Dennis Ruiter

Dennis L. Ruiter, (78) of Richland, MI passed away on March 28th, 2025. Born on June 26th, 1946 in Parchment, MI, he was a supportive husband to Julie MacDonell-Ruiter and a loving father to Dennis Ruiter and Jennifer Grosskurth.

Dad was hard-working and dedicated. He spent most of his adult life working in the Maintenance Department and then the Safety Department at General Motors (BOC), where he was known for his ability to know the ins & outs of all the machines on the floor. Despite his many responsibilities, he always made time for his family and his passions.

Though Dad may not have liked being the center of attention, he deserves to have his long years of fatherly love honored. He was a man of hard work, great fatherly advice, and loving security to his children, and he has left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.

Dad's hobbies and interests helped define who he was. He enjoyed tinkering around the house that he built in Richland, often spending his weekends helping his neighbors, friends and family with lawn work and maintenance advice. His love for wildlife around his house, (especially deer, and birds) and traveling to Petoskey/Northern Michigan were special times that he shared with his family, leaving a mark on us that will never fade.

He is survived by his wife, Julie MacDonell-Ruiter, children; Dennis (Tina) Ruiter and Jennifer Grosskurth, grandchildren; Joshua and Alexandra Grosskurth and Erin Ruiter, step-children; Kelly and Katie MacDonell, siblings; Marty (Joan) Ruiter and Jon (Jane) Ruiter, as well as many friends and extended family members who will miss him dearly.

Cremation and private family burial at Prairie Home Cemetery, Richland, MI has taken place.

We find comfort in knowing that Dad's legacy lives on through the lessons he taught us, the love he shared, and the memories we will cherish forever. He will always be in our hearts and was loved beyond measure.