June 20, 1939 – January 11, 2023
Information provided by Smits Funeral Home
Marilyn M. Olthoff, nee Van Beek, age 83, of Munster, IN, formerly of South Holland, IL, went home to her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, January 11, 2023. Beloved wife of the late James Olthoff. Loving mother of Anne (Barry) DeYoung, Tim (Kathy) Olthoff, Steve (Diane) Olthoff, Linda Olthoff, and Mary Lynn (Mike) Vander Ploeg. Dear grandmother of Dan (Katie) DeYoung, Andrew DeYoung, Lindsay (Frank) Zito, Emma (Jared) Kortokrax, Kari DeYoung, TJ (Kalee) Olthoff, Katie (Josh) Larson, Stephanie (Zack) Turco, Brittany (Jimmy) Reedy, John Olthoff, Ben Vander Ploeg, Maddy Vander Ploeg, and Evan Vander Ploeg; great-grandmother of 12 dearly loved great-grandchildren. Treasured sister of Vivian (Bob) DeKoning, Gladys (late Les DeVries), late Nancy (Peter) Tuinstra.
Marilyn was married to her late husband, Jim, for 60 years. Together they built a family rooted in a deep faith in Christ. They loved to spend time together and with family. They had many shared passions and interests, from working on their yard and home to traveling as a couple or with family. Marilyn worked as a school teacher until she had children. After children were born, she turned her full attention to her family and home. Through her daily example, she instilled a deep sense of faith and trust in Christ, which impacts the lives of her children and grandchildren to this day.
Marilyn spent much time volunteering in various ways. Whether serving hot lunches at school, bringing meals to those in need, teaching her Sunday School class, or volunteering in other ways, she was a joyful servant who left a gentle, yet meaningful impact on those she came in contact with. After her children were grown, she continued to faithfully serve. An organization that was dear to her heart was Bible League International, where she spent many years volunteering as a part of their Ladies Auxiliary.
Visitation with family and friends will be held on Sunday, January 15, 2023, from 3 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 5 p.m. at Smits Funeral Home, 2121 Pleasant Springs Lane, Dyer, IN. Interment Oak Ridge Cemetery – Lansing, IL. Charitable donations may be given to Bible League International or Illiana Christian High School. For further information, please call 219-322-7300 or visit our online obituary and guestbook at www.SMITSFH.com.
