Marie Geerlings ’62 Blauwkamp

Marie Blauwkamp, 98, of Zeeland, passed away on Monday, January 29, 2024.

Marie was born August 11, 1925, in Zeeland, to Jacob and Ada (Zwagerman) Geerlings. Marie went to Townline School and Holland Christian High School. She married Adrian Blauwkamp (while home on leave) in 1944. Newly married in 1945, Marie lived in New York while Adrian was serving in the U.S. Navy during WWII. They raised their children in Vriesland and were longtime members of Bethel CRC. While raising four children, she graduated from Hope College in 1962 with a music major. Marie taught music for 26 years at Byron Center Christian and Jenison Public Schools. She also received her master’s degree in elementary education from the University of Michigan.

Marie loved a good organ concert and played frequently at Tulip Time recitals. She organized singalongs at the Historic New Groningen Schoolhouse. Marie taught private piano lessons, and also served as a church organist at Bethel CRC and Community Reformed Church in Zeeland, and the Newberry Methodist Church. Marie and Adrian always enjoyed their summers at the cabin in the U.P.

Marie was preceded her in death by her husband Adrian, and her daughter Arla Decker. Marie was a member of Overisel Reformed Church, the Zeeland Historical Society, and the American Guild of Organists.

She is survived by her children: Roger and Jackie Blauwkamp, Karen and Mark Bos, Vern and Lisa Blauwkamp; son-in-law Jim Decker, several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.