Louise was one of six children born to John and Mary Herrema; she often said she was the "oldest of the three little kids." She grew up in Grand Rapids and met Marvin "Red" Brummel at a young adult outing; she pulled his comb out of his back pocket and told him if he wanted it back, he'd have to come to her house to get it. That was the beginning of a romance that led to their marriage in April of 1947. Together they raised five children, worked hard to establish Godwin Hardware and Plumbing, and treasured leisurely summers at their cottage on Big Whitefish Lake. They loved to travel and they later spent the winter months in Florida.
Red and Louise enjoyed 40 years together before his unexpected death in 1987. Three years later, Louise was introduced to Richard Zeeff. They were married in 1990 and they spent 30 wonderful years together in Bradenton, Florida. Louise often said that God gave her the two best husbands in the world! Rich died in 2021 and Louise moved back to Grand Rapids to be near her children and grandchildren.
Louise was blessed with 120 direct descendants, including her beloved children Ron and Rose Brummel, Joan and Bill Bonnema, Marva and Dave Lubben, Denise and John Dieleman, and Rick and Beckie Brummel. Also surviving her are 31 grandchildren, 66 great-grandchildren, and 17 great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by one sister-in-law, Maxine Brummel Bowers.
Louise was preceded in death by her two husbands; grandson, Michael Dieleman, and stepdaughter, Cher Zeeff.
Visitation for family and friends will be held from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at Cook Funeral Home - Byron Center Chapel, 2067 84th St. SW, Byron Center, MI 49315. A funeral service to honor Louise's life will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, August 6 at Caledonia Christian Reformed Church, 9957 Cherry Valley Ave. SE, Caledonia, MI 49316, with visitation from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to the service.
In memory of Louise and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to South Christian High School and the Rick Herrema Foundation – RHF. The family welcomes memories and messages at www.cookcaresbyron.com in Louise’s online guestbook.
