Marinus Ver Sluis

Marinus Ver Sluis Jr. was a reserved and somewhat private man. Although his personality did not necessarily make it easy to get close to him, after a life changing experience, he began to look at life more positively and treasure those around him.

1932 was a turbulent year in American history. The stock market had hit rock bottom and a record number of bank foreclosures was forcing many people into the streets. Franklin Roosevelt was pushing his way to the White House and the public was following intently the exploits of a young phenom, Babe Dedrickson, in the Los Angeles Olympics. On October 29th of this same year, Marinus Sr. and Mary (Shrote) Ver Sluis of Kalamazoo, Michigan, delighted in the birth of their son, Marinus Jr. The third of five children, Marinus, his sister Rose and brothers, John, Homer and Richard, grew up in a stringently structured home. Their mother was a strong natured Hungarian who pretty much ran the household while their father was a Dutchman of mild manner.

Marinus was an angelic looking little boy with curly blonde hair; however, he was also known for getting into his fair share of boyhood mischief. He and brother Richard palled around together a lot growing up and fostered a close relationship, but later in life, Marinus and brother John also came to develop a strong bond. He attended the Kalamazoo area schools, completing the eighth grade. Marinus also enjoyed the time he spent as a Boy Scout.

Marinus married Mary Anson in Kalamazoo in 1955 and together they had 3 children, Dennis, Mary Beth and Stephen. After 20 years of marriage, they divorced. This was hard on Marinus, even though he never let it show, and never remarried. Jokingly, he once made the comment to his daughter Mary Beth that he was a member of the 20/20 club – married for 20 years and divorced for 20 years. Throughout their marriage, Marinus worked hard to provide for his wife and children. He held a job as a laborer at Clarage Fan Company for 30 years until the company closed and he was forced to retire. For about ten years, the family also lived in Paw Paw, Michigan, before returning to Kalamazoo. As a father, he enjoyed his children during their younger years, yet was a strict disciplinarian, much like his mother. Mary Beth, who he always called “pumpkinstein”, remembers how her father would sleep in the chair while watching television and if someone tried to change the channel, he instantly awoke saying, “I was watching that.”

Marinus never let his introvert nature stop him from enjoying a good party. After loosening up with a few drinks, he was more socialable, particularly with the ladies, and could be quite a jokester. Some other activities he enjoyed were walking, bowling and watching sports events on television. He was also a big fan of 50s and 60s music. A dog lover, he had a special dog named Poppion who became his constant companion. Tragically Poppion was accidently killed several years ago. In 2000, Marinus was involved in a serious automobile accident, which greatly impacted his life. With a new outlook on life, he became more open with his emotions and was less “crabby” towards others. Soon after the accident, Marinus went to live in an assisted living facility, where he also began exhibiting symptoms of dementia. Because of this, he became a very good storyteller, usually embellishing much of the story. On one occasion, he actually tried to “escape” from the facility by stacking all the wheel chairs up so he could climb over the fence. Despite his confusing state, Mary Beth said that she treasured the time she could spend with her father over his last four years of life because of his warmer demeanor. Marinus told her “It’s as though my new life has taken over my old life.” His independent spirit grew to know what truly mattered in life.

Marinus Ver Sluis age 72, died November 25, 2004 at Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo. Learn more about Marinus, view his Life Story Film, and visit with family Sunday from 2:00-4:00 & 6:00-8:00 PM at Betzler & Thompson Life Story Funeral Home M-40 South of I-94 Paw Paw, 657-3870 where a Celebration of Life Service will be held Monday 11:00 am. Food & fellowship will follow at the Dyckman Restaurant, Paw Paw. Interment Riverside Cemetery at a later date. He was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers Richard & Homer. Surviving are two sons, Dennis Ver Sluis of Kalamazoo & Stephen Ver Sluis of Jacksonville, Florida, one daughter, Mary Beth Ver Sluis of Lawton, three grandchildren, Rachael Key, Stephen Ver Sluis & Rebecca Ver Sluis. Also surviving is a sister, Rose Miller of Toledo, Ohio and a brother John Ver Sluis of Kalamazoo. Please visit Marinus’ personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a favorite memory, order flowers, or make a memorial contribution to Alzheimer’s Association.