George Richard VanDuinen

George Richard VanDuinen, age 64, of Merritt passed away on Tuesday September 18, 2018 at home.

George was born on April 1, 1954 in Cadillac, Michigan to Edwin and Ruth (Long) VanDuinen. He served in the US Army during the Vietnam War. He grew up working on the families dairy  farm, was a wood cutter, and mechanic. George was married on June 1, 2002 in Merritt, Michigan to Lorita Jean Cormendy. George was a member of the Houghton Lake VFW Post #4034, the Houghton Lake Eagles and the Houghton Lake Moose. He enjoyed camping on the river, watching NASCAR and helping anyone who was in need, and was known for his hobby of "scrapping".

George is survived by his wife Lorita VanDuinen of Merritt, sons; Richard VanDuinen of Falmouth, and William Ellixson of Higgins Lake; daughters; Lacey (Mike) Barnes of Cadillac, Sarah Ellixson of Cadillac and Deven (Jacob) Wilkins of Luther, six grandchildren, Hunter, Tucker, Nevaeh, Avah, Carter, and Destiny; sister; Frieda Dorlean of Lake City, brothers; Wayne (Lisa) VanDuinen of Merritt, John VanDuinen of Lake City, Charles (Mary) VanDuinen of Lake City and Eugene (Julie) VanDuinen of Lake City; several nieces and nephews; and his always companion and best friend, Jake. George was preceded in death by his parents, brother; Edwin VanDuinen Jr., and granddaughter; Tessa. 

Funeral Services are scheduled at Christler Funeral Home- Houghton Lake Chapel at 2 pm on Friday September 28, 2018. Visitation will take place on Friday September 28, 2018 from 12 pm until the time of the service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions in memory of George are asked to be directed to the family. Christler Funeral Home, Houghton Lake Chapel is serving the family. Condolences can be sent to the family online at www.christler-holdship.com 
 

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