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CHOCOLAY TWP, MI – It is with heavy hearts, we announce that our Dad, Gerald “Skip” Van Buren has “gone hunting where the coyotes always answer the call.”
Skip was a proud Vietnam veteran and true outdoorsman. He served his country with honor and carried great pride in his military service throughout his life.
Some of his greatest joys in life were his family, friends, hunting (all critters), especially Predators, trapping, fishing and calling coyotes. Skip loved to teach the community all of the passions he loved so dearly and whole heartedly.
Whether before sunrise setting traps, sitting quietly beneath the stars listening for coyotes, or sharing a hunting story with his many “hunting” pals, he felt most at peace in nature. The outdoors was more than a hobby to him – it was where he found purpose, adventure and freedom.
Known for his skill, deep respect for wildlife and the land, he passed down his love for hunting, calling, trapping and the outdoors to those around him. He could spend hours teaching others to call coyotes, track predators or appreciate the beauty of a crisp morning in the woods. Skip turned his passion into Taxidermy. Skip taught himself to mount all types of animals. He became one of the best Taxidermists around. He ran a side business out of his trapper shack for many years called Skip’s Taxidermy. Skip’s talents for Taxidermy spread quickly around from near to far and he became “in demand” for desired mounts. Everyone loved his work. He had a gift of making any animal look naturally life like.
Skip served as a US Marine Lance Cpl in Vietnam. He enlisted in the Marines in 1966 and served proudly in Vietnam from 1967-1969. As a young teenager Skip and his horse Dusty proudly delivered the community their daily newspaper. The duo was referred to by many as the ”Pony express”. The Marquette Mining Journal wrote an article highlighting the dynamic duo during this time and re published the story again in the.column “30 years ago today”. Upon returning home from Vietnam Skip took a job in the mines then he began his career as a Boilermaker for Local 169 for the next 33 years. Skip belonged to several Sportsman Clubs and loved attending hunting/trapping conventions. Skip held an annual Predator Challenge Hunt at his home for multiple years that was enjoyed by many Sportsman throughout the county and beyond. Skip has been on multiple episodes of Discovery, 906 Outdoors and Michigan Outdoors. You can still search him on Youtube and watch them. Skip loved the Lord.
He attended Redeemer Lutheran Church in Marquette.
Skip cherished every moment spent with his loved ones, whether it was family dinners, holidays, or simply sitting together sharing laughter. He leaves behind four children and their spouses, Jeri (Mark) Brisson, Sue (Todd) Ninnis, Gerald III “Bill” Van Buren, Jen (Jason) Dachs, 16 grandchildren, Andrew (Kayla), Jesse, Daniel (Kaitlyn)Brisson, Dustin, Drew Livingston, Jordan, Bradley, Michael, Nathan, Kendra, Arlove Van Buren, Elizabeth (Amanda) Dauphinais-Van Buren, Jayde (Aiden) Barry, Briar Van Buren, Serenity and Hunter Dachs; 12 great grandchildren, Emma, Madison, Eli, Eve, Ezra, Luna, Malikye, Gavin, Ace, Landyn, Lakeyn and Carson, His ‘bonus’ granddaughter Mia Desjardins, sister Deborah (Gary) Martin, many Nieces, Nephews, Cousins and so many friends, especially Jim Thompson and Mary Malette. Also surviving him is his sweetheart Kathy LaMere, who brought so much joy to our entire family in our Dad’s final journey. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Verna Van Buren, his siblings Arlove (Richard) Boucher, Dennis Van Buren, his former wife Linda Van Buren and former significant other Sharon Rosin.
The family will receive relatives and friends at Redeemer Lutheran Church on Tuesday, August 11, beginning at 10:00 am until the time of service at 12:00 noon. Rev. Chad Ott will officiate. A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall. Interment, with veterans honors, will be held at the Park Cemetery at 2:30 pm. Those attending services are encouraged to wear camo.
Though he is now hunting on fields in heaven offering free lead lunch to all critters, his memory will live on in every sunrise hunt, every quiet woodland morning and every distant coyote call. We all will miss you, Dad! You made the world a better place for many!
Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com