Bruce
Bruce A. Summerer
Bruce passed away Monday Nov 21, 2016 at his home in Otsego.
He was born July 9, 1947, in Benton Harbor the son of Ray and Francis (Peppler) Summerer. He attended Michigan State University where he received a Master’s degree in Engineering. An engineer for Caterpillar Equipment of Peoria, IL, after school, he married Linda Morgan, on September, 10, 1971 in Grand Blanc and they relocated to southwest Michigan.
In the mid 70’s he founded Allegan Pipe and Supply Company selling irrigation equipment. The business grew into a farm equipment distributorship, offering some of the area’s first large articulated 4×4 tractors with brands like Versatile and Rome and they farmed over 600 acres in the Plainwell/Otsego area while raising a young family. Leaving the agriculture business in the mid 1980’s, he became a financial investment advisor and opened his own branch in Plainwell which grew to 5 other brokers. Bruce also served on the board of Hope Lutheran Church through much of the 1990s.
Always the outdoorsman, Bruce was always ready to head out to the woods, with friends both human and canine, in search of game on the ground, or in the water or air, where the woods helped him forge many life-long friendships. He will be remembered as a hardworking man whose focus was always on his family. Being an only child, he truly valued his family, and sharing adventures outdoors with his family and friends was his favorite past time.
He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, three sons, Allen (Staci) Summerer of Plainwell, Brett (Emily) Summerer of Corning, NY, and Corey Summerer of Denver, CO, as well as 6 grandchildren, Noah, Bree, Truman, Evander, Rhys, and Evangeline.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
According to his wishes cremation has taken place.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 26, 2016, at 3:00 PM at the Friendship Wesleyan Church on Starr Road in Plainwell, with Pastor John Wood officiating.
Contributions in memory of Bruce may be made to
Pheasants Forever
or
Christian Neighbors.
Please post condolences or special memories of Bruce at
www.WinkelFuneralHome.com
Offer Condolence for the family of Bruce A. Summerer
Condolence Messages
nicole knowlton
November 23, 2016 at 11:58 am
Allen,I’m so sorry to be reading this my heart is with you and your family are this devastating time.
Reply
Dan Vander Molen
November 23, 2016 at 12:20 pm
My sincere condolences to your family. Bruce was a good friend, business colleague, and hunting buddy. We chased Pheasants together in Iowa-many times, hunted deer in Kansas and Illinois, and caught trout in Montana. Bruce had an easy going manner that was a true gift. Rest in Peace my friend.
Reply
jeffrey vortman
November 23, 2016 at 12:26 pm
I was complete shock when I heard this news. Bruce and go back to the late 1960s and he was always good for a smile and frendship. God bless you Bruce, I hope you are home for eternity.
Reply
Bill Parsons
November 23, 2016 at 12:30 pm
I have fond memories of Bruce and will miss him. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of the family.
Bill
Reply
Corey Smith
November 23, 2016 at 12:47 pm
Sorry to hear this news Bruce and Linda have always been friends of mine through the years even to the point of hiring me to do a very extensive remodel on their home. Bruce was always a very square dealing man who appreciated hard work,because he worked hard himself. The whole community owes him a debt of gratitude for his life achievements that have improved the very community in which he lived. The true meaning of life is to leave this world a little better than it was before you were here and I think it’s very safe to say that Bruce was one of those folks. I know he will be missed by many and my heart goes out to Linda, Corey,Brett, and Allen I am sure they know what a great man he was.
Reply
Dixie Johnson
November 23, 2016 at 2:57 pm
I am truely sorry to hear about Bruce’s passing. May our Lord be with each one of you and give you peace.
Reply
Sue Brenner
November 23, 2016 at 3:31 pm
I am sad to hear of your loss. In the years I worked with Bruce he was a friend to me and to my family. I know how deeply he cared for each and every member of his family. I send blessings for strength in the days ahead.
Reply
Del Beier
November 23, 2016 at 3:38 pm
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Cherish all your wonderful family memories close to your heart. I know this is a difficult time but know you have many friends thinking of you and the boys. God bless you.
Reply
Ron Dingerson
November 23, 2016 at 8:25 pm
I first met Bruce in the fall of 1965 when we were room mates for orientation at MSU. We have been friends ever since. In all the years that I knew him I never saw him to get mad, even when Fritz ran away in South Dakota. We had great adventures from deer hunting in Kansas to bear hunting in Alberta. I enjoyed every trip. I will miss his friendship and council. I know he and Fritz are Pheasant hunting in heaven.
Reply
Susan Howe
November 23, 2016 at 11:26 pm
Oh, Allen, I am saddened to read this news. I am sending up prayers for you and your entire family. Please give your mother a hug from me. I am so sorry. Take care….Peace and Blessings, Sue aka Colin’s Mom
Reply
Truman & Evander
November 24, 2016 at 9:03 am
We love & miss you grandpa!
