Lillian Meyer

Lillian Arlene Meyer was a strong-willed woman who lived her life by being an example of a caring mother, devoted grandmother and faithful Christian. Lillian was a constant in the lives of those who knew here, very dependable and loyal. In her, her children found not only a mother, but also a friend.

The United States was in the midst of many exciting changes. On the radio, Americans were listening to the first singing commercials for Wheaties, and in New York, the first annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade took place. While in Holland, Michigan, Walter and Minnie (Vanden Brink) Van Bemmelen were celebrating the birth of the third daughter, Lillian Arlene, on November 30, 1926. Walter labored as a machinist at Western Machine Works and worked up until the day he died. Besides raising their daughters, Minnie also worked outside the home at Sears and Nelis Tulip Farm.

Lillian spent her entire life as a north sider of Holland. The home that she grew up in on Howard Avenue was right across the street from Lake Macatawa. The Van Bemmelen family was members of the First Reformed Church of Holland where Lillian was baptized as a child and later attended the Beechwood Reformed Church after a congregation was started just down the street from their Howard Ave. home at the old Beechwood School. Lillian received her formal education attending grade school at the one-room Beechwood School and later graduated from Holland High School. It was while in high school that Lillian met her future husband, Robert Vern Meyer. They were deeply in love and married on August 30, 1946.

The young couple established their home in Holland on 129 Aniline, which was perfectly positioned a ½ mile from her parents, who continued to serve as inspiration and support to the young couple, and their church. The Meyer family quickly grew with the births of their four children: Terry, Susan, Jeffery and Mark. With the “can do” attitude of a young woman, Lillian proved to be a very able homemaker and a lovingly dedicated mother. She enjoyed her family dearly and the many moments they shared over the years. Lillian’s children attended the same school she did growing up and fondly remember on their walks home from school stopping off at Grandma Van Bemmelen’s for cookies and staying longer if Lillian was not going to be home. They shared many wonderful memories as a family. From family picnics with the Meyer side of the family on Ely Lake in Pullman to Monday nights at the Van Bemmelen’s with big traditional Sunday dinners lovingly made by Grandma Van Bemmelen. It was often said the Lillian did not get her culinary skills from her mother because as hard as she would try, her beef roast just didn’t make the grade. Bob and Lillian also enjoyed playing bingo and cards at the VFW hall. There were also tremendous heartaches endured as a family. In 1968, their oldest son, Terry, died courageously in the Vietnam War and in the mid 1970s, Bob suffered a stroke which effected his temperament and combined with the unhealed wounds of losing their son Terry, ultimately changed their lives. Lillian remained steadfast and worked hard to overcome these hard times in their marriages but they divorced in 1984.

Bob worked hard to support his family at Cris Craft, which was directly across the street from their home on Aniline. Lillian also worked outside the home as a waitress for The Vogue restaurant located on the corner of Ninth and River Ave. in downtown Holland. Her children remember special visits to see her there. Later she worked at Wind Die Casting, which is now Holland Die Cast. Her job consisted of plating chroming of materials with heavy metal. Unfortunately, a study now shows a link between Alzheimer’s disease, which Lillian battled with for the past five years, and these materials.

Her children also learned valuable lessons about compassion and caring from Lillian. Though she and Bob divorced in 1984, years later when Bob remarried, Lillian attended their wedding, much to her children’s apprehension. The one thing that upheld Lillian throughout her life was her strong faith. She was active in her church life in her early years, which also brought her comfort after she suffered the loss of her son, Terry. Lillian was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of Post #2144 VFW of Holland as well as a Cub Scout Leader when her children were younger.

Lillian’s children were the center of her world. She and her daughter Sue fostered a very special and close relationship. They both worked at the Holland Die Cast together for close to 10 years. Because Lillian never pursued getting a driver’s license even though she passed her driver’s training, Sue drove them both to work every day. After Terry died in the war, Bob and Lillian purchased a cottage in Irons and spent time there drawing together as a family. Sue and her mother continued this tradition by going to the cottage faithfully every weekend throughout the year. After Lillian’s children grew up and started families of their own, she was blessed with seven precious grandchildren, and eventually eight great grandchildren. There were always giggles and laughter in the air when Grandma Lillian was around. Some of her most cherished moments were sent with her grandchildren. She was particularly a big part of Sue’s children lives because she was a single parent. Lillian would have devoted every moment to her grandchildren, if time allowed.

Lillian Arlene Meyer died on Tuesday, February 17, 2004, in a local care facility. Her son, Terry Meyer, who died in the Vietnam War in 1968, preceded her in death. She is survived by her children: Susan Meyer of Irons, MI, Jeffery (Mary) Meyer of Holland, MI, Mark (Joy) Meyer of Holland, MI; 7 grandchildren: Robin (Jim) Wayward, Jamie (Chris) Meyer, Daniel (Stephanie) Meyer, David Meyer, Chad (Julie) Meyer, Shaun (Stephanie) Meyer and Chris Meyer; and 8 great grandchildren; sister, Eleanor (Walter) Bosma of Irons, MI; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 17, at The Fellowship Reformed Church of Holland with the Rev. James Baar Jr. officiating. Cremation services handled by the Dykstra Funeral Homes, Northwood Chapel, 295 Douglas Ave. Visitation will be from 1-2 p.m. prior to the service at The Fellowship Reformed Church, 300 North 168th Ave, Holland, Michigan. Arrangements by The Northwood Chapel Dykstra Funeral Homes 295 Douglas Ave. Please visit Lillian’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com to read her life story, leave a memory, order flowers online or make a memorial contribution to The Women’s Auxiliary of the Holland VFW Post #2144.

Lillian was a woman with an enormous heart. She devoted herself to her family, living life to the fullest as a loving mother and grandmother. She will be greatly missed.