Lillian Oetman

Lillian Oetman lived a long and full life that was built around hard work, family and her faith in the Lord. She was independent and sophisticated, taking care to dress and behave like the classy lady she was. With her gentle heart and sweet sense of humor, Lillian was a ray of sunshine for those close enough to receive the gift of her warmth.

The 1910s was a decade of change in America, especially for women. Although they would not be able to vote until 1919, women were beginning to experience freedom in other areas. The suffragette started a more comfortable fashion – styles were looser, necklines were lower, and clothing had to have lots of pockets. Lillian was born into this early time of women’s independence on December 27, 1910, in East Saugatuck, Michigan to Leonard and Tena (Meulenbelt) Brink. She grew up in a large, close-knit family; she was one of 13 children with five brothers and seven sisters.

Lillian lived in the East Saugatuck area all of her life. It is the place she called home, and the place where she created a lifetime full of memories with her family and friends. She was happily married to her husband, Albert Oetman, for many, many years, and they had a beautiful daughter together – Alvina. Besides being a devoted wife and mother, Lillian worked for many years at Michigan Fruit Canners and General Electric. She was also a faithful, lifetime member of the East Saugatuck Christian Reformed Church.

Always active, Lillian enjoyed bowling and played on several area leagues. She liked to be very independent and do things on her own, including climbing a ladder to do some painting around the house at the age of 90. That was Lillian - sassy and full of life - in a classy way. She will be dearly missed.

Lillian Oetman, age 98, of Holland, MI died on Tuesday, April 7, 2009, at Resthaven Care Facility. She is survived by her son in law Donald Baumann, her grandchildren: Tina (Brian) Tobias of Holland, Tom (Deann) Baumann of Holland, and Tim (Crystal) Baumann of Dallas, TX,;great grandchildren: Christopher Baumann, Alexandra (Jon) Bowman, Seth, Tristan and Gabriel Tobias; step great grandchild, Alexandra Marcello; great great granddaughter, Madisyn Bowman; sisters: Evelyn VanderKolk of Hamilton, Muriel Dykhuis, Rose Hovenga, Kathryn Tubergan, Viola Hoeksema, Isabel Bultema, all of Holland, Donna Hossink of Florida; brothers, Ted (Maxine) Brink of East Saugatuck and Calvin (Darlene) Brink of Holland. Lillian was preceded in death by her husband, Albert Oetman, her daughter, Alvina Baumann, and brothers, Lawrence, Bud and Bert Brink.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, April 9, at the East Saugatuck Christian Reformed Church, 3815 56th Street, Holland. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 10, at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to Resthaven Care Facility or the Michigan Heart Association. Arrangements are by the Mulder Chapel of Dykstra Life Story Funeral Home.