All Obituaries

Marilyn Joyce Dorland, age 89 of Lake City, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2024, at Georgetown Manor in Grandville, MI and went gently into Jesus’ arms, her last and heavenly home. Marilyn was born to Albert and Harriet VanderLaan on March 30, 1934, in Arlene, MI. She entered and exited the world here on earth both during considerable snowstorms.

Marilyn married John Henry Dorland in a private ceremony in Mason, Michigan on May 19, 1952. They had been married 70 years when John passed away one year ago. Marilyn took great pride in homemaking and in being a loving wife and mother. She worked at various jobs including teaching piano, school bus driving, title insurance processing, and managing the books for John’s trucking business. Marilyn was a gifted seamstress, quilter, knitter, and crafter. She would fashion items for gifts, for donation, and for sale at craft bazaars. She sewed endlessly making clothing items and many quilts for all her family throughout the years.

Marilyn was musically talented. She sang in the choir as a youth and played piano and organ regularly for church services. She loved hymns and loved singing her praises to Jesus. In her last minutes of breath, the staff at Georgetown sat at her bedside sharing scripture and song.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband, parents, siblings; Kenneth VanderLaan, James (Bernice) VanderLaan, Ruthie VanderLaan, and Helen VanderLaan, and most recently her son Kenneth John Dorland.

She is survived by her daughter-in-law Michele Dorland of Evart, two sons Gregory (Barbara) Dorland of Caledonia, Jeffrey (Frieda) Dorland of Lake City and daughter Brenda (David) Becker of Wyoming. Marilyn will be lovingly remembered by 11 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. A special thank you to the staff at Georgetown & Cambridge Manors and the team at Corewell Health Hospice.

Funeral services will be on Thursday, January 18 at 11am at the Burkholder Family Funeral Home in McBain with Jerry VanderLaan officiating, family burial later at Riverside Township Cemetery. Visitation will be on Wednesday, January 17 at the funeral home from 4-7pm and one hour prior to the service on Thursday. A meal will follow at the McBain Community Building. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Northland Community Church and online condolences offered at www.burkholderfunerals.com