Marion Nugteren

Marion Nugteren, 93 of Paw Paw, Michigan, passed away surrounded by his loving family on December 15, 2023, at Maple Lake Assisted Living.

He was born on a farm near Humboldt, South Dakota, on May 19, 1930. He was the seventh child of ten children born to Adrian Joe Nugteren and Marie Johanna (Vanderlugt) Nugteren. He graduated from Monroe South Dakota High School and helped his Father on their farm until Marion was drafted into the Army in 1952. He served honorably in the Korean Conflict and was discharged in 1954.

Marion married Katherine Stratton from Marion, South Dakota, on December 31, 1954.  He passed away sixteen days before their sixty-ninth wedding anniversary.
Marion was an active member of the Decatur New Hope Community Church (formerly First Reformed Church of Decatur, Michigan). He served as an Elder, Adult Sunday School Teacher, sang in the choir and was a soloist at many weddings and funerals. He also was a member of “The Glorifiers”, singing at many area churches.

Marion worked as an OD Grinder at several industries and retired in 1992. Marion and Katie enjoyed crafting and making many wooden projects for their family. As a team, Marion was a meticulous craftsman and Katie a finish painter.

Marion was a wonderful Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great-Grandfather. He had three sons, eight grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren. Most of his leisure time was spent watching football, baseball, basketball, softball, cheerleading, band concerts and music programs and all the activities the Great-Grandchildren were in. Marion was also active in the Boy Scouts and was a Webelos Leader. His oldest Great Grandson, Hunter, is also in Scouts.

Many pictures were taken at all the wonderful “Family Traditions” which we now treasure. The first word his newest great grandson Brodie said was “cheese”.
Marion is survived by his wife Katie and their three sons Scott (Carol) Nugteren, Brian (Denise) Nugteren and Jeff (Beth) Nugteren; his eight grandchildren, Kristen (Travis) Allers, Kellie (Adam) Young, Heather (Adam) Vliek, Ashley (Nick) Wallace, Janel Nugteren, Joshua (Elizabeth) Nugteren, Danielle (Brian) Rudd and Kelsey (Luke) Jones; and eleven great grandchildren Gavin Allers, Brodie Young, Emma Vliek, Katelyn Vliek, Kambree Boyd, Hunter Nugteren, Korbin Nugteren, Addison Rudd, Howard Rudd, Ryann Rudd, and Florence Jones.  Marion is also survived by two bothers, Donald (Carol) Nugteren and James (Janette) Nugteren, both of South Dakota and many nieces and nephews.
Marion was preceded in death by his parents, Adrian Joe and Marie Johanna Nugteren, brothers Arthur, Tony, Cornnelius and John and sisters Cornelia, Johanna and Gertrude.

Cremation has taken place. No service is planned. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Decatur New Hope Community Church, Centrica Care Navigators or a charity of your choice.