Rudy Gene Clary, Sr.'s Obituary
Big Rapids - Rudy Gene Clary, Sr., 77, of Big Rapids, passed away Thursday, January 22, 2015 at his residence surrounded by his loved ones. He was born May 7, 1937, in Flint, the son of Shella and Audrey (Binkley) Clary. In 1955, Rudy graduated from Flint Beecher High School, where he was all-conference in basketball, and then attended Central Michigan University on a basketball scholarship. For 28 years, Rudy worked in various management positions at General Motors. In 1976, he moved to Big Rapids as the general manager for Hanchett Manufacturing. During this time, Rudy earned his degree in Plastics Technology from Ferris State College. More recently, he retired from Leica Geosystems in Grand Rapids. Rudy was a former member of the Flint Masonic Temple and Elks Lodge, the Big Rapids Rotary Club, the Stanwood Boat Club, and was active in the Boy Scouts. On April 10, 2004, he married Joyce Butler, who survives. Also surviving are his children; Rudy G. Clary, II of Big Rapids, Rebecca D. Clary of South Haven, David A. (Marilou) Clary of Jackson, and Steven M. Clary of Novato, CA; 7 grandchildren, Joshua, Jessica, Jacob, Nicolas, Dakota, Stephanie, and Christopher; 4 great-granddaughters; 2 brothers, Jack (Nancy) Clary of Cedar Springs, Dan (Bonnie) Clary of Big Rapids; his step-children Don (Kim) Turnes, Bill (Deb) Turnes, Sherry (Jay) Nicholson, Randy (KT) Turnes, Paula (Daren) Vanderwal; step-grandchildren April, Tiffany, Rebecca, Angela, Kimberly, Ashlee, Danielle, Shannon, and Paige; and several step-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Rudy was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Vivian Nicander-Clary, and an infant grandson Steven. Funeral services will be at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, January 25, 2015 at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids with Foster Brummel officiating. Spring burial will be in the Highland View Cemetery. Rudy's family will greet friends beginning at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday until time of services. Memorial contributions in his name may be made to Great Lakes Hospice or the Al-Van Humane Society of South Haven, with envelopes available at the funeral home.
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