Delbert L. Rector

RECTOR, DELBERT Delbert Lyle Rector, age 95, of Belmont, MI, died February 5, 2014 with Anne Marie Rector, his partner, soul mate and wife of 68 years by his side. Del was born in Cedar Springs, MI on October 19, 1918, and called Western Michigan home his entire life. He graduated from Union HS, enlisted in the National Guard, and was deployed to the Pacific Theatre right after the attack on Pearl Harbor. He honorably served in the U.S. Army, Red Arrow Division, for the duration of WWII where he fought bravely in the jungles of New Guinea. Upon his return, he married Anne Marie Modzeleski and together they raised their four children, Gordie, Brent, Carol and Debbie, giving them a stable and loving family home in Belmont. As a longtime member of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, he was instrumental in founding its school and establishing a convent for its nuns. He was totally involved in his children's lives, including at their schools - Assumption of the BVM and Rockford HS, and also the church youth group, Little League (he threw a mean knuckleball), Boy Scouts (where his love of camping showed) and taking family trips. He provided his children with opportunities for higher education that he himself did not have. He loved his family, and they love him. Dad and Mom enjoyed outdoors, scenery, and travel, taking many trips through all 50 States, and in his later years back to Australia where Del had trained while in the Army. He was an avid bowler, loved going "up north" to fish and hunt, and enjoyed games, especially card games. Del was a self-taught mechanical engineer, starting as a draftsman and then learning engineering principles through reading and research. He spent most of his career at two iconic Grand Rapids companies, Lear Inc. and Rapistan, retiring in 1980 as head of Rapistan's product engineering group. He was a natural as an engineer, both at work and home. He used his talents in many ways, designing and building the family home, re-engineering a travel trailer and a camper for family trips, fixing cars (with his brother, Gerry) and whatever else broke, including bikes, toys, and broken spirits. Several retirement years were spent in Florida, riding mopeds, playing golf and enjoying cruises with Mom and their friends. Along with his beloved wife Anne, he is survived by his four children, Gordon Rector, Brent (Page) Rector, Carol (Steve) Parker and Debra Brooks; 18 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews, some of whom spent many happy days at his home in Belmont and considered him as they would a father. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fern Hudson and Lyle Rector, his siblings, Gerald Rector, Dale Rector and Marian Hudson, and his son-in-law, Dave Brooks. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, February 8, 2014 at 11 AM at Assumption BVM Church, Belmont with The Rev. Peter Vu as the officiant. Friends may call on Friday February 7th from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the funeral home with the praying of the Rosary at 8 PM. The family appreciates the care and comfort provided by Dr. Bruce Langerak and the staffs of Heron Manor and Emmanuel Hospice. Those desiring an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Assumption Education Endowment Fund, 6393 Belmont Ave., Belmont, MI 49306 or Emmanuel Hospice, 2161 Leonard St. NW Grand Rapids, MI 49504. Pederson Funeral Home www.pedersonfuneralhome.com