Archie Eugene Sluiter

The Lord's calling was greater than his will to remain on Earth, and he had strong will.

The morning of June 18, 2024, Archie E. "Gene" Sluiter of Cadillac was collected by angels, lovingly greeted by the Lord and joyously reunited with his son, Michael E. Sluiter. Gene was 78.

Gene was born and raised in Cadillac by his parents Simo Sluiter and Gertrude (Fisher) Sluiter. He graduated from Cadillac High School in 1964. In his younger years he painted homes with his dad, was a lifeguard at Kenwood Beach and a bouncer at the Platters. In 1967 he married Sharon Elliott and had 2 sons, Mathew Eugene and Mark Edward Sluiter. He married Bonnie Hirdning of Mesick in 1972; had 2 children, Melissa Ann Sluiter and Michael Eric Sluiter; and joined the US Army in 1972, where he served for 13 years. He retired with rank E7, enjoyed traveling the world and great adventures, and was proud to serve his country. For his second career he earned an Associate Degree in Automotive Science in Automotive Body from Ferris State University.

He loved 50s/60s music, dancing, racing his customized Camaro Z28, working on his car, his pets, talking someone's ear off, researching his family's lineage and had a trip of a lifetime to the Netherlands. For several years he helped raise money to help teachers buy schools supplies, he loved attending and showing off his hot rods at area car shows, attending church, organizing and attending monthly CHS Class of '64 breakfasts, and was looking forward to his upcoming class reunion in July. He did not like to sit still and strongly believed in God. 

Gene was preceded in death by his parents (Simo and Gertrude Sluiter), siblings (Theresa Sandelius, Judith Spencer, Julia Neinhuis, Nancy Duncan, Greg Sluiter and Hiltje Brunk) and son (Michael Sluiter).   He is survived by his sister, Schondra (Phil) Mantzke of Tarpon Springs, FL; children, Mathew Sluiter of Grand Rapids, MI, Mark Sluiter of Plainwell, MI, and Melissa Sluiter of South Bend, IN; his cherished grandchildren (Heather Sluiter - FL, Karissa Cumberland - FL, Malachi Sluiter - TX, CJ Barker - TN, Desiree Ann Deboise - MI, Halie Sluiter - MI, Hannah Sluiter - MI, grand-kitty - Sugar); great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Gene was a giving man. If you are inclined to make a donation in his honor or in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to: non-profit Sunnyside Assisted Living, which provided him great care - 108 Wildwood Dr, Cadillac, MI 49601 or his church - Grace Community Bible Church - 1302 Laurel St, Cadillac, MI.

Pastor Hersel Wing will conduct a Celebration of Life Saturday 6/29/24 at 11 am at Grace Community Bible Church - 1302 Laurel St, Cadillac, MI. A luncheon will follow. Family will have a private interment at 2:30 pm.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family online at www.CremationServicesOnly.com. The family is being served by Cremation Services Only

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