Dorrance H. Hurlbut Obituary (1943 - 2025)

Dorrance Howard Hurlbut, 81, of Stanton, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by overwhelming love and support of his family on February 27, 2025. He was born on September 4, 1943, in Detroit, to Oliver and Gertrude Hurlbut, but roots were quickly established in Ionia, where the family moved to support the family business, Peschke Packing Company. Gertrude was later remarried to Stanley Mundt. Dorrance attended Ionia Public Schools, where he made incredible lifelong friends and met the love of his life, Barbara Ann Waters, at the Rose Ballroom. They were married February 15, 1964, and honeymooned throughout New England, Niagara Falls, and Arkport, NY; at a village founded by the Hurlbut family in the late 1700’s. The couple was gifted a stay at the Hurlbut House, which is now a historical landmark. They recently celebrated 61 years of marriage. This was the first of many adventures that Barb and Dorrance would take, but their most fond memories were made at Treasure Island and Key West. They cherished these experiences that left lasting memories, and were often reminisced about, especially in his final days. Dorrance lived life to its fullest. He enjoyed playing billiards, bowling, cribbage, and golf. He was an immense lover of music, and was often found on his computer looking for new tunes or playing games. He retired early from Summit Steel in Ionia, allowing him to enjoy every moment he could while doing the things he enjoyed the most. He played golf every second he could, enjoyed numerous pontoon rides around the lake, fished the “back lakes,” and spent time with family and friends. He also loved sneaking out to the casino when Barb wasn’t looking. He will be remembered for his larger-than-life personality and his stories, many of which seemed like tall tales, but were often met with receipts or witnesses. Dorrance is survived by his loving wife; Barbara, son; Stephen (Nicoe) Hurlbut of Ionia, daughter; Cynthia (Giovanni) Guzman of Hastings, grandchildren; Stephanie (Jeremiah) Lehman, Andrew Waterman (Ricky Hart), Jeffrey (Sonia) Hurlbut, Jeremy Vanduesen (Misti Yurkinas), Bradley (Kali) Hurlbut, and Stephen Hurlbut, great-grandchildren; Ava, Jack, Aubrey, Blakely, Hudsyn and Baylor, sister; Gretchen (Gary) Bensinger, sister-in-law; Wilma (Robert) Waters, and several nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life will be held in Spring, where family and friends can come together to share lots of laughs and wonderful memories. More details will follow at a later date. To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Dorrance's online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Christiansen's Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Greenville, 616-754-5638.