Mary Ellen Koelzer

Mary Ellen Koelzer, aged 81, of Grand Rapids went to be with her Heavenly Father on Sunday, November 11, 2012 surrounded by her family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Julius and Mathilda Bohr; husband, F. James (Jim) Koelzer in 2005; infant son, David; sisters, Norine Bohr, Joan Madden; brothers, Wilfred Bohr, Gerald Bohr, Bro. James Bohr; sister-in-laws, Stacey Bohr, Vicky Bohr; and brother-in-laws, Ed Duba, John Roman, and Deacon George LeMire. Surviving are her children, Kathy Koelzer; Jane Koelzer; her Treasured Jenny Koelzer; Jim and Teresa Koelzer and their son, Jonathan; Daryl and Julie Busen and their children, Tim, Brian, Kate, Grace, Anne, and Sarah; Pete and Joan Koelzer and their children Katie (Chris), Jeff, Emily, and Mikaela; Tom and Julie Koelzer and their children, Tommy and Mike; Tim and Kristin Koelzer and their children, Katherine, Matthew, and Madeline; Jim and Mary Frey and their children, Maria, Christina, Laura, Daniel, Julia, and David; Mike and Margaret Koelzer and their children, Kevin, Megan, Molly, Brian, Aidan, Grace, Lance, Halle, Abbie, Drew; Mike and Therese O'Connor and their children, Charlie, Mary, Colleen, and Molly. Also surviving are her sisters, Rosaline Duba, Evelyn Roman, Virginia LeMire; sister-in-law, Judy Konwinski, brother-in-law, Bill Madden, and numerous special nieces, nephews, and many close friends. Mary Ellen was a very devoted Catholic, and her faith was of the utmost importance to her. Over the years she touched so many lives and will always be remembered as a selfless, giving, compassionate, person. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who loved to bake and cook. She was known for her homemade soup, homemade bread, and parkerhouse rolls. She loved to sing, and with three of her sisters, The Bohr Girls sang at weddings, funerals, and many special events throughout her life. Mary Ellen started the adult choir at Blessed Sacrament, and served as volunteer director for more than 37 years. Her house was filled with singing, dancing and laughter. She always was ready to serve those in need and for many years, delivered for Meals on Wheels. She will always be loved and missed by all who knew her, especially those whose lives she touched in so many ways. The Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11 a.m. on Thursday, November 15, 2012 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 2275 Diamond Ave. N.E., with Rev. George Darling as Celebrant. The family warmly welcomes all current and former Adult Choir members to help celebrate her life by singing in the choir at her funeral mass. (For those able to sing with the choir, please meet in the church basement at 10:15 the day of the service.) You may greet her family for visitation at Reyers North Valley Chapel from both 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. with a scripture service at 7:45p.m. on Wednesday, November 14, 2012. One hour additional visitation from 10-11a.m. on Thursday at church. Interment in Fairplains Cemetery. For those who wish, in lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to Right to Life, Meals on Wheels, or Blessed Sacrament.