Bernard Huismann

Bernard Huismann was born on April 5th, 1943, in Muskegon, MI, and passed away at Select Specialty Hospital in Grand Rapids, MI, with his son by his side, on May 16, 2026. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Glenna (Kienke) Huismann; their children Bernard “Spike” (Angela) Huismann, Duane (Amy) Huismann, and Adonna “Dusty” (Huismann) Linsley; grandchildren Christopher (Aubrey) Koenigsknecht, Ephraim, Mercy, Osker, Olive, Cooper, Grayson, Karson (Abigail) Huismann-Kent, Felicity (Guthrie) Wood, Cora (Jeremiah) Vanderwall, Alyeska, and Hatcher (fiance Sylvia Freeland); great-granddaughters Kiyah Mae Linsley, Ariella Kent, and Francesca Josephine Vanderwall; siblings Douglas (Marilyn) Huismann, Ronald “Buster” (Linda) Huismann, Elaine Huismann, Sandra (Huismann) Peel; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin and Cora (Miller) Huismann; brothers Walter “Buck” Pillars, Willard “Mose” Pillars, Duane Huismann, and Dale Huismann; sisters Arlene (Kieth) Monroe, Joan (Jim) Rice, and Rita Lear ; daughter Rebecca Huismann; and son-in-law Mark Linsley.

Bernard, more commonly known as Butch or Bernie to his family and friends, lived in Newaygo, Michigan, for nearly his entire life, in the same house for 82 years. Growing up, he farmed with his family and later purchased the property for his own family. He proudly played four sports at Newaygo High School, especially football, before earning a mechanical engineering degree from Ferris State University. With the Vietnam War draft underway, Butch recruited friends and family to join him in the Marines, serving four years in the Corps. After returning home, he began dating Glenna, and they married in 1971, starting their family soon after.

Butch made a career in tool and die design as an AutoCAD operator, but always longed to be at home. Passionate about motocross, he transformed the cow pasture into a European-style track and hosted sanctioned races, with family and friends helping manage the events. He was known for his boisterous “Yee-haw!” as the motocross race announcer.  He was also always tinkering in the shed, playing games with his kids, working on farm projects, or inventing ways to enhance his vehicles. Even in retirement, Butch never settled down; he rode bikes and quads until he could not, then cycled to stay in shape. Staying active was important to him.

He enjoyed Lions football (a lifelong fan), visits to the track now called Big Air, tinkering in his toolshed, cribbage, and the farm event “Weekend at Bernie’s.” He especially loved time with his grandkids and watching them grow. A member of First Baptist Church of Newaygo since the late 1970s, Butch’s faith journey had its ups and downs, but he knew Christ as his personal Lord and Savior. He was baptized with his wife on a trip to Florida. We can be assured he will be with Christ.

Butch leaves a legacy of faithfulness to his marriage, care for his family, and devotion to bringing his kids to church and passing on his faith. He invested in eternity by living for God's glory, impacting future generations through his character and actions.

Visitation will be from 1-2 PM on Thursday, May 28, 2026 at First Baptist Church in Newaygo followed by the Funeral Service at 2:00PM with Pastor Tim Shaw officiating.  Military Honors will conclude the service at church, with refreshments following, and then interment will be at Newaygo Cemetery.  Suggested Memorial:  First Baptist Church in Newaygo.  You can sign the online guest book at www.kroeze-wolffis.com.  Arrangements are by Kroeze-Wolffis Funeral Home, Inc. of Fremont.

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