June 17 1926 September 09 2019
Robert’s Obituary Robert S. Bruinsma, age 93 of Canadian Lakes, formerly of Big Rapids, passed away Monday, September 9, 2019. He was born June 17, 1926 in Grand Rapids the son of Samuel and Rose (Hornberger) Bruinsma. Bob graduated from Creston High School in 1944 and immediately enlisted in the United States Navy serving during World War II in the Pacific Theater. Following his honorable discharge, Bob returned to Grand Rapids where he attended Grand Rapids Junior College and later the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. He married his high school sweetheart, Elaine Hancock on April 10, 1947. They made their home in Grand Rapids where Bob accepted a management position with Wepman’s Menswear. He managed the formal wear division at Wepman’s until he made the decision to open his own business. In 1961, Bob and Elaine moved the family to Big Rapids and established Towne and Country Men’s Shop. During the next 33 years, the business grew to include womenswear and became a respected member of the Big Rapids community. Bob was a member of the United Church of Big Rapids, the Lions Club and worked diligently at keeping a good relationship with Ferris students and faculty. He also was a past president of the Michigan Retailers Association and had served on the Board of Directors for Citizens State Bank in Big Rapids. Bob and Elaine retired to Canadian Lakes where they have lived for nearly 25 years. Bob is survived by his wife of a remarkable 72 years, Elaine; three children, Beth (Robert) Noe of Austin, TX, Doug Bruinsma of Colorado Springs, CO, Wendy Oertling of Canadian Lakes; grandchildren, Allison Lustig, Adam Noe, Jessica Bruinsma, Elana Bruinsma, Jack Bruinsma, Shawn Oertling and Christopher Oertling; six great-grandchildren; a sister Margaret Fuller of Grand Haven; several nieces and nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, two half-brothers, Ben and Simon Bruinsma and a sister, Mary Rosenberger. Funeral services will take place 12:00 p.m. (noon) Friday, September 13, 2019 at the United Church of Big Rapids with Pastor JT Hills officiating. The family will greet friends at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids on Thursday, September 12th from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m. and also one hour prior to services at the church on Friday. Memorial contributions in Bob’s name may be made to The United Church of Big Rapids or a charity of the donor’s choice. Share a memory or condolence with the family at www.daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com Read More
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Robert S Bruinsma June 17 1926 September 09 2019.
Daggett Funeral Home, Inc. – Barryton
Death notice for the town of: Barryton, state: Michigan