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Eunice Florip Obituary
Eunice Edna Florip, 91, of Grand Rapids, Mich., passed into the loving arms of her Savior on Sept. 19, 2025.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Pastor Philip Florip; stepson Phil Florip; brothers: Martin, Walter and Earl Merz; sisters: Flora Damaske, Esther Soderstrom and Gertrude Wright.
Eunice is survived by her sister, Vera Reither; sisters-in-law: Glennice Merz, LuAnn Merz; stepdaughter, Pam (Grant) Gattinger; two stepgrandchildren: Sara and Steve Vickruck and many nieces and nephews.
She was born in Conklin, Mich., on Dec. 22, 1933, to parents Martin and Amanda Merz and was the youngest of eight children. The family moved to Bridgman in 1941 where she attended schools and would live much of her life. Eunice graduated from Concordia Teachers College and taught elementary grades in Bridgman at Immanuel Lutheran School for many years. She then spent nearly 30 years living in Grand Rapids.
A service to remember and celebrate Eunice's life will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 26, at St. James Lutheran Church, Grand Rapids where friends may visit with her family beginning at 10 a.m. Eunice's family appreciates the care, kindness and support from the staff at Rest Haven Homes and Faith Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. James Lutheran Church Mission Fund, Rest Haven Homes or Faith Hospice.
To read more about Eunice, to share a memory or photo, or to sign her guest book, visit www.heritage lifestory.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Eunice Florip
3 Entries
Rick Wright
September 25, 2025
Euny, along with her siblings, had to be some of the absolute best servants of God. Growing up Euny was very instrumental in organizing the Merz family reunions. From the places to see and things to do, the Minnesota side of the family just had to show up. My mother, Gertrude, is a sister to Euny. I am sure all of her family was there, with God, to welcome her in to heaven. May she rest in peace.
Rick Wright (nephew).
Harry and Marilyn Edenfield
September 24, 2025
We had the privilege of knowing Eunice for the ten years we served with her on the teaching staff at Immanuel Lutheran in Bridgman (1969-1979). It was a blessing to know her, nephew Chuck and Kathy as fellow teachers, sister Flora, and mother Mrs. Merz. Eunie was a great inspiration for us. Her faith in Jesus was constant and confessed. She was a joy to be around, always buoyant and positive. She was a willing participant wherever needed. Miss Merz was our children's (Jeaneen and Jim) first grade teacher: the one who has the primary care for teaching children to read. She did that well. Eunice was a good mentor for adults and children. We are thankful that our Triune God allowed Eunice Merz Florip 91 years on this earth. It will be wonderful to see her before Jesus' throne in heaven!
Mark Reither
September 22, 2025
Eunice was amazing! When I was a kid, Aunt Euny seemed quite heroic. She cared lovingly for her father and mother (Martin and Amanda Merz) for many years. At our annual Merz reunions, she played guitar and sang with us, played softball and had fun with her siblings (my mom, Vera, is an older sister).
Euny gardened, taught school and shared a wonderful sense of humor. She had loving care the past few weeks. She will be missed by those who love her.
Mark Reither (nephew)
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