said i had a house full today so your in for a big clean and i would chuckle cause a crumb to her was a big mess, but in those crumbs told of a happy moment in time for her. Thank you for letting me get to know your mom. May God comfort you and know shes with Jesus and her Fred she missed dearly. Love to you and hugs
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Barbara Hodapp Sisdon
October 20, 2021 at 3:37 pm
My thoughts are with Marilyn’s family. We were good friends growing up in same neighborhood. I have many fond memories of Marilyn and her sister, Saundra.
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Sue Hughes Hopper
October 20, 2021 at 4:11 pm
Kim I’m very Sorry to hear of your Loss.
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Lois Zimmerman
October 20, 2021 at 4:53 pm
Kim, Jeff, and family, I am so very sorry for your loss and I pray you find comfort in your fond and happy memories with your mom!
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Dennis Boss
October 20, 2021 at 5:07 pm
Kim and Jeff, So sorry to hear the news. Prayers go to you both and all your families. Our families have always been friends for as long as I can remember.
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Dorothy (Slesdet) McNees
October 20, 2021 at 5:11 pm
Kim: Sorry to hear of the passing of you mother. . . I knew your mother through your Aunt Sondra as she and were good friends. I knew your mother through your Aunt Sondra. Sondra and I was good friends and was together a lot durning our School years. Your probably do not remember me but I remember you from years back when you was a youngster May She Rest In Peace. May God be with you and your family.
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Jan Mejeur
October 20, 2021 at 5:49 pm
So sorry for the loss of your Mother… We went to Calvary church with her .. Ted and Jan Mejeur
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Judy Goodell
October 20, 2021 at 5:57 pm
Kim and Family. My sincere sympathy. Marlyn and Fred were very special to me and so many others. They touched so many of us at our time of need. I KNOW THAT THEY ARE BOTH IN HEAVEN . PLEASE KNOW THEY WERE VERY SPECIAL TO US. MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO TO EACH OF YOU.
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Holly Stahl
October 20, 2021 at 5:59 pm
I have fond memories of our families at Calvary. Fred & Marilyn were very special to me. I’m so sorry for the loss of your mother and grandmother.
Love & prayers.
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Jackie Dayton Reese
October 20, 2021 at 6:07 pm
Kim am so sorry to hear about your mom she was a great lady will be missed love you Jackie Dayton Reese
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Sharon Jager
October 20, 2021 at 6:15 pm
My deepest condolences. She was a great lady
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Persefanie
October 20, 2021 at 8:00 pm
Fly high with Gramma Sondie beautiful angel.
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Wendy Katje
October 21, 2021 at 8:31 am
My dear Kim…wrapping you in love and light. Know that the anguish and reeling will lessen in time. She lives on in our hearts and memories. I am so grateful and honored to be in this family. Chuck and I are always here for you and Jeff. I love you…
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Judy (Galloway) Smith
October 21, 2021 at 10:19 am
Kim, Jeff, families and friends I am so sorry for your loss. Praying for peace and comfort for you and your families.
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Jenny Cupp
October 21, 2021 at 12:14 pm
Kim & Family,
I am so sorry to hear about your Mom’s passing. I know how much she was your world. Mari lyn was such a sweetie & my Grandpa thought very highly of her too!! You are all in my thoughts & prayers. Sending hugs too!
Jenny Cupp & Family
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Terri Hogue-Long
October 21, 2021 at 6:07 pm
Kim, Know that I’m praying for you and your family as you go through these next days, your mom was such a beautiful woman and a beautiful soul. She left a loving mark on all that knew her. Hold on to your memories they will help get you through your tough times and know that I’m thinking of you.
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Stephen/Karen Marks
October 21, 2021 at 7:31 pm
So sorry for your loss
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Carol Watson
October 21, 2021 at 7:38 pm
Kim Jeff and families! Your Mom has always been like a mom to me so thank you for sharing her with me! Our talks our rides around the campgrounds I will never forget her smile and her giggle ! So Momma until we meet again we love Dale / Carol!
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Chuck Pritchard
October 22, 2021 at 5:36 am
As a kid growing up, I would stop by as we were all neighbors. Walking to school with Jeff and talking to Marilyn as I remember her giggley since of humor and always seemed to be in a good mood. She was like everybody’s mom. If you needed listening to, she was there for you.. RIP dear lady thank you for the memories.
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Nancy keene
October 22, 2021 at 12:10 pm
I loved your mom. She taught my kids how to make cookies. She always had a smile on her face. I know you are suffering with grief. Soon your grief will turn into wonderful memories. Kim I am always here for hugs. Love you
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KELLEY DEPAUW
October 22, 2021 at 3:45 pm
Marilyn was like a mom to many of us! You could always go to her and talk about anything! She always had wise advise (even if we didn’t think so at the time!) She ALWAYS had a smile on her face and a great sense of humor, she could always brighten up my worst day! My favorite gift on my surprise 60th birthday party was Marylin showing up ! I will never forget that special day! You will be greatly missed “momma” Katjie! RIP and see you again someday!
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Donald and Carol VerHage
October 22, 2021 at 7:15 pm
Kim and Jeff and families
We are sorry for your pain in losing your Mother. Our hearts and prayers
Are with you
Love you
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Sally Laws
October 24, 2021 at 8:38 am
So sorry to hear this. Marilyn was always such a hoot, she will really be missed. Hugs & prayer to the family
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Douglas Stahl
October 26, 2021 at 10:38 am
My expressed condolence to ya’l
Losses of this kind are of a profound nature. Blessed are they who mourn, they Shall be comforted.
Sorry I wasn’t there to share in. Her memory and Love for Marilyn.
PEACE!
YOURS ,
Douglas Stahl.
Reply
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