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Elmer Jay Sluiter

March 02, 1951 - March 23, 2025

Obituary For Elmer Jay Sluiter

Elmer Jay “Rusty” Sluiter age 74 of McBain passed away at his home on March 23, 2025. Rusty was born on March 2, 1951 in Cadillac to Elmer and Vera (Erdman) Sluiter. Rusty married Bonnie Jean VanderWal on November 20, 1970 at the VanderWal Family home.

Rusty enjoyed deer hunting, loved his dogs, his Corvettes, his Gold Wing motorcycle, and taking motorcycle trips with his wife. His happiest moments were when his family came over to visit, they meant the world to him. Rusty enjoyed spending time at his house in the UP. He had worked at Rubber & Plastics in Cadillac over 20 years before farming on the family farm.

He is survived by his wife; Bonnie Jean Sluiter of McBain, two sons; Marty (special friend Jody Bode) Sluiter and Rusty (Candize) Sluiter both of McBain, 6 grandchildren; Katelyn Sluiter, Gregory Sluiter, Levi Sluiter, Chevy Sluiter, Blaine Sluiter, and Leland Sluiter, one great granddaughter; Emberlee Sluiter, brother; John (Ethel) Sluiter of Freemont, sister-in-law; Marian Westerhof of Caledonia and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter-in-law; Laura Sluiter, nephew; John Sluiter, father-in-law and mother-in-law; Bert and Jennie VanderWal, and brother-in-law; Jim Westerhof.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday at 2:00 P.M. at the Burkholder Family Funeral Home in McBain with Reverend Tom Shelder officiating. Visitation will be on Thursday at the funeral home from noon to time of service. Burial will take place in the Lucas Cemetery. A luncheon will follow at the Lucas Townhall. Arrangements are being handled by the Burkholder Family Funeral Home in McBain. Memorial contributions may be made to Juvenile Diabetes or St. Jude’s. Thoughts and prayers may be left at www.burkholderfunerals.com

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Condolences

March 27, 2025

April Vanklompenberg

Praying for you're family through this hard time my thoughts and prayers are with you
March 26, 2025

Karl Booth and family

You have our deepest sympathy.
March 26, 2025

Wanda Thomas

Bonnie and family I was sorry to read about Rusty's passing. Please know you are in my thoughts as you grieve. Embrace all the memories you have created throughout the years to help you through this sad time.
March 26, 2025

Beckie Herbert (Stoddard)

I grew up with rusty as a neighbor we rode the bus to MBH. He had some very kind words to say to me on the ride home from school. I am 70 years old and I remember still to this day.. He was a blessing prayers for his journey and to his family. Beckie Herbert (Stoddard)
March 25, 2025

Steve & Debbie Piwowarski

Dear Bonnie & Family, Steve & I are So Sorry for the loss of Rusty.💔💔 We are so thankful that we came to visit only a week ago. Our prayers & love are with you! Steve & Debbie
March 25, 2025

Chevy

I'm chevy sluiter one of my best memories with my grandfather is waking up early on November 15th for opening day of deer hunting. The night before he would always share with me old memories of when he was a kid going hunting and would give me advice with hunting and the deer. We would stay up late and we knew we had to be up the next morning but we just had fun talking about the good old memories. In the morning my grandma would make a really big breakfast for all the hunters we would all talk about the good old memories while we would eat. My grandma would pack us a lunch because we always planned to stay out all day and come home dinner time. One of me and my grandads things we did while hunting was warm are ham and chest sandwichs up on the hunting heater it always was the best after that. I love all the memories I will have with my grandad and I hope he knows how much I love him and how thankful I was to call him my grandad.
March 25, 2025

Denny and Mary Quist Greeley

Bonnie and family, We are so sorry to read of the passing of Rusty. You have our deepest sympathy.
March 24, 2025

Frances VandenBoss

You all have my sympathy. Love hugs and prayers