Germaine Lucina Malburg (née Alvesteffer), known and loved by everyone as "Mom," "Gerry," "Aunt Gerry," "Grandma," ”Gram," "Great Grandma," “Grandma Cookie” and "Great Grandma Muffin Lady," passed away peacefully in her sleep on July 3, 2026, at the age of 101.
Gerry was born March 25, 1925, to Joseph and Florence Alvesteffer, one of 14 children. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Michael, who passed away on September 9, 2002. Michael came from a family of 11 children, and together their two large families gave Gerry a wide and cherished circle of nieces, nephews and extended family that she loved dearly throughout her life.
Gerry devoted her life to her family, working as a lifelong homemaker who ran the household and raised her eight children with warmth and devotion. Beyond her home, she served her community for many years as Weare Township Treasurer, and she generously gave her time volunteering at Oceana County Medical Care Facility well into her 90s, earning the Volunteer of the Year award twice. She found joy in baking and knitting, and her kitchen and handiwork were a source of comfort and love for everyone around her.
Gerry will be remembered above all for her boundless love and selflessness — she gave of herself in every way, to everyone, always.
Gerry is survived by her eight children: Rodney (Marcia) Malburg; Susan (Barry) Monroe; Marv (Barb) Malburg; Michael (Renee) Malburg; Gary (Jayne) Malburg; Joe (Chris) Malburg; Martha Baker (Brad Lipps); and Donna (Alan) Herrygers. She is also survived by 26 grandchildren and 47 great-grandchildren, along with countless nieces, nephews and extended family members who held a special place in her heart.
She is also survived by her sisters, Maxine Van Dyke; Louise (Harold) Schaner; Charlene Birkman; and Judy Haight (Howard).
She was preceded in death by: her husband, Michael; her parents, Joseph and Florence Alvesteffer; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Paul and Aurelia Malburg; granddaughter, Aimee; grandson-in-law, Ben; brothers and sisters Leo (Dorothy), Eleanor, Agnes (Wes) Hewitt, Robert (Valeria), Ralph (Wanda), Gilbert (Clara), Roseanne (Stan) Gross, Joseph, Lornella (Tom) Faucher and Ronald. In-laws: Paul Van Dyke, Richard Birkman, Pauline (Pete) Birkman, LaVerne (Debbie), John (Betty), Raymond (Josephine), Paul (Elizabeth), Dorothy Coats-Boekhout (Vernon Coats) (George Boekhout), Henry (Clara), Rosemary (George) Keefe, Rachel, Robert (Mary Jane) and Raphael (Anastasia).
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at St. Joseph Weare Catholic Church, with Father Charlie Brown and Father Philip Sliwinski presiding. Interment will immediately follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be held Monday, July 6, 2026, at Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel from 5-7 p.m., followed by praying the Rosary at 7 p.m. Visitation will also be held at the church on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass. A celebration luncheon will be held at St. Joseph’s Parish hall after graveside services.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 2349 W. Jackson Rd., Hart, MI 49420; Oceana County Medical Care Facility, 701 E. Main St., Hart, MI; or Elara Caring Hospice, 203 S. State St., Big Rapids, MI 49307
Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.
www.beaconfh.com
