Burton Gerald Bell's Obituary
Big Rapids - Burton G. "Bert" Bell, 86, of Big Rapids, passed away Friday, December 11, 2020 at Reed City Fields Assisted Living.
He was born June 8, 1934, in Morley, the son of Clarence and Evelyn (Blossom) Bell. The family moved to Leroy when Bert was 6 years old, and Bert graduated from Leroy High School in 1952. From 1955-1958, he served in the U.S. Army.
On December 15, 1956, Bert married Yvonne Schmidt. They returned to the family farm in Leroy and he worked for Dean's Foods for several years. After moving to Big Rapids, Bert managed the Big Rapids Co-op for nearly 3 years, and also worked for Roy Myers Redi-Mix.
Bert served as a part-time firefighter for the Big Rapids Fire Department for many years before becoming fulltime in 1975, and he retired as Captain in 1994. He then worked for Currie's driving a wrecker, taught fire classes for the State of Michigan, and was an adjunct instructor at Ferris State University.
Bert was a member of the Big Rapids Aerie Eagles #2535, the Michigan Fire Instructors Association, and the Michigan Fire Fighters Association.
Bert was preceded in death by Yvonne on January 21, 2019. He is survived by his 2 sons, Randy of Big Rapids and Ricky of Reed City; his daughter Kelly (John) Schneider of Ponce Inlet, FL.; his 5 grandchildren, Bryan, J.C. (Kaitlin), Jacob (Brooke), Nicole, and Luke; 8 great-grandchildren; his brother Ray (Cheryl) of Frostproof, FL.; his sister Sharon (Lynn) Nelson of Frostproof, FL.; and many nieces and nephews. Bert was also preceded in death by his daughter Carla, granddaughter Alexa, 2 great-grandsons, Jace and Kasen, and 2 brothers, Gordon and Arthur.
Memorial services will be announced for a later date, In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name may be made for the Wounded Warriors Project or ARC of Mecosta County. Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.
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