Gilbert John "Gil" Rizor, 89, a lifelong Battle Creek resident died peacefully at home with his family at his side on Sunday, October 24, 2021.
Gil was born April 24, 1932 in Battle Creek, Michigan to John Preston and Elsie Ellen (Root) Rizor. He graduated from Battle Creek Central High School and then joined the U.S. Air Force. He honorably served his country in the U.S. Air Force for two years. Gil began his career at Clark Equipment Company in the factory, was employed in supervision and retired after 36 years as an industrial Engineer.
Gilbert John Rizor was united in marriage to Barbara Ann Sutton on August 2, 1953 at the former Evangelical United Brethren Church in Battle Creek. Surviving are Barbara, his wife of 68 years; children, Karen A. (Steve) Blanchard, Rod G. (Anne) Rizor, Tim J. (Shannon) Rizor all of Battle Creek; eight grandchildren, Chad (Katie) Blanchard of Cary, NC, Brian (Stephanie) Blanchard of Battle Creek, Amy (Eddie) Stanton of Battle Creek, Bill (Kaylee) Rizor of Battle Creek, Tom (Cristin) Rizor of Marshall, Preston (Tabby Lawrence) Rizor of Battle Creek, Trent (Chloe Fortune) Rizor of Marquette, Justin Rizor of Battle Creek; and 13 great-grandchildren with another due in April. He is also survived by several nephews and a niece. Gil was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Louise Bradstreet.
Gil loved spending time with his family at summer cottages, trips to the UP hunting, fishing and visiting Great Lakes lighthouses with Barb in retirement. He took pride in his corner lot while maintaining his yard and garden. He loved time spent with his grandchildren and great grandchildren and especially enjoyed the many family golf outings at Cedar Farms. He included his kids and grandkids in his volunteer work gathering sap for maple syrup in Athens. Gil was a member of Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, where he was a member of the Building Committee, volunteered for Balloon parking and numerous activities He served as President of Clark Equipment (Omni Family) Credit Union and was Volunteer of the Year at Binder Park Zoo helping with holiday lighting. Gil will be remembered as an awesome dad and grandpa whose first priority was his family.
A family service will be held at Fort Custer National Cemetery, where military honors will be presented by Fort Custer Honor Guard, the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard, with a committal by Pastor Chad Parmalee.
Memorial contributions may be made to Binder Park Zoo, 7400 Division Drive, Battle Creek, MI 49014-9500.
Arrangements are by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.