Russell M. Buitendorp's Obituary
Mr. Russell M. Buitendorp, age 88, passed from his earthly home to his heavenly home on Friday afternoon, December 30, 2011.
He was born November 8, 1923 to Lawrence H. and Ida (Zuidema) Buitendorp in Hesperia, MI. After graduation from high school, Russell served in the Military Police division of the United States Army during World War II and was stationed in Casablanca and Italy. Following his honorable discharge, Russ found work with Mulvey Construction Company and assisted in the building of many homes in the Muskegon area.
He married the former Marian Decker on September 28, 1951 and built their first home together on Allen Avenue. Russ was then able to hire in at the US Post Office where he worked until his retirement in 1984. Even after his retirement, Russ did many construction and remodeling projects for family and friends. Throughout his life he enjoyed bowling, woodworking and traveling with his wife on various trips through Orchard View Travelers. He was a faithful member and attender of Unity Reformed Church; and later, Hope Reformed Church, until his heath failed.
He leaves behind to cherish his memories a daughter, Marcia (Tom) Gillespie of Muskegon, MI; a son, Randy (Kim) Buitendorp of Otsego, MI; two granddaughters, Nichole (Adam) Winkle of Plainfield, IN and Jennifer Buitendorp of Indianapolis, IN; a nephew, Mark (Kathy) Jensen of Grand Rapids, MI; and a special friend, Kay Phillips. He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Marian, on February 18, 2005 and by three sisters, Katherine (Cecil) Dake, Lois (Byron) Jensen and June (Ernest) Adkisson, all of Muskegon.
VISITATION with Russ’ family will be 6-8PM Tuesday, January 3, 2012 at The Sytsema Chapel of Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc., 737 Apple Avenue, Muskegon, MI 49442 (231-726-5210).
In accordance with Russ’ wishes there will be no funeral service. Burial will be in Sunrise Memorial Gardens.
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