Martin Uitvlugt

Martin, the son of Jacob H. and Anna W. (Rolffs) Uitvlugt, was born on January 19, 1928 in South Boardman, MI and moved to the Battle Creek area in the early 1950's. He was a 1945 graduate of Kalkaska (MI) High School, served in the United States Army, and was a 1951 graduate of Michigan State University, where he received his Bachelor of Science with Honors in Mechanical Engineering. After 43 years, Martin retired from Eaton Corporation as the Director of Engineering and Technology - Worldwide in 1994. He held many patents relating to various aspects of the engine components business, and was recognized as a member of the Eaton Society of Inventors and a Society of Automotive Engineers Fellow.

He was a member, leader and volunteer for many non-profit organizations, including the River Walk Community Church (formerly known as the Battle Creek Christian
Reformed Church), the Battle Creek Christian School, Habitat for Humanity, Christian Reformed World Relief Committee, Salvation Army and Senior Services Committee for Calhoun County.

Martin was an avid reader and consummate
handy-man who could fix anything and engineered everything to perfection. He loved the outdoors,
whether it be hunting, fishing, hiking, biking, or skiing, as long as he was doing it along side his family and friends.

Surviving is his beloved wife, Virgil (nee: Ryckman) of almost 63 years; two daughters, Kathy G. (David Balch) Uitvlugt of Austin, TX and Greta G. (Roderick) DeMaso of Naperville, IL; his son, Gregory M. (Joan) Uitvlugt of Okemos, MI; his eight grandchildren, Anne (Chris Roelofs)Uitvlugt, Jeffery, Christopher and Mitchell Uitvlugt, Kelsey and Hannah Balch and Benjamin and Matthew DeMaso; his sister, Anna (Edwin) Harvey of East Lansing, MI and two brothers, Aggo Uitvlugt of Grand Rapids, MI and Cornelius (Donna) Uitvlugt of South Boardman, MI. Martin was
preceded in death by his parents; a son, Gerald J. Uitvlugt; three sisters, Rina Uitvlugt, Jeanette Tein and Agatha VanderMale and his brother, Henry Uitvlugt.

The Memorial Service to celebrate Martin's life will be held on Friday, February 22, 2013 at 1 p.m. at the River
Walk Community Church, 1021 Wagner Drive, Battle Creek, with Rev. Roger Bultman, officiating. The family will receive
friends one hour before the service at the Church and immediately following the service at the Church Social Hall for a time of fellowship and a luncheon. Final interment will be in Lodi (MI) Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Calhoun County Medical Care Facility, 1150 E. Michigan Avenue, Battle Creek, MI 49014 or the River Walk Community Church in Martin's name.

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