Marguerite Griffioen

Marguerite Griffioen, age 85, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2026, in her home in Park Place, St. John, IN. She was born on May 31, 1941, to James and Nellie (Geels) Vogel of Sheldon, IA. She attended Sheldon Christian School and Western Christian High. She graduated from Dordt College in 1960 with a degree in education, teaching grades 1-2 in Sheldon Christian School and second grade at Southwest Chicago Christian School. She was married to Roger L. Griffioen on December 27, 1961. Roger was 7 years older and a good friend of Marguerite’s older brother, Jim Vogel. When they headed off to Calvin College, Marguerite was only 11 years old, but when Roger returned to Iowa after attending college and serving in the army, Marguerite, a beautiful young lady now 18 years old and in college, caught Roger’s eye in a new way, and Roger asked her out. The rest is a marvelous, beautiful, God-glorifying example of His covenant blessing and faithfulness! Together they raised five children: Jim, Nancy, Mary, Bill, and Daniel, trusting in the Lord each day, sharing daily family devotions and prayer, modeling Christ to their family in many ways, and simply enjoying all the days that God gave them to live in His good creation.

Marguerite was preceded in death by her parents, James and Nellie Vogel; brothers and wives: Frank (Harriet), Bill (Rachel), Gus (Dorothy), James (Harriet). She is also preceded in death by their youngest son, Daniel John, age 13, who died of heart arrhythmia on the soccer field during his 8th grade gym class in 1987. Even in the sorrow and sad loss of Daniel, Marguerite and Roger held firmly to the true promises of the Lord given in His Word, “ For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall all be changed… Death is swallowed up in victory!” I Corinthians 15:52, 54.

Surviving to cherish her memories are her husband of 64 years, Roger Griffioen and their children: James (Bonnie) Griffioen, Nancy (Mike) Rietveld, Mary (Steve) Rhoda, and Bill Griffioen; their eight grandchildren: Paul (Natalie) Griffioen, Sarah (Colin) Helder, Stephanie (Grant) Mensonides, Jonathan Rietveld, Matthew (Grace) Rietveld, Jacob (Regan) Rhoda, Philip Rhoda, and Abigail Rhoda; their three great-grandchildren: Roger Mark Mensonides, William Jack Rhoda, and Anna Lynn Helder; her one remaining brother and his wife, Nelvin (Corine) Vogel, as well as a long list of nephews and nieces with fond memories of Marguerite’s warm hospitality and deep love for them all.

Throughout life Marguerite felt the full joy of all her days as a loving wife and mother. Her faith in Christ directed all that she did. She cheerfully and purposely planned meals, provided instruction, gave encouragement, and planned for all camping trips, Grant Park summer excursions, biking outings, swimming at the lake, and day trips to various locations. She enjoyed sewing clothes and making unique birthday cakes for her family.

Marguerite also enjoyed playing the piano. Her love for music was bestowed upon her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed all the concerts, formal and informal ones. Always dear to her were the special times of singing together as a family at Thanksgiving time around the piano with violins and trumpets joining in. “Great is Thy faithfulness” would always be included.

She used her teaching skills to teach Sunday school, Kid’s Klub, and VBS. She prayed for the neighbors and brought them along to VBS. Our home often smelled of warm bread baking as she hosted many family, friends from CCHS, and church members, nearly anyone who was passing through and needed a meal or a place to stay.

In Roger and Marguerite’s retirement years, they enjoyed many days together taking trips in their RV and touring Europe, Alaska, California, and the American West. They also enjoyed traveling to spend time with kids and grandchildren, sharing in their sporting events, professions of faith, concerts, graduations, engagements, and weddings. After moving to Park Place in 2022, Roger and Marguerite remained side by side, doing all activities together with Roger as a loving caregiver. He assumed this role as an honor, often remarking that, “She would do the same for me if our places were switched.” Their love was mutual, gentle and kind, and they were always seen walking hand-in-hand as he cared for her.

Visitation Sunday, August 2, 2026 from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Colonial Chapel, 15525 S. 73rd Ave. (155th/Wheeler Dr. & Harlem) Orland Park, IL. Additional Visitation Monday, August 3, 2026 at Crown Point Christian Reformed Church, 909 E. Greenwood Ave., Crown Point, IN from 9:00 a.m. until time of Funeral Service at 10:30 a.m. A live stream of the Funeral Service will be available. Please visit Marguerite's obituary on Colonial Chapel's website at colonialchapel.com to view the live-stream of the service. The link will be posted shortly. Lunch immediately after the service. Relatives are invited to join the family for the Graveside Service following the lunch at Chapel Hill Gardens South, 11333 S. Central Ave., Oak Lawn, IL.

Memorial gifts to Chicago Christian Schools, 12001 S. Oak Park Ave., Palos Heights, IL 60463 CLICK HERE TO DONATE ONLINE are appreciated.

Express your thoughts and condolences at colonialchapel.com 708-532-5400