Marinus Donze Jr.

Marinus Donze Jr., age 80 of Grandville, Michigan was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many. He was born December 27, 1943 to Marinus and Marjorie (Combs) Donze. Marinus passed from this life October 25, 2024.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 54 years, Jean Ilene (Heidema) Donze; daughters Catherine (Joel) Phelps and Erin (Marcus Hoefken) Donze; grandchildren Helena, Philip, and Alex Hoefken, Jacob and Ava Phelps; sisters Betty (Theodore) VanderBeek and Martha (Bruce) Johns; many nieces, nephew, and friends. Marinus was preceded in death by his brother, George and sister-in-law, Terry Donze.

In 1962, Marinus graduated from West Ottawa High School in Holland, Michigan. Later, he obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan State University. He spent most of his career working in the heating and cooling industry predominantly in areas of commercial design and sales. His career began with the Leggette - Michaels Company in 1966 and concluded with Heidema Heating and Cooling; he retired in 2009.

Marinus was a lifelong member of the New Apostolic Church beginning in Holland, MI and concluding in the Wyoming, MI congregation. He spent 48 years serving various congregations as a minister, retiring in the Shepherd Ministry in 2009. At that time, he was offering support and assistance to members and ministers in nine separate congregations. To live the love as manifest in Christ was always his desire.

Marinus had a special love for his grandchildren. He and Jean made over 20 trips to visit the Hoefken grandchildren in Erlangen, Germany while the Phelps grandchildren live only about three blocks away in Grandville.

Visitation with friends and relatives will take place from 7-9 p.m. Thursday, October 31, 2024 at Cook Memorial Chapel, 4235 Prairie Street SW, Grandville, MI 49418 and from 4-6 p.m. Friday, November 1, 2024 at New Apostolic Church, 4501 56th Street SW, Grandville, MI 49418. Following the Friday visitation, a memorial service celebrating Marinus’ life will commence at 7 p.m. The family welcomes memories and messages www.cookcaresgrandville.com in their guestbook online.