Barry Jon Van Guilder passed away in Grayling Michigan Sunday, July 7th 2019 at 8:00 a.m. in his home, and surrounded by his family. He was 70 years old.
Barry is the son of the late Franklin Duane Van Guilder, and is survived by his mother, Ruth Hilma (Johnson) who is 93 years old. Barry is survived by his loving wife, Natalie (Mead) Van Guilder of Grayling MI; Son, Andrew Fischer (Brenda Schwind) Van Guilder; Daughters, Sara Nicole (Michael) Trosper, Rachel Brooke Robbins (Brooks) and Margaret Anne (Michael) Rossler . He is lovingly remembered by his grandchildren, Zachariah James Kelly, Bradly Walter Trosper, Kyle Anthony Trosper, Casper Brooks Robbins, and Hazel Marie Rossler. He is also lovingly remembered by his "bonus children" Katie Tinker, Robert (Liberty) Tinker, Karie (Michael) Knight, and Andrew (Courtney Watros) Czuba. Grandchildren: Jack, Heather, Emily, Ryan, Zander, Shianne, Brennen, Roselynn, Sherryellen, and Lawrence and great grandson, Keaton.
Barry was born in Bay City, Michigan on July 21, 1948. He was the oldest of four siblings, and is survived by Daniel Van Guilder, Dennis (Diane) Van Guilder, and Bethany (Larry) Wegener. Barry served as an Army combat medic in the Vietnam war, and was honorably discharged in November 1969. He was employed by Weyerhauser in Grayling, MI for 28 years and retired in 2006. He met his wife Natalie in 1999; she fell in love with his banjo and he fell in love with her truck and fishing boat. Together they have one dog, Channie Mae.
Barry was an exceptional musician, and loved to play his banjo. He also played guitar and sang, released three of his own albums, and appeared as a studio musician on many others. He performed in a variety of folk and bluegrass groups; "The Pine River Valley Boys", "Straight Forward Bluegrass", "The Sunshine String Band", and "The Banjo Picker and Friends" with his son Andy, and daughter, Rachel. Barry recently recorded a gospel album, "Old Hippie Gospel" to honor his lord and savior, Jesus Christ.
Barry was a true outdoorsman and master gardener who lived off of the land. He provided for his family by growing vegetables in his garden, and by hunting, fishing and trapping. He loved and respected nature, using all parts of his harvest. Whatever couldn't be used he returned to the earth. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, music, respect for the land and love of his family.
The visitation will be held at Sorenson-Lockwood Funeral Home, 1108 W. North Down River Road, Grayling Michigan 49738, on Thursday, July 11, 2019 between 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Funeral service will be held on Friday, July 12, 2019 at 12:00 with visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be at Elmwood Cemetery with military honors. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.sorensonlockwood.com.
Arrangements by Sorenson-Lockwood Funeral Home.
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Barry is the son of the late Franklin Duane Van Guilder, and is survived by his mother, Ruth Hilma (Johnson) who is 93 years old. Barry is survived by his loving wife, Natalie (Mead) Van Guilder of Grayling MI; Son, Andrew Fischer (Brenda Schwind) Van Guilder; Daughters, Sara Nicole (Michael) Trosper, Rachel Brooke Robbins (Brooks) and Margaret Anne (Michael) Rossler . He is lovingly remembered by his grandchildren, Zachariah James Kelly, Bradly Walter Trosper, Kyle Anthony Trosper, Casper Brooks Robbins, and Hazel Marie Rossler. He is also lovingly remembered by his "bonus children" Katie Tinker, Robert (Liberty) Tinker, Karie (Michael) Knight, and Andrew (Courtney Watros) Czuba. Grandchildren: Jack, Heather, Emily, Ryan, Zander, Shianne, Brennen, Roselynn, Sherryellen, and Lawrence and great grandson, Keaton.
Barry was born in Bay City, Michigan on July 21, 1948. He was the oldest of four siblings, and is survived by Daniel Van Guilder, Dennis (Diane) Van Guilder, and Bethany (Larry) Wegener. Barry served as an Army combat medic in the Vietnam war, and was honorably discharged in November 1969. He was employed by Weyerhauser in Grayling, MI for 28 years and retired in 2006. He met his wife Natalie in 1999; she fell in love with his banjo and he fell in love with her truck and fishing boat. Together they have one dog, Channie Mae.
Barry was an exceptional musician, and loved to play his banjo. He also played guitar and sang, released three of his own albums, and appeared as a studio musician on many others. He performed in a variety of folk and bluegrass groups; "The Pine River Valley Boys", "Straight Forward Bluegrass", "The Sunshine String Band", and "The Banjo Picker and Friends" with his son Andy, and daughter, Rachel. Barry recently recorded a gospel album, "Old Hippie Gospel" to honor his lord and savior, Jesus Christ.
Barry was a true outdoorsman and master gardener who lived off of the land. He provided for his family by growing vegetables in his garden, and by hunting, fishing and trapping. He loved and respected nature, using all parts of his harvest. Whatever couldn't be used he returned to the earth. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, music, respect for the land and love of his family.
The visitation will be held at Sorenson-Lockwood Funeral Home, 1108 W. North Down River Road, Grayling Michigan 49738, on Thursday, July 11, 2019 between 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Funeral service will be held on Friday, July 12, 2019 at 12:00 with visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be at Elmwood Cemetery with military honors. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.sorensonlockwood.com.
Arrangements by Sorenson-Lockwood Funeral Home.
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