Marlene Alice (Pepper) Groeneveld, 87, of Byron Center, MI passed away peacefully on June 7, 2025. Born on September 16, 1937, to Merland and Lillian Pepper, Marlene lived a life filled with love, music, and creativity.

A graduate of Wayland High School, Marlene furthered her education at Western Michigan University. On October 25, 1957, she married her beloved husband, Arnold Groeneveld, and together they built a beautiful life. Marlene was a devoted mother to Brian (Lisa) Groeneveld, Kevin (Deb) Groeneveld, and Kristi (Frank) Garzelloni. She cherished her 12 grandchildren, Brianna, Michael (Lindsay), Jacob, Kaylee, Aaron (Cassi), Kegan (Monica), Emily (Ryan), Nicklas, Shelby, Molly, Jillian, Frank, and Giada; and her two great-grandchildren, Dalton and Goldie and two more on the way.

Marlene’s musical talents shone brightly as she played the piano, organ, trumpet, and accordion, and sang in her church choir.  She enjoyed golfing and bowling.  Her creative spirit extended to knitting and sewing, crafting countless quilts and sweaters for her children and grandchildren. For 20 years, Marlene and Arnold enjoyed winters as snowbirds in Sebring, Florida, where she was an active member of her quilting and chorale groups.

Marlene is survived by her brother, Lee (Kaye) Pepper. She was preceded in death by her sisters, Phyllis Hatcher and Charlotte Terpstra.

The family will greet visitors on Tuesday, June 10, from 4 to 7 pm at Stroo Funeral Home, 1095 68th St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508.  Funeral Services will be held at 6 PM, Friday, June 13, at Moline Baptist Church, 4428 Chappel Ave., Moline, MI 49335.  Pastor Christopher Bossio will officiate.  Interment will be in Winchester Cemetery.

The family extends a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Faith Hospice at Trillium Woods for their compassionate care and support during Marlene’s final days. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Marlene, may be made to Faith Hospice at Trillium Woods.

Marlene’s warmth, generosity, and love for her family and community will be deeply missed but forever remembered.