Hugh Bristol Obituary (1935 - 2014)

Hugh G. Bristol, Jr., age 79, of Gowen, passed away Thursday, November 13, 2014 at Spectrum Health-Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids. The son of Marian (Peck) & Hugh G. Bristol, Sr., he was born on July 27, 1935 in Grand Rapids and was a U.S. Army veteran, serving as part of the Army of Occupation in Germany during the Korean War. On October 25, 1957, in Belding, he married Sue Ann VanVlerah and together they raised three children and enjoyed 57 years of marriage. Hugh was a loyal employee of the Steelcase Corporation and retired after 41 years of faithful service. Hugh loved to hunt and fish, visit the Upper Penninsula, and was a avid Michigan State University fan, he found his greatest joy in time spent with his family especially attending and watching his grandchildrens sporting events. He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Allen Bristol and Dick Bristol. Surviving are his wife, Sue Bristol of Gowen; three children, Bonnie & Brian Petersen of Greenville, Rick & Penny Bristol of Gowen, and Sheila Bannen of Greenville; eight grandchildren, Heather Petersen, Jen Cook, Amanda & Jason Ormsbee, Andy & Kim Vorhees, Chris & Shawntae Petersen, Derek Bannen, Tiffany Bannen, and Val & Kevin Suardini; nine great grandchildren; a brother, Jerry & Carol Bristol of Gowen; three sisters-in-law, Edith Haines of Stanton, Rosie Burt of Greenville, and Joyce VanVlerah of Greenville; and many nieces and nephews. Visitation is from 5-7 p.m. on Monday at Christiansen Cremation & Funeral Care, 511 S. Franklin Street, Greenville, where funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday. The Rev. Kenneth Harger, retired pastor of Shiloh Community Church, will officiate and burial will take place privately at Spencer Mills Cemetery.