Mavis Ruth Bronkema

Mavis Ruth Bronkema, age 100, of Alexandria, Minnesota, died on Wednesday, July 15, 2015, at her home. Mavis Ruth Bronkema was born on May 8, 1915 one of four children of Edward and Nita (Stone) Francoise of Kalamazoo, Michigan. As a child Mavis loved to dance and later in life competed in couples dance competitions with her brother. This is something that they continued into early adulthood. Mavis moved to Minnesota to marry the love of her life, Chester “Chet” Bronkema. Mavis and Chet would go hunting together, particularly enjoying deer hunting where she was known as a “good shot.” She also enjoyed collecting dolls, flowers and she loved to bake pies! She was a generous person, who loved everybody and would do anything for anyone. She was kind, caring person, who naturally cared for people, often letting people stay with her to help them make a fresh start in life. Mavis came to know God as an adult and felt truly blessed by all that He gave her. She was always a good sport and was truly a best friend. Mavis died and went to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, July 15,2015 at her home surrounded by her family. She is preceded in death by her husband of forty years, Chester “Chet” Bronkema; sons, Charles Edward Smith, Glen Bronkema; Sister, Ernestine Tooker, Renee Mauchmar; brother, Ed Francoise; brother-in-laws, Loren Mauchmar, Bosto Tooker; sister-in-law, Coe Francoise. She is survived by her children, Sharon Bronkema, Gene Bronkema and his wife, Delores of Kalamazoo, MI, Gary Bronkema and his wife, Mary, of Schoolcraft, MI; grandchildren, Mark Smith and his wife, Pat, Jana Craddock and her husband, Landon, Michael Smith and his wife, Terry, Heath Bronkema and his wife, Nikki, Brian Bronkema and his wife, Lorie, Jason Bronkema, Michelle Bronkema, Amy Beth Bronkema; and many great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins. Friends are being received Thursday, July 23, 2015 from 1-2 pm at Anderson Funeral Home, Alexandria, MN where services will be held at 2 pm. Graveside services will be held Tuesday, July 28, 2015 1:30 pm at at Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park. Local Arrangements by Redmond Funeral Home, 4100 S. Westnedge Ave. Kalamazoo, MI 49008 (269) 343-6156. www.redmondfuneralhomes.net