Janet Mardell Obenauf's Obituary
Janet Mardell Obenauf (Ludwick), born July 21, 1937 in South Bend, IN passed away March 4, 2019. She is now celebrating a long-awaited event of joining her beloved husband of 53 years, Gordon R. Obenauf, who predeceased her on November 27, 2013. Janet and Gordon met in high school and began dating in 1953. From that moment on they were a couple, their lives became one, even though they had very different interests-music for Janet and sports for Gordon. Gordons life brought smiles and joy to Janets face, his death brought tears of sorrow and grief.
After graduation from high school and additional classes at Muskegon School of Business/Baker College, Janet began her employment career at Brunswick Corporation while Gordon served four years in the U.S. Air Force. Janet and Gordon were married at St. Pauls Episcopal Church, September 17, 1960, where both were long time members. Janet was confirmed in 1949 and as a thank you to her for her over 20 years of choir service, the Sanctuary Choir preceded her down the aisle and sang for the noon Eucharistic wedding ceremony.
Janet and Gordon moved to Dearborn, Michigan for Gordon to graduate from Wayne State University, Mortuary Science, and Janet was the Executive Assistant/Secretary to the Executive Vice President, Operations of a large trucking firm in Detroit where she also was administrator of the life and health insurance for the salaried employees until her retirement.
Shortly after retiring, Janet and Gordon returned to Muskegon and Janet served on the boards of directors of West Michigan Symphony, Community concert, Affair of the Arts, Camerata Singers, Third guild and Episcopal Church Women (ECW) of St. Pauls.
Along with her husband Gordon, Janet was also predeceased by her parents, Hazel (Housour) Ludwick and Delbert House of Muskegon, and Delbert and Evaneline Ludwick of Manchester, Michigan. She is survived by her brothers Jonothan K. (Sharon, deceased) House and Phillip J. (Melody) Ludwick, niece Angela House Chaves of Lawton, MI and nephew Arthur Mills of Concord, NC.
According to Janets wishes cremation has taken place and no service will be held. Janet and Gordon will be buried together in a family plot in Goshen, IN next to Janets great grandparents, Elias Daniel and Mary Cathrine Housour and Janets parents Hazel and Delbert House. Janet was very proud of her Amish ancestry and upbringing as a child and followed several Amish traditions to her death.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society and Animal Rescue of Muskegon County, 2640 Marquette Ave., Muskegon, MI 49442 and Boys & Girls Club of the Muskegon Lakeshore, 425 West Western Ave. Suite 308, Muskegon, MI 49440.
ARRANGEMENTS BY SHORELINE MEMORIAL SERVICES, MUSKEGON (231)-722-5050
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