Charlotte Geelhoed

It is with sadness but also with Christian joy that the family announces the passing of Charlotte Louise Geelhoed on January 26, 2021. Although a life-long resident of Grand Rapids, she was involved as a passenger in an automobile accident in June of 2019, and during rehabilitation suffered two major strokes which left her with significant short-term and long-term memory loss. She spent the last 18 months of her earthly life in an assisted living facility near her daughter in Carmel, IN.  Charlotte was born to Christian and Charlotte VanderVeen on July 23, 1931. She graduated from South High School in 1948. Her romance and eventual marriage to Earl Marvin Geelhoed was interrupted by Earl’s service as a Marine during the Korean War.  Charlotte worked for Witte Travel Agency, followed by the Kent Intermediate School District from which she retired. In addition to being a devoted wife and mother, Charlotte had many avocations. She was “born” into the family at Central Reformed Church where her love of music was made manifest by her unwavering devotion to the music ministry where she participated in the Sanctuary choir from an early age until her illness. She was an avid traveler documented by her well-used passports showing visits to Europe and the Middle East. Cruises included trips to Alaska, Hawaii, and though the Panama Canal. Other activities included gardening and sewing for which she was a perfectionist.  She is preceded in death by her husband Earl. She is survived by her daughter, Christine A. and Gregg Munson, her son Paul A. Geelhoed and Tara Decker. She is also survived by her grandchildren Eric and Amanda Munson, Jennifer Munson, Andrea and Ryan Telenga, 3 great grandchildren, Ella, Everett, Deacon, and her nephews, E. Bruce (Debby) Geelhoed, Douglas (Kathleen)Hager, and nieces Rose (Paul) Heule, Laura (Jon) Twing, Annie Hager.  A service celebrating Charlotte’s life will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Thursday, February 4, 2021 at Central Reformed Church.  Seating will be limited to family and close friends due to Covid restrictions.  For those who are unable to attend in person, the service may be viewed on the church’s livestream site. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations, may be made to Central Reformed Church’s music ministry.

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