Bernard "Bud" Ruiter's Obituary
Mr. Bernard “Bud” Ruiter, age 88, of Grand Haven passed away Monday, December 26, 2016 at Mercy Hospital. He was born August 17, 1928 in Ferrysburg to Benjamin and Minnie (Westoff) Ruiter. On March 3, 1955 he married Irene Resner.
Bud was a member of St. Patrick-St. Anthony Catholic Church and attended Our Lady-Fatima Church in Inverness, Fl where they wintered for many years. He worked for Challenge Machine for 42 years. Bud served his country in the US Army during the Korean War and was a member of the Charles A. Conklin Post 28. He also volunteered on the Lake Forest Cemetery Board for many years. He was an avid bowler, enjoyed the outdoors and small game hunting, dancing and traveling.
He is survived by his loving wife, Irene; three daughters: Lori (Garry) Speer of Grand Haven, Beth Ruiter of Grand Haven, and Sue (Larry Hicks) Olsen; three grandchildren: Kristin Speer, Tim Olsen, and Stacy Olsen; three sisters: Ruth Anderson, Net, Madsen, Micky (Jack) Dora; four brothers: Claus (Jean) Ruiter, Harry (Shuie) Ruiter, Bob (Pat) Ruiter, Ken (Dorothy) Ruiter; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two infant daughters, Michaline and Jane; three sisters, Sal Boot, Dorothy Holstege, Pene Sikenga; brother, Jerry Ruiter.
Mass of Christian Burial will take place 1:00 PM Friday, December 30, 2016 at St. Patrick-St. Anthony Catholic Church with Rev. Father Charles Schwartz officiating. Visitation will take place 6-8 PM Thursday, December 29, 2016 at The VanZantwick Chapel (620 Washington Ave.) with a prayer service at 7:30 PM. Interment will take place in Lake Forest Cemetery. Memorial contributions in memory of Bud may be given to Loutit District Library. Please sign the family's online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com. The family is being served by The VanZantwick Chapel.
What’s your fondest memory of Bernard?
What’s a lesson you learned from Bernard?
Share a story where Bernard's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Bernard you’ll never forget.
How did Bernard make you smile?

