Mary Gerlofs

Mary, the daughter of Jacob and Mary (Schleimer) Vormittag, was born on June 19, 1927 in Robinson Township of Ottawa County, MI and she and her husband, Al moved to Richland in 1951. She was a member of the American Legion Post # 28 of Grand Haven, MI - Ladies Auxiliary. Mary enjoyed Arts & Crafts especially painting, thoroughly enjoyed puttering in the garden and she COULD NOT pass-up a Garage Sale of any kind, but her true passion in life was her family.

On April 15, 1951 in Kalamazoo, MI, Mary was united in marriage to the love of her life, Elzo “Al” Gerlofs, who preceded her in death on March 2, 2009. Surviving are her four sons, Michael E. (Michele) Gerlofs of Hickory Corners, MI, Rev. Mark D. (Jackie) Gerlofs of Hudsonville, MI, Kurt R. (Shari) Gerlofs of Parchment, MI and Ken P. (Nancy Bucci) Gerlofs of Denver, CO; 6 grandchildren and her sister, Frances Anderson of Hot Springs, AR. Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her son, John A. Gerlofs on April 20, 2011 and by five brothers, John, Jack, Walter, Mike and George Vormittag.

At the request of Mary’s family, friends will be received Sunday from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home, Richland Chapel, 9170 East D Avenue (M-89). The Funeral Service to celebrate Mary’s life will be held on Monday, January 14th at Noon at the funeral home with her son, the Rev. Mark D. Gerlofs, officiating. She will be laid to rest next to her husband, Al at 1:30 p.m. at Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, MI. Immediately following the committal service, family and friends are invited to continue Mary’s life celebration with a time of fellowship and a luncheon at the Hickory Corners American Legion Hall. The family would like to give a special thanks to the wonderful staff at the Life Care Center of Plainwell. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mary’s honor may be made to the Life Care Center, 320 Brigham Street, Plainwell, MI 49080