Shirley M Marcus

Shirley M. Marcus, 95, of Willmar, died Friday, May 22nd at Bethesda Grand in Willmar. Her visitation will be from 9:00–11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 28, at Unity Christian Reformed Church in Prinsburg, with coffee and rolls provided. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be at Holland Township Cemetery. A livestream can be found here. Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson & Johnson Funeral Home in Willmar, www.hafh.org

Shirley Marie Marcus was born on November 27, 1930, to Henry and Cora (Strootman) Duininck in Raymond. She was baptized and later made her profession of faith at First Christian Reformed Church in Prinsburg. Shirley grew up in Prinsburg and graduated from Clara City High School in 1948. During her school years, she was especially gifted in music and often accompanied school events on the piano. Following graduation, she attended Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where she studied English.

After completing her education, Shirley taught English and Latin at CMCS for two years. On December 23, 1952, she was united in marriage to Carl Marcus at First Christian Reformed Church. Together they were blessed with four children: Jane, Bruce, Valerie, and Ross. Shirley dedicated herself to caring for her family and was a loving and devoted wife and mother.

Shirley and Carl were charter members of Unity Christian Reformed Church. Her love for music continued throughout her life as she faithfully served as one of the church organists for many years.  She also enjoyed leading Bible studies.

Shirley loved welcoming family and friends into her home. Many gathered at the family’s Green Lake home, and if it happened to be a Saturday, guests could almost always count on enjoying her famous caramel rolls.

Shirley and Carl enjoyed wintering on Anna Maria Island, Florida, as well as fishing in Canada and traveling to many wonderful places together. Most importantly, she loved her grandchildren, taking great pride in each one, always supporting them in their activities. Her faith was evident throughout her life, leaving a legacy for her family.

She is survived by her children: Jane (David) Bland, Bruce (Gayle) Marcus, Valerie (Tom) Kuik, Ross (Dawn) Marcus; grandchildren: Elizabeth (Zaheer) Lari, Michael (Rachel) Bland, Abigail (Joshua) Gulbranson, Alexander (Erin) Marcus, Leslie (Brett) Nelson, Connor (Lindsay) Kuik, Claire (Spencer) Macomber, Maxwell (Mary) Kuik, Taylor (Lindsay) Marcus, Paige Marcus, Marina (fiancé, Matt DeJardins) Marcus, Casey (Darin) Bushard; 28 great-grandchildren; brother: Curt (Eunice) Duininck and sister-in-law: Val Duininck.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Carl; parents; and siblings: Willis (Joan) Duininck and Norm Duininck.

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