Rudy Jay Bartels' Obituary
Rudy Jay Bartels, who was livin’ the dream at the age of 66, unexpectedly passed away on Saturday, June 11, 2022. He was born on December 21, 1955, to Roelof and Lucy (Paulinkas) Bartels in Muskegon, MI. He was the youngest of five siblings, in a house where you could always feel love and hear laughter because family was always number one. He lived his life as an example to his wife and children of what life was truly about and when not to sweat the small stuff. Rudy worked as an Environmental Health and Safety Specialist for Meridian/Herman Miller for 35 years until his retirement. Before his time at Herman Miller, Rudy had worked as a Mackinaw Island and Muskegon Heights Police Officer. Outside of work he enjoyed: all things related to the University of Michigan, engaging or debating in good conversation, meditating in nature, making spiritual connections, and was very passionate about the game of soccer - coaching and refereeing various levels of soccer, being the former President for Great Lakes coed soccer league and sharing that love with his community. He is survived by his loving wife, Terri Bartels; children, Jennifer (James) Smith, Rudy “R.J.” (Jennie) Bartels; grandchildren, Lucy and Addison; sisters, Claire Dodge, Joella Lamont, Peggy (Mike) Kapuscinski; brother, Bart (Trudi) Bartels; parents-in-law, Don and Sue Mercer; sisters-in-law, Debbie White, Nancy White; many nieces and nephews; and his faithful companion, Tess the Collie dog. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers-in-law, Lance Dodge and Tom Lamont. A CELEBRATION OF RUDY’S LIFE will take place on Saturday, June 18, 2022, from 1:00 – 4:00 PM at The Lee Chapel of The Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St. Norton Shores, MI 49444. For a more lasting memory, donations in Rudy’s name can be made out to the Ravenna Township Fire Department. Feel free to share a memory with the family at www.sytsemafh.com
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