Dena Johanna McArthur

Dena J. McArthur with her sweet smile, twinkle in her eyes and love of life passed away peacefully on July 19, 2014. Born on December 30, 1921, she lived 92 years with a loving heart, a deep faith and gratitude for all she had. She took life as it came worked hard without complaint and could always be counted on to help where needed thinking about the needs of others before her own. She loved to sing, she loved nature and she loved being a homemaker sewing, baking and being involved in her children’s lives, her church and her community. When work needed to be done Dena volunteered putting her heart and soul into all she did. Her greatest joy was her role as a devoted wife, mother and grandmother to the family she so loved and was so proud of. Dena loved feeding people probably stemming from having grown up during the depression when food was scarce yet her family shared whatever they had with those less fortunate. In later years Dena’s children would joke that no matter what time you showed up at her door day or night she would create a meal for you fit for a king. Born to Dutch immigrants Dena was their youngest child and the only girl. Her parents Henry and Maude Vandenberg and her four older brothers Len, Dick, Art and Bill adored and cherished her. She was born in Kalamazoo later moving to a farm near Bangor where Dena graduated from high school. She had hoped to become a nurse but plans changed when the war broke out. She wanted to serve her country especially with three 3 brothers in the service so she moved her parents to Detroit and learned to be a riveter working at the bomber plant at Willow Run. She was a real life “Rosie the Riveter.” After the war she met and married the love of her life James D. McArthur spending 55 happy years together before he passed in 2002. In 1956 Dena and Jim moved their young family to Leland where they owned and operated The Leelanau Lodge and Cottages on Lake Leelanau. It was a tremendous amount of work but they created memories there that their children carry with them today of the freedom to grow up exploring the lakes, woods, and beaches of Leelanau County. They sold the resort in 1970 and moved to Traverse City where they eventually retired in the home they loved on Highland Park Drive. In 2010 Dena moved into the Pavilions where she was cared for and loved by many of the staff and where she peacefully died surrounded by her family. Dena is survived by her beloved children; David McArthur, Janice Hunt (Dale) Sandi McArthur (Jeff Anderson) Eric McArthur (Nancy) and Daniel McArthur; her beloved and cherished grandchildren; Tom Wheeler, Erin McArthur, Kristin Hunt, Marc Hunt (Sarah) Brandon Hunt (Courtney) Linton and Lee McArthur, Ian McArthur and her sweet beloved great-granddaughter Onika Hunt. Surviving as well are several nieces, nephews, cousins and two sister-in-laws Jo Vandenberg and Betty McArthur. Dena’s sweet soul will be greatly missed by her family and those who loved her. A celebration of Dena’s life is being planned for a later date. Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Dena’s family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com. The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Dena Johanna McArthur

December 30, 1921 - July 19, 2014