Bernard VanSloten

Bernard (Bernie) Jay VanSloten, 69, of Rudyard, Michigan, surrounded by his family in his home, went to be with his Lord on Saturday, November 3, 2018. He was born on December 12, 1948, in Sault Ste. Marie, to Vern and Marion (Postma) VanSloten. On February 11, 1967, Bernie married his high school sweetheart, Chris (Ehle), and graduated from Rudyard High School in May. Following graduation, Bernie worked in the construction and concrete business for many years, before working as a civilian mechanic for the US Coast Guard in Sault Ste. Marie for over 25 years. Bernie was a beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, and friend to everyone. He truly lived his life to the fullest through each and every member of his family. Anyone that knew Bernie, knew how much of a foundation he was for not just his family, but for the whole EUP. He had a never-ending commitment to help those around him; always putting himself last. There was nothing Bernie couldn't fix, and with his uncanny sense of sarcasm followed by a big smile, there was nobody he couldn't cheer up. Bernie was a lover of sports, especially Rudyard HS athletics. There was no better place for him than being at the Rudyard ball fields; fixing fields, inventing new equipment and watching games from the press box. In support of each Grandkid, there was not a game that he missed - no matter the weather, the distance, or his health. If not at the ball fields, you could find Bernie chasing walleye and perch on the Munuscong Bay or around the Les Cheneaux Islands. He was known in the local ice fishing circles as a great fisherman, the guy who could help someone get their snowmobile or ice auger working again, and was never afraid to try the thinnest ice on the bay...he probably should have worn a life jacket! Bernie is survived by his wife, Chris; his four boys - Ron (Andrea), Pat (Michelle), Dave(Jill), and Brian; his 12 grandkids - Brett (Ilsa), Cora (Robbie), Nate and (Katelyn), Brady, Max, Erika, Bailey, Haley, Nick, Maverick, Nash, and Lilianna; and his 2 great-grandkids Robert and Archer McLennan. Further survived by his 6 siblings - Ray (Sue), Jane (Marty) Eckardt, Gladys (Ken) Norris, Jerry (Marsha), Alan (Kathleen), and Lynn Wallis; his sister-in-laws Wendy, Jan (Rick), Raya (Marv); and his brother-in-law Mike (Margaret). He was preceded in death by his parents Vern and Marion, his father and mother in-law Gerald and Phyillis Ehle, and brother-in-law Jerry Ehle. Bernie leaves behind a wonderful legacy. A legacy of love. A legacy of kindness. A legacy of selflessness. He will be sorely missed by his family, and the many people that consider him a friend. Visitation will be held at St. James Lutheran Church in Rudyard on Wednesday, November 7 from 6:00-8:00 pm and on Thursday, November 8 from Noon-1:00 pm. The memorial service will follow at 1:00 pm. Finally, there will be a luncheon at the Town Hall after the memorial service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be left to the Rudyard Township Parks (Baseball/Softball fields) or Hospice of the EUP.

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Bernard VanSloten

December 12, 1948 - November 3, 2018