RUITER
Robert W. Ruiter, age 81, passed away at his home the morning of Saturday, May 8, 2010. Bob is survived by Bethlyann, his wife of 56 years, son, Steven, of Grand Rapids; daughters Peggy (Ken) Hoogewind of Lowell, MI, Karen (Keith) Bumgarner of Grant, MI and Mary (Rich) Godley of Arlington Heights, IL; 7 grandchildren and 1 great grandson. Also surviving is his sister, Barbara (Dick) O’Brien of Spring Lake, MI. Bob was preceded in death by his son, Scott, 3 younger brothers, Don, Dave, and James, and his parents.Bob was born on July 10, 1928 in Ferrysburg, MI to David and Angeline (Bonema) Ruiter. He was a 1946 graduate of Grand Haven High School. Bob was drafted into the service and volunteered for the paratroops, serving his entire two year term in Ft. Campbell, KY. He was given the positions of Operations Sergeant and then 1st Sergeant of HQ’s 2nd Battalion. He earned his Parachute Jump Wings in February, 1951.
Bob worked for a number of years at Michigan Plastic Products in Grand Haven, ultimately serving as Vice President. In 1974, the Ruiters moved to Grand Rapids when Bob joined REM Die Casting to bring them into the plastics business. REM then became Lacks Industries and Bob was made General Manager. He left Lacks to join ADAC Plastics, retiring from full-time employment in 1992 and from part-time employment in 1994. Bob was a life member of the Elks. Bob requested to be cremated and preferred no memorial service be held.
ARSULOWICZ BROTHERS,
REMEMBRANCE MORTUARY