Marlene “Lee” Joyce Idema, age 88, was welcomed home to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, August 29, 2020, in Kentwood, Michigan. The daughter of Earl and Gladys (Blackall) VanderWerf was born on January 18, 1932, in Grand Rapids, MI.

After graduating from South High in Grand Rapids, Marlene married Warren John Idema on August 18, 1950. Together they raised three children and made their home first in Wyoming, then Portage, and later in Middleville.

Lee will be remembered for her love of the Lord, her special bible verse was Psalm 68:19, Praise Be to God Our Savior Who Daily Bears Our Burdens

Lee will be sadly missed by her husband of 70 years, Warren; three children; eight grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. Her daughter, Vicky Bremer and children Bill (Dawn) Bremer, Christina (Paul) Salscheider, and Nick (Stephanie) Bremer. Daughter-in-law, Jean (Wiers) Idema and children Leisa Idema (Cary Feldbauer), Stacy Faught (Joe Westra), Brittany (Brandon) Wilson, Katelyn Homrich, and Nate Homrich. Lee’s son, Thomas (Ann Eaton) Idema and their children, Laura (Geneva) Idema-Shaunette and Brett Idema. She is further survived by her brother, Daniel VanderWerf in California; sister-in-laws, Marilyn Jones and Sandra Idema; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; parents-in-law, Peter and Arietta Idema; son, Steven Idema; son-in-law, Ken Bremer; sister-in-law, Marrianne VanderWerf; and brothers-in-law, Carl Jones and Ronald Idema.

A graveside committal service will be held on Friday, September 11, 2020, at Chapel Hill Memorial Cemetery, 2894 Patterson Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512, at 1:00 P.M. with Rev. Mike Ramsey officiating. In lieu of flowers, Marlene would have appreciated contributions be sent in her memory to Heartland Hospice who took such great care of her over the last several months.

Heartland Hospice
3230 Eagle Park Drive N.E.
Grand Rapids, MI 49525.

To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Lee’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com

Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006.