In the beginning, there was a baby girl born in Ann Arbor, MI to a very young mother. Unable to take care of her child, she was given up for adoption. On the other side of the state, a couple had been trying to have children of their own, but with much diffi culty. They fi nally decided to adopt. Mary Joyce Kriger, who was born April 19, 1932, came home to Kent City to live with Robert and Mable Kriger. She was a happy exited baby who never slowed down. Her baby years were spent with her new family. Mary

was taught to love and respect as a child. Her parent’s Swedish heritage taught her many valuable lessons. The love of God was taught and practiced at a very young age.

Kent City Public Schools was where the world opened up for Mary. Her best friend in elementary school was Danny. They went everywhere together. Their mothers were also best friends. When Mary got her fi rst two wheeled bike, she let Danny ride it fi rst. He didn’t know how to ride a bike and rode it into a tree. Mary got a new bike.

Until junior high, Mary was the only girl in a class of 18. Junior high came and so did the girls. She made many new friends and kept the old. During this time, Mary attended Mamerlund Lutheran Church and with her new friends, went to bible study.

High school brought more friends, more studies, and SPORTS. Softball, volleyball, and swimming became part of her life.

She went to Western Michigan University and found two of her best friends, Barbara and Helen. Mary enjoyed every year at college. All three became teachers and went on to the University of Michigan for their Masters Degree.

Mary’s fi rst job was at Godwin Heights High School from 1954-1960. She moved to Evanston High School in 1961. Her parents didn’t want her so far away from home, so she

came to West Ottawa Public Schools in Holland, from 1962-1989.

West Ottawa was a new school and Mary helped outfi t the Physical Education department with lesson plans and equipment. In 1972, when the new middle school opened, Mary helped develop the curriculum. Mary had a love for students and physical education.

Coaching was a “LOVE” that Mary used after school. Mary taught synchronized swimming until

swimming became a team sport. She led her synchronized swimming and volleyball teams to many championships.

Travel was one of Mary’s love and she would volunteer to chaperone high school students on trips to Germany, Austria, Australia, and Spain.

Mary was a collector. She started out collecting dolls and then decided to make porcelain

dolls. Her other collections were coins, plates, sports cards, and antiques.

Retiring in 1989 was another level of adventure for Mary. She volunteered

for The Bridge, Evergreen Commons, and Meals on

Wheels. From 1997-2009, Mary and JoAnne

decided to try a new

Visit LifeStoryNet.com to connect with your friends and family, share stories, and sign the guestbook. Life Story Funeral Homes® are the exclusive providers of the Life Story Experience™.

Finally, there is a funeral home worth asking for.

Visit LifeStoryNet.com to connect with your friends and family, share stories, and sign the guestbook. Life Story Funeral Homesproviders of the Life Story Experience

Finally, there is a funeral home worth asking for.

business. Mar-Jo horse Farm was created. They started out owning half a horse, but later that number grew to 15. They worked closely with the trainer and went to all the races.

Mary loved God. She attended Christ Memorial Reformed Church. Every night before “lights out”, Mary prayed for anyone who needed a prayer. She felt God was listening

and knew when a prayer was answered.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Mable Kriger. She is survived by her friend, JoAnne Hill

of Holland and uncles, aunts, and cousins.

Funeral services will be 11 am Saturday at the Hessel-Cheslek Funeral Home in Sparta. Burial will be in the Idlewild Cemetery. Visitation will be 6-8 pm Thursday at the Dykstra Life Story Funeral Homes-Mulder Chapel, 188 West 32nd Street and one hour prior to the service on Saturday.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Holland.