Obituary: Helen VanLoon, 94, of Ludington

Helen VanLoon

Helen Francis (Gorzynski) VanLoon, 94, of Ludington, passed away on Thursday, July 11, 2024.

Helen was born on August 25, 1929, the daughter of the late Valentine and Joanna (Pachulski) Gorzynski. On September 15, 1949, she married the late Marshall VanLoon. Together they shared many memorable years until his passing.

Helen was a wonderful mother and an attentive, nurturing grandmother.

She was a telephone operator for American Bell and the Grand Rapids Osteopathic Hospital but delighted in her second career as an elementary school secretary for Grand Rapids Public Schools where she became second family to many of the staff, students and their families.

She was an amazing cook, and her authentic Polish food was enjoyed by family, friends and neighbors.

She was a member of the Rosary Makers Society and her rosaries have been distributed throughout the world, to parishioners of a multitude of Catholic parishes. She was elated to receive handwritten letters of thanks from Lou Holtz, Ted Nugent and several politicians upon receipt of her handiwork.

Helen was happiest at her summer home in Ludington, spending time on Hamlin Lake with her children and grandchildren.

She will be remembered for her witty Polish phrases, clever sarcasm and love of her Michigan Margaritas.

The family offers a special thank-you to the staff at Ludington Woods for their compassion and kindness.

Helen is survived by her daughters, Marsha (Tom) Huizinga, and Mary (Dr. Tom) Olen; grandchildren, Andrea Venza, Mary (Joel) Mosher, Sarah (Chris) Korstange, Dr. Nicholas Olen, and Zachary Olen; great-grandchildren, Marshall, Andrew, Mia, and Jacob.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Marshall VanLoon; son, Mark VanLoon; grandson, Dustin; parents, Valentine and Joanna Gorzynski; brothers, Leo Gorzynski and Walter Gorzynski; sister, Gladys Nelson; and son-in-law, Andy.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 23, 2024, at 2 p.m. at Ludington Woods Assisted Living, 502 N. Sherman St., Ludington.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Michigan.

Arrangements were entrusted to Oak Grove Funeral Home of Ludington, www.OakGroveLudington.com.