Marlene Kay Rotman

Marlene was born in Paris, Texas in 1944 to Henry and Josephine VanKampen. Henry (Hank) was stationed in the Army there. He and Josephine had both grown up in Holland, MI where they returned and raised their family. Marlene was the oldest of their six children. She and her siblings all share fond memories of camping in an old school bus that Hank had turned into a camper. Hank ran a gas station next to their home in South Olive. Marlene remembered helping him in the gas station selling candy bars.

Marlene grew up going to a one room schoolhouse in Crisp. She then completed high school as part of the first graduating class of West Ottawa High. She became a first generation college graduate from her family with a degree from Michigan State University. While attending Michigan State she carpooled with a friend back and forth from East Lansing. On one of those trips, another MSU student had also gotten a ride with them. His name was Robert Rotman and he and Marlene began dating and married at the end of their senior year.

Robert’s career took him to service in the Army before teaching and school administration. After

Robert and Marlene married in 1966 they moved around to Missouri and Texas. This was during the Vietnam War and Robert, anticipating being sent overseas, bought Marlene a German Shepherd to keep her safe while on the base. Although he was not deployed, the German Shepherd remained part of the Rotman family for many years.

Marlene taught kindergarten on the Army base and when they returned to Michigan she took a teaching job at New Groningen School in Zeeland. She taught there while their oldest was a baby. Marlene and Bob had three children, Stacey, Greg and Eric.

Marlene spent many years raising their children and then returned to teaching in the late 1980s at Rose Park Christian School. She was a beloved teacher and coworker. She also gave of her time as a Sunday School teacher, Bible study leader, Elder and much more in their church. They were longtime members of Providence Church in Holland, MI. Marlene served with dedication and kindness. She and Bob used their gifts of hospitality, teaching, leadership, and generosity to bless those around them.

Marlene enjoyed gardening, being outdoors, animals, nature, quilting, traveling, and spending

time with family. She and Bob were blessed to have many years of world-wide travel experiences during their retirement.

Marlene was a daughter, sister, wife, aunt, mom, grandma, teacher and friend who spent her life

caring for and loving those around her. She was always hospitable and gracious. She modeled

what it meant to be a loving wife and she and Bob were deeply committed to each other as best friends until his passing in 2024 just after their 58th wedding anniversary.

Marlene was preceded in death by her father and mother, Henry and Josephine Van Kampen and by her dear husband, Robert (Bob) Rotman.

She is survived by children Stacey (Gary) Swanson, Greg (Abby) Rotman, and Eric (Dawn) Rotman as well as 11 grandchildren. She is also survived by her loving siblings Jerry (Linda) VanKampen, Sharon (Larry) Rozema, Mary (Jim) Musgrave, Norma (Steve) Terpstra, and Mark (Gail) VanKampen as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A visitation for Marlene will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026 from 10 AM to 11 AM at

Providence Church - 821 Ottawa Ave. Holland, MI 49423. A celebration of life service will take place, also at the church, at 11 AM. A private burial has taken place.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Mission Fund for Providence

Church.