Maren Grace Buhl

Maren Grace Buhl, 79, passed away peacefully at home, wrapped in the loving arms of her husband, Chuck Buhl, on April 12th, 2026. Maren was born on October 29,1946, in Edmore, MI to Henry and Shirlee Peterson. She met the love of her life, Chuck, at the Music Box in Prudenville, Michigan in 1964, and they married on September 10th, 1966. Maren grew up in the Remus and Mt. Pleasant areas. She was a graduate of Mt. Pleasant schools and went on to study as an x-ray technician at Hurley Hospital in Flint. The couple raised 3 children and built a life of love and laughter. After her children were grown, she went back to school at Muskegon Community College receiving her CDA in preschool education. Maren went on to open Rainbow Learning Center and served as a long-time preschool director for West Shore Lutheran School until her retirement in 2001. Maren’s love for Jesus, her family and friends was her hallmark. Through all of life’s journey, Maren was a true example of living life in the faith, strength and hope we have in Jesus.

Maren had a passion for living Jesus’ command to love one another - helping others and always there to offer a listening ear and support. Whether as a mother, aunt, foster parent, or friend, she was "Mom" to many, always putting her family and friends first. The family cottage on Upper Silver Lake in Mears, Michigan was her happy place where she loved hosting family gatherings. Maren also enjoyed the thrill of bargain shopping, playing Mahjong, volunteering with the Red Cross after Hurricane Katrina and going on cruises.

Maren was preceded in death by: parents, Henry and Shirlee Peterson; brother, Nels Peterson; and special uncle, Richard Monthei. Maren is survived by: husband, Chuck Buhl; children, Charen (Doug) Buyce, Pete (Lynee) Buhl, and Trevor (Stephanie) Buhl; grandchildren, Eliott Buyce, Faith Buyce, Sloane Buhl, Harrison Buhl, Bennett Buhl, Michael (Emily) McClellan, Chloe Buhl, and Justin Buhl; great-grandchildren, Eleanore McClellan, Sully McClellan, and Fletcher McClellan; foster sons and nephews, Jacob and Jordan Lewis; sisters, Ingrid Names and Greta Peterson; as well as many treasured nieces and nephews.

A funeral service celebrating Maren’s life and faith will be held on Friday, April 24th, at 11:00 am at Trinity Lutheran Church (3225 Roosevelt Road, Muskegon, MI 49441), where she has been a member since 1980. The family will welcome guests at the church one hour prior to the service. A luncheon will be served immediately following.

A livestream of the funeral will be available through the Trinity Lutheran Church Muskegon Facebook page.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Maren’s honor to West Shore Lutheran School or the Mayo Clinic online or mailed to Mayo Clinic, Department of Development, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN 55905.