LADEWIG – Marion M. Ladewig (Van Oosten) 1914-2010. Marion grew up on the West side of Grand Rapids the daughter of a policeman in the early days of our Citys history. Many of her memories during her final years were of the times on White Street and her wishes to be back in that familiar setting. She was very close to her older brothers Jim and John who were her protectors and best friends. In 1937 at the age of 22 she took up the game of bowling after being discovered by a local sports promoter named William T. Morrissey Sr. Mr. Morrissey saw Marion playing softball with a team he sponsored and was so impressed by her throwing arm that he convinced her to come to the Fanatorium and try bowling. Marion was known to be one of the most compassionate of competitors. On more than one occasion when asked how she felt about winning a tournament she simply said I just feel so bad for those other girls who lost. After retiring from professional bowling in 1964 she became part owner of a Grand Rapids establishment Northfield Lanes where she managed and taught bowling until her retirement at 81. During 15 of those years she was active as a color commentator for the WOTV Bowling Classic a Grand Rapids morning television show which was very popular in its day. Many of us can still remember her saying thats a nice shot Warren. Bowling brought Marion many of her closest friends business associates and influenced every part of her life. Her daughter LaVonne and son-in-law Tony worked at Northfield with her and her Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren all have a common connection to Northfield that remains today. Marion loved animals and especially her dogs. She loved to golf and taught herself the piano and harmonica. She loved to go fishing in Canada with her brother and go the U of M football parties at Green Lake. She was most happy around her family and friends in a home setting and away from the public eye. A few years ago we tried to talk her into an interview with the Bowling Hall of Fame. She would have nothing to do with that and declined gracefully. When asked why she told us that it was her goal to go out on top. That was why she retired in 1964 from professional bowling at the top of her game. Marion died peacefully with her family beside her at the age of 95. Her wish was to be cremated. Best remembered for being a wonderful mother grandmother great grandmother and first time great great grandmother. Preceded in death by her brothers John and Jim Van Oosten sister-in-law Ardath and grandson Todd Zylstra. Surviving are daughter LaVonne (Anthony Sr.) Vicari; grandchildren Anthony Jr. (Susie) Vicari Mary (Charles) Phillips Cathy (Dave) Flickinger Carol (Rick) Lee Janet Zylstra; eleven great grandchildren Tony III and Marie Vicari Nicole and Carl Phillips Becky and Katie Zylstra Michele Kyle and Brian Flickinger Aaron and Jennifer Lee; one great great granddaughter Madison Jordan; sister-in-law Eleanor Van Oosten; many nieces nephews and friends. Marion loved life and gave our family much joy and happiness through her bowling. Thank you to Emerald Meadows Assisted Living for excellent care and kindness shown to her. In lieu of flowers Memorials can be given to Hospice of Michigan Humane Society of Kent County or the charity of your choice. Visitation will be April 25th at 12:00 Noon until 1:30 PM with a memorial service at 1:30 PM at the OBrien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel 3980 Cascade Rd. SE Donna Van Oosten Licensed Unity Teacher officiating. Interment Rosedale Memorial Park.
