Wendell Dennis Hurlbut

Died peacefully September 7, 2012 in Gobles. Wendell was born April 25, 1915, on the family farm in Casco Township, to Florence (Ruell Overhiser) and Guy Hurlbut. While attending Allegan schools, Wendell met Gertrude Banks. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941, on the evening of December 20th, Gertrude and Wendell drove to Bryan, Ohio, where they were married by a justice of the peace behind a small gas station. That evening began 70 years of unconditional love and devoted marriage. Following his draft, Wendell served in the US Army Air Corp during WWII, stationed in the Fiji Islands. Upon his discharge, the family settled in Gobles and Wendell began his entrepreneurships. Over 45 years he owned many businesses in Southwest Michigan, many in Gobles including the confectionary, the dry goods store and an insurance office. Most recently he had owned Hurlbut’s Grocery in downtown Gobles. He always continued to be a supporter of shopping local. Wendell was a founding member of the Gobles-Pine Grove Fire Board, served on the city council, was the first president of the Gobles-Kendall Improvement Club, and was a life member of the Hudson Lodge of the Free and Accepted Masons. He and Gertrude enjoyed traveling around the US with friends and their children. His family includes his wife, Gertrude; his children: Judy and Jim Baurs of Delton, Dennis and Wynne Hurlbut of Gobles, and Cathy Esman and Charlie Babcock of Dowling; grandchildren: Sara and Shane Ashley, Jeff Baurs, Traci Hurlbut, Kari and Andy Northey, Justin Hurlbut and Karen Weissert, Brett and Jen Esman, and Mandi Esman and Matt Daley; great-grandchildren: Jaden and Clay Ashley and Connor Esman. He was preceded in death by his great-granddaughter Kelli. Friends may visit with Wendell’s family on Sunday from 3-6 PM at the GOBLES CHAPEL, D. L. Miller Funeral Home, where his funeral service will be held on Monday, September 10, at 11 AM, with Pastor Carol Newman officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Allegan with military honors. Memorial donations may be made to Gobles School Foundation or the Wings of Hope Hospice. Please share a memory of Wendell or words of condolence with his family at www.dlmillerfuneralhome.com

Wendell Dennis Hurlbut

April 25, 1915 - September 7, 2012