Jerry Marlin Venema was welcomed to his eternal home in glory on August 14, 2025, at the age of 78. He was born on December 19, 1946 in Cadillac to Jerry and Lyda (Westmaas) Venema. He married Jean Eisenga on August 15, 1969. He is survived by his loving wife Jean and children Jodi (Kevin) DeHate of Marion, MI; Jacki (Kevin) Buckley of Comstock Park, MI; and Mark (LaDawn) Venema of Hudsonville, MI. Grandchildren: Lauren Buckley, Gavin Buckley, Jackson Venema, and Jager Venema. He is survived by his sister Judy Mitchell of Jenison, MI and sister-in-law Hilda (Jim) Cruz of Marion, MI. He is survived by in-laws Bruce and Freda Eisenga of Marion, MI and Nelson and Kathy Eisenga of Spring Lake, MI and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jerry and Lyda Venema, his stepmother, Ethel Venema, his father and mother in-law, Jake and Johanna Eisenga, brother, Wayne Venema, and brother-in-law, Ben Mitchell.
Marlin had great peace in knowing Jesus as his personal Lord and Savior. He regularly commented how blessed he was to know that his children and grandchildren also know Jesus as their Lord. Marlin served as an elder and deacon at Highland Christian Reformed Church and multiple terms on the school board at Northern Michigan Christian School where he also helped pioneer its first annual auction. He had a unique ability to consistently strategize for long-term objectives and to inspire those around him. His persistent advocacy of Christian education deeply impacted many who were close to him and left a lasting impact.
Marlin was raised on his family’s farm in Lucas, MI. He graduated from Northern Michigan Christian School. He was drafted by the Army during the Vietnam era and served in the U.S. Army’s 3rd Armored (tank) Division in Erlangen, Germany. Soon after marrying Jean he began working on his in-law’s farm and took over ownership. While dairy farming, he was known to regularly try new ideas to improve his herd and crops. He had lots of ideas, often at least three solutions for each problem!
Marlin was a memorable man. He could make conversation with anyone and made friends with everyone. He challenged those around him to always do things well and would offer nuggets of wisdom without trying to overstep. He had a keen ability to know when to listen and when to offer an opinion.
When he was not farming he could often be found hunting, shanty ice fishing, on his boat fishing, going for a ride in his Jeep, or singing in the Amen Chorus. During his retirement, he enjoyed creating food plots or building deer hunting blinds. Though he loved hunting and ice fishing, his true passion and joy was his family - he would get a special twinkle in his eye when he would talk about his family and how much they meant to him. He will be deeply missed.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, August 19 at Highland Christian Reformed Church of Marion with Pastor Mark Bonnes and Pastor Ashley Bonnes officiating. Public visitations will be held on Monday, August 18 from 4-8 pm and August 19 from 10-11 am at Highland CRC. A luncheon will follow the service with the interment at Highland Hillside Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to the Northern Michigan Christian Schools (McBain) or Hospice of Michigan. The family wishes to thank the staff of Hospice of Michigan and Maple Ridge Living Center in Lake City for the wonderful care they provided to him in his last weeks. The family would also like to thank his church and community for showing him extra grace and in keeping a watchful eye on him as he journeyed the disease of Dementia and Alzheimer’s. Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Burkholder Family Funeral Home in McBain. Thoughts and prayers can be expressed to the family by visiting the online obituary at burkholderfamilyfuneralhome.com
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