Warren E. "Hutch" Hutchins' Obituary
Warren E. Hutchins of Rothbury, formerly of Whitehall, went to be with the Lord on December 28, 2016 at the age of 95. He died peacefully at his home. Warren was born March 7, 1921 in Dalton, MI to Earl and Signa (Johnson) Hutchins. He was the eldest of 11 children and was devoted to his family and had a great love for life. Warren was a caring father, husband, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He graduated from North Muskegon High School in 1938. After returning from the Army, he furthered his education by taking correspondence classes from the University of Michigan and Chicago.
Warren served his country in WWII from 1944 to 1946 in the United States Army, assigned to the Armored Division of the 9th Army in Europe. His position in the tank crew of five, was ball gunner and assistant tank driver. Warren witnessed much destruction to other relatively thin-skinned American Sherman tanks, but never his. After the surrender, Warren was assigned to German occupation duty, and worked in the intelligence department, dealing with the huge problem of overseeing the displaced person’s situation. His family is very proud of his contribution to the Allied Victory in WWII.
On January 4, 1945, he married the love of his life, the former Anna M. Hartman of Muskegon and she preceded in him in death in 2006. They were married for 61 years. Also preceding him in death were his parents, Earl and Signa; younger brothers, Willard, Roger, Harold and Donald; son, David; and grandson, Christopher Hutchins.
In 1954, Warren "Hutch" founded Viking Tool & Engineering of Whitehall and partnered with Wayne Dulyea. Together they were in business for 46 years. After Wayne’s retirement in 2000, Rick Seaver of Montague joined him as a business partner. Warren built a great company on quality, character and honesty. He believed there was nothing that couldn’t be done. "Hutch" had a great mechanical mind, and could figure out anything. Hutch will always be a part of his shop (Viking Tool and Engineering).
Warren received the El Award from the White Lake Chamber of Commerce for outstanding local business person, and several prestigious safety awards from the National Tool & Machining Association (NTMA) for his attention to detail and safety. He also received the Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow Award for the better understanding/friendly relations between peoples of the world.
Warren was active in the Whitehall United Methodist Church for 70+ years, holding many offices including board chairman. He was a member of the Montague-Whitehall Rotary Club and the White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce for 50+ years. Warren was past president of Rotary, and was chairman of the Rotary's Bandshell Building Committee. He also served on the Whitehall School Board. Warren’s other memberships included: Michigan State Chamber of Commerce, Whitehall Masonic Lodge #310, Saladin Shriners, American Legion #69 and White Lake Eagles.
Warren loved to fish and knew all the good fishing areas. He also enjoyed hunting and photography. He was known for the love he had for his family, his honesty, generosity and giving to the community, and will be remembered for his favorite quote, "BUT ABOVE ALL THINGS TRUTH BEARETH AWAY TO VICTORY".
His survivors include his daughter, Mary Ann (David) Sikkenga of Wheaton, IL; grandchildren, Heather (Nathan) Bossenga of Wheaton, IL, Philip (Jennifer) Sikkenga of Lisle, IL, Stephanie (Ray) Narvaiz of Hudsonville, Matthew (Lisa) Hutchins of Muskegon; and 11 great-grandchildren; his sisters, Beverly (Hutchins) Larkin of Jones, MI, Sarah (John) Archer of Whitehall, MI, his brothers, Bernard Hutchins, Wesley (Marlene) Hutchins, Kenneth Hutchins, Roy (Sharon) Hutchins; and special family member, Patricia Talmadge. During the last 4 years, Warren was blessed to have the love, companionship and commitment of Roberta Habian and her family.
A special thank you to our CNA, Carol, and neighbor, Jennifer for the wonderful care they gave to my father, Warren. We would also like to thank Spectrum Health Group, Dr. Craig Elliot, Ted Dorsey PA, and their nurse, Angela K. for their care and also to Comfort Keepers and Heartland Hospice.
FUNERAL SERVICES will be 1PM Saturday, January 7, 2017 at Whitehall United Methodist Church (117 S. Division Street, Whitehall, MI 49461). VISITATION with the family will be 5-8 PM Friday, January 6, 2017 at The Lee Chapel, 6291 S. Harvey (231) 798-1100, and 1 hour prior to the funeral at church. In lieu of flowers, a memorial gift may be directed to the Community Foundation of Muskegon to the Warren E. and Anna Mae Hutchins United Methodist Church of Whitehall Scholarship Fund. Share memories with the family online at www.sytsemafh.com.
We LOVE you and you will be greatly missed. You will always live in our HEARTS!
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