Russell-Van Gilder-Obituary

Russell H. Van Gilder Jr.

Fenton, Michigan

Mar 14, 1934 – Dec 2, 2024 (Age 90)

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BORN
March 14, 1934
DIED
December 2, 2024
AGE
90
LOCATION
Fenton, Michigan

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Russell (Russ, Buzz) H. Van Gilder Jr., 90, passed away peacefully on December 2, 2024, surrounded by his family in a place he loved - Melbourne Beach, Florida. Born on March 14, 1934, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to Virginia (Berner) Van Gilder and Russell H. Van Gilder Sr., Russ grew up with his six...

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My condolences to Shirley, Rusty, Lisa, Julie and the entire family. I was fortunate enough to work in the Fenton office while going to college. The family was always so kind, fair and treated employees more like family. I learned so much that carried me throughout my entire career. Russ was a pillar in the Fenton community and I am proud to say I knew him. Prayers to all of you.

To Shirley, Lisa, Rusty and Julie and the entire family. I send my deepest condolences! I started at Vg's in 1989 until the day of the sale. Russ always treated me and my family....as part of his family! I always believed every decision he made in business he had my best interest and my families in the back of his mind. Russ was a mentor and a teacher as you all were and taught me EVERYTHING I know about this business. Russ helped me and my family early in my career and he didn't have to do...

Mr. VanGilder provided me a job at the Owosso VG's, and I will forever remember the business this man built. VG's was the best place EVER to work for, while they owned it. They are an incredible family, and knew how to run a family owned, employee centered business. Thank you for everything you did, all the people you employed and being a great human being. God Bless the family.

To Shirley, Rusty, Lisa, Julie and the entire family I send my deepest condolences. This wonderful brilliant man taught me more than I can ever express. To this day I often quote him.!! He cared deeply for all of us who grew along with him in seeing his vision come to life.!! I will never forget him... Sincerely, Paula (O'Toole) Germaine..