Anneke Marek

A 32-year-old Stanwood woman was killed in a traffic accident Monday when she slowed for a deer and another vehicle rear-ended her car.

According to the Kent County Sheriff Department, the accident occurred about 9:15 a.m. Monday morning on southbound US131 south of Post Drive.

Police said that Anneke Jacoba Marek was driving southbound on US131, in an Oldsmobile Intrigue, when a deer ran into her path. They said she either slowed down or stopped on the freeway. A Chrysler Pacifica, traveling at 70 mph, then rear-ended Marek’s vehicle, and pushed her off the roadway to the right. The Pacifica, driven by Gary Rende, 70, of Walloon Lake, came to rest on the freeway.

Marek was pronounced dead at the scene.

Rende had no injuries, but his front seat passenger, Barbara Tamagic Rende, 66, had multiple injuries and was transported to Spectrum Butterworth Hospital by Rockford Ambulance. The Plainfield Fire Department assisted at the scene.

The freeway was closed for several hours between 10 Mile and Post Drive, while authorities cleaned up the scene.

The Funeral Service will be held 10 am Friday, November 16, at Caledonia Christian Reformed Church, 9957 Cherry Valley SE, with Rev. R. Scott Greenway officiating. A private committal service for the family will be held at Stanwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Anneke Marek Memorial Fund for the needs of the children at any Chemical Bank branch.