Marie Louise Weygandt, 89, of Pewamo, MI, formerly of Big Rapids, MI, passed away peacefully on October 28, 2026, at Sparrow Carson City Hospital.
She was born September 21, 1937, in Washington, D.C., the daughter of Peter and Minnie (Jones) Hodiak. Marie graduated from high school in 1955 and married George Weygandt Sr. on April 5, 1957, in Maryland.
Marie began her working career as a telephone operator in Maryland, until moving to Michigan in 1962. After moving to the Big Rapids area, she worked at Pleasant View Animal Clinic during the 1970s. In 1978, she began driving school bus for Morley Stanwood Schools, a position she held until her retirement in the early 2000s. Marie loved kids and animals, so those jobs weren’t just “work” but another way to spread her love.
She took pride in being involved in her community and generously gave her time volunteering with the American Red Cross, Muscular Dystrophy, working at the voting polls, den mother for the Scouts, and helper for Mecosta County 4-H horse club. If asked to help, she was there.
Marie enjoyed keeping busy and had many interests throughout her life. She loved bowling and participated in several leagues over the years. She also enjoyed horse camping (camp boss), crocheting, and ceramics. Reading was another favorite pastime, and she took great pleasure in her extensive personal library. Marie had a wonderful sense of humor and a personality that could be described as a little stubborn and a whole lot sassy. Beneath that spirited nature was a deeply caring woman who was always willing to lend a helping hand. She was loving, thoughtful, and rarely without a smile on her face. Marie loved people, could strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere! They weren’t strangers, just friends she hadn’t yet met. Above all else, Marie treasured her family and the time she spent with those she loved. Her family was her greatest joy, and the memories they shared will be cherished always. While a stroke 10+ years ago took her words, she found ways to communicate and best of all, still had her sense of humor!
She is survived by her children, Maria Weygandt, Kristi (Robert) DeRop, George “Chip” Weygandt Jr. (Patricia Feldpausch); grandchildren, Randy (Sara) Bean, Anna (Austin) Shotwell, Jami (Nathan) Refsland, Jordan DeRop (Tyler Stephenson), and Cooper, Parker, Jackson, and Georgia Weygandt; great-grandchildren, Megan, Katelyn, Wyatt, Quinn, Harper, Charlotte, and Evelyn; brother, Richard (Faye Ruth) Hodiak; sister-in-law, Joan Weygandt; and many nieces and nephews.
Marie was preceded in death by her husband George, her son-in-law, Randy Bean, brother and sister-in-law, Paul and Patricia Hodiak, and several more sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, November 12, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at Mohnke Janowicz Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Marie’s family will greet family and friends on Wednesday, November 11th, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home and again on Thursday beginning at 11:00 a.m. Please come share your favorite memories and help us celebrate Marie.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in her name may be made to Mary Free Bed, American Cancer society, or Can Do Canines (Non-Profit providing Assistance Dogs at minimal/no cost to minimal/low cost).