Reply
Leigh Clark
November 24, 2016 at 2:56 pm
Our condolences to the Summerer Family. We are in total shock here with the news of Bruce’s passing. Linda, Bruce, Allen, Brett and Corey is one of the nicest family’s we had the pleasure of being a part of when we moved to Michigan and our boys were growing up. When Jim was in between jobs Bruce took him under his wing and gave him work so we could feed our family. This family did not hesitate to help us when we needed it. Corey Smith said it best that the world is better for having Bruce in it and I agree he was a very kind man who’s character is unsurpassed You are correct he will be greatly missed by many! My heart goes out to this beautiful family… RIP Bruce! Till we see you again our friend…. The Clark’s …..Jim, Leigh ,Clint, Michael and Brandon
Reply
Jerry and Judy Shumaker
November 24, 2016 at 5:46 pm
We are writing this on Thanksgiving Day and just learned about Bruce this afternoon. We are so sad about his death. They were our neighbors for many years before Al and Staci moved into the house. Please know that our thoughts and sympathy are with your family on your very sad loss. May you find strength in the future with your special memories and photos, etc. Please know that we are keeping you in our thoughts and are so very sorry for your loss. Please take care and know that others are thinking of your family.
Reply
James Baumgart
November 25, 2016 at 8:30 am
Allen,
You and your family are in our prayers.
Jim and Renae Baumgart
Reply
Mike & Sally Pritko
November 26, 2016 at 10:34 pm
Allen so very sorry to read about the loss of your father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Reply
Eloise Crocker
November 27, 2016 at 1:45 pm
Linda, I just read in Sun’s paper of the death of Bruce. I am so sad for you and your boys and send my condolences. Although I never met Bruce, I so enjoyed working with you in Allegan and hearing your many stories of home life with him and your three boys. I know you have such warm memories of Bruce, I hope they will sustain you in the months and years ahead.
Ellie Crocker
Reply
Marianne Fuerst
November 27, 2016 at 5:15 pm
Dear Linda, I was so sorry to read about Bruce’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the boys and their families. I am leaving for Mexico Monday the 28th but will get in touch with you when I return.
Reply
Elsie Bennett
November 28, 2016 at 8:04 am
Dear Linda, I was so shocked to read of Bruce’s death in Sundays paper. Please accept my most sincere condolences and to your entire family. I know you will miss him greatly. Take care of yourself and stop by any time if you would like to talk.
Elsie Bennett
Reply
Tresa (Miller) Koch
November 28, 2016 at 8:12 am
So sorry to hear we have lost Bruce. I went to HS with him and sat next to him in band for about four years. He and Albert Selesky and myself used to run around and hangout together. We had great times together. My heart goes out to his family during this sad. . .sad time.
Reply
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He was born July 9, 1947, in Benton Harbor the son of Ray and Francis (Peppler) Summerer. He attended Michigan State University where he received a Master’s degree in Engineering. An engineer for Caterpillar Equipment of Peoria, IL, after school, he married Linda Morgan, on September, 10, 1971 in Grand Blanc and they relocated to southwest Michigan.
In the mid 70’s he founded Allegan Pipe and Supply Company selling irrigation equipment. The business grew into a farm equipment distributorship, offering some of the area’s first large articulated 4×4 tractors with brands like Versatile and Rome and they farmed over 600 acres in the Plainwell/Otsego area while raising a young family. Leaving the agriculture business in the mid 1980’s, he became a financial investment advisor and opened his own branch in Plainwell which grew to 5 other brokers. Bruce also served on the board of Hope Lutheran Church through much of the 1990s.
Always the outdoorsman, Bruce was always ready to head out to the woods, with friends both human and canine, in search of game on the ground, or in the water or air, where the woods helped him forge many life-long friendships. He will be remembered as a hardworking man whose focus was always on his family. Being an only child, he truly valued his family, and sharing adventures outdoors with his family and friends was his favorite past time.
He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, three sons, Allen (Staci) Summerer of Plainwell, Brett (Emily) Summerer of Corning, NY, and Corey Summerer of Denver, CO, as well as 6 grandchildren, Noah, Bree, Truman, Evander, Rhys, and Evangeline.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
According to his wishes cremation has taken place.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 26, 2016, at 3:00 PM at the Friendship Wesleyan Church on Starr Road in Plainwell, with Pastor John Wood officiating.
Contributions in memory of Bruce may be made to
Pheasants Forever
or
Christian Neighbors.
Please post condolences or special memories of Bruce at
www.WinkelFuneralHome.com
Offer Condolence for the family of Bruce A. Summerer
Condolence Messages
nicole knowlton
November 23, 2016 at 11:58 am
Allen,I’m so sorry to be reading this my heart is with you and your family are this devastating time.
Reply
Dan Vander Molen
November 23, 2016 at 12:20 pm
My sincere condolences to your family. Bruce was a good friend, business colleague, and hunting buddy. We chased Pheasants together in Iowa-many times, hunted deer in Kansas and Illinois, and caught trout in Montana. Bruce had an easy going manner that was a true gift. Rest in Peace my friend.
Reply
jeffrey vortman
November 23, 2016 at 12:26 pm
I was complete shock when I heard this news. Bruce and go back to the late 1960s and he was always good for a smile and frendship. God bless you Bruce, I hope you are home for eternity.
Reply
Bill Parsons
November 23, 2016 at 12:30 pm
I have fond memories of Bruce and will miss him. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of the family.
Bill
Reply
Corey Smith
November 23, 2016 at 12:47 pm
Sorry to hear this news Bruce and Linda have always been friends of mine through the years even to the point of hiring