Gwen Diane Petroski

Gwen Diane Petroski (Belrose), age 81 of Grand Rapids, Michigan, was welcomed into the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Monday, October 28, 2024. She was uplifted with immeasurable support, love, and friendship following her cancer diagnosis and brave battle.

She is survived by her loving husband of nearly 60 years, William (Bill) Petroski; four daughters Keri Petroski of Grand Rapids, Jodi and Brian Dunn of Boston, MA, Holly and Greg Samuels of Grand Rapids, Jill Petroski of Austin, TX; grandchildren Brad Petroski of Grand Rapids, Morgan and Skylar Dunn of Boston, MA, Nola Samuels of Grand Rapids; siblings Jim (MaryAnn) Belrose, Janet Frederick, Patricia McCallum, Michael Belrose, and Joyce (Kevin) Rademacher; sister-in-law, Dale Belrose; as well as several beloved nieces and nephews. Gwen is preceded in death by her parents Russell Belrose, Grace (Lankfer) Belrose of Muskegon, MI; siblings Shirley Umstead, Ruth Dennis, Benjamin Belrose; and brothers-in-law Roger Umstead, Doster (Doc) Dennis, Donald (Don) Frederick, and Byron McCallum, all of whom she loved dearly.

Gwen was raised by her parents in Muskegon, MI. Her mother, Grace (Lankfer) Belrose, passed away when Gwen was 17 years old. She helped raise her younger siblings and later married Bill May 1, 1965. She lovingly raised four daughters alongside her husband while working in medical administration for most of her professional career. Gwen retired from Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital in 2006, while continuing to devote her life to spreading the gospel of Jesus through numerous organizations, including, but not limited to, ministry missions, children’s ministry, Kid’s Hope, and the Pregnancy Resource Center.

Gwen’s indomitable spirit radiated throughout her entire life as she selflessly welcomed newcomers to church, prepared meals for the ill, new parents, widowed, and downtrodden, and acted as a surrogate mother, grandma, and auntie to those who needed support, love, and prayer. Gwen instilled unconditional love and forgiveness, which has changed the hearts of an uncountable number of friends and family. Enduring terminal illness, she continued to pray for others instead of herself, as she was the ultimate prayer warrior.

In addition to being a consummate servant of the Lord, Gwen was incredibly fun, silly, and a hardcore football fan of MSU; “Go Green! Go White!” - despite Bill’s love and dedication to U of M. She loved the beach and camping, creating beautiful childhood memories for her children. Gwen also cherished spending time with her siblings and their families. She found humor in the most precarious situations all the while sharing her glory for God outright for decades; “AMEN!!!”

Gwen and Bill shared a beautiful marriage that was admirable to many. They built their relationship with Christ as their foundation and shared nearly 60 years as faithful soulmates.

Gwen adored her church family at First Evangelical Covenant Church (Grand Rapids, MI) where she and her husband have been active members for nearly 40 years. Pastor Craig and an uncountable number of church family members and friends sustained Gwen’s fellowship and commitment to sharing the love and learning of Jesus. Gwen adopted new children and their families in Christ. The multiple stories of Gwen and how she lived her life as a disciple of Jesus cannot be counted or consolidated. She wholeheartedly was a faithful servant of God and exemplified this in multiple contexts with those she knew as well as those she did not. Gwen’s light will shine forever in the hearts of family and friends. To carry her torch as high as she did feels impossible for those of us left behind. However, Gwen would tell us, “All things are possible if you put your faith and trust in Jesus."

A memorial service will take place 11 a.m. Friday, December 6, 2024 at First Evangelical Covenant Church, 1933 Tremont Blvd. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504, with a luncheon to follow.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, donations may be made in Gwen’s name to Faith Hospice - Trillium Woods and/or the Pregnancy Resource Center in Grand Rapids.

Thank you for the extraordinary love, prayers, and support for Gwen and her family. The family welcomes memories and messages at wwwcookcaresgrandville.com in their online guestbook.