Marilynn June Vanderhoofven

“She hath done what she could.” – Mark 14:8

Marilynn June Vanderhoofven passed away Friday, December 29, 2023 at Horizons Care Center in Eckert, Colorado. She was 85 years old. Marilynn was a woman of hopeful faith, who served her family and others without regard for herself and her own needs.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at Taylor Funeral Service in Delta, Colorado, followed by a graveside service at Delta City Cemetery.

Marilynn was born on June 13, 1938 in Isadora, Missouri, to Bertha Lola Wisecup and Clifford Walter Frederick. She grew up on a farm just south of the Iowa state line in Worth County, and went to school in a two-room country schoolhouse. When she was young, Marilynn learned to play the piano. Sharing her love of music was one of the great joys in her life.

Before Marilynn entered her junior year of high school, her parents moved to Colorado to follow a dream to raise cattle. Marilynn stayed in Missouri with close family friends, and graduated valedictorian of her high school class in 1956 in Sheridan, Missouri. She continued her education at Midwestern School of Evangelism in Ottumwa, Iowa, graduating in 1960 with a Bachelor of Sacred Literature. She also studied at Western State College in Gunnison, Colorado, graduating in 1963 with a Bachelor of Music Education.

Marilynn met David Don Vanderhoofven when he was working with the Forest Service. Within a month after they started dating, David proposed on “W” Mountain in Gunnison. They were married on December 24, 1962, driving away from the church in a snowstorm. After finishing college, Marilynn started teaching music near Erie, as David completed his degree in Engineering at the University of Colorado in Boulder, Colorado. They made their home in Arvada, Colorado, where David held the position of City Engineer.

As David began his career, Marilynn turned her attention to home and rearing 3 young sons. After a few short years in Topeka, Kansas, David and Marilynn moved back to the Denver area in 1977 and welcomed their fourth son. As her sons grew, Marilynn taught music and private piano lessons, and was a substitute teacher for many years. She was very active in several churches. Marilynn devoted herself to playing and teaching piano, and accompanied for worship services at church, choirs, and played for weddings.

David and Marilynn had a lifelong dream of building a cabin in Taylor Park, near Gunnison. After much preparation, they began their building efforts in earnest after David’s retirement in 2001. Many adventures and family gatherings happened along the way. Marilynn continued making new friends and being active with church suppers and Bible studies. Of course, she always looked forward to the next gathering with her sons, and she continued trying out new recipes and cooking large meals for them. They made progress on the cabin every Summer until 2019, when David began his struggle with dementia.

Marilynn loved her family dearly and served them throughout her life without complaint. Always the optimist, she knew how to find the silver lining in any situation. Marilynn loved gathering people together. David and Marilynn celebrated 60 years on their last anniversary together in 2022. David passed away on July 8, 2023.

Marilynn is survived by her older sister, Bonnie (Frederick) Regouby who now lives in Osnabruck, Germany; her sons David Allan of Duenweg, Missouri married to Linda; Nathan of Aurora, Colorado married to Salud; Philip of Delta, Colorado with Lanae; John of Belton, Missouri married to Abigaile; and ten grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Marilynn was preceded in death by her parents, Clifford and Bertha Frederick; her husband David Don Vanderhoofven; her brothers Gene Frederick and John Frederick; and her grandson Joshua Dean Vanderhoofven.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in her name to Delta Christian Church.

Arrangements are under the care and directions of Taylor Funeral Service.

View the Internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at: www.taylorfuneralservice.com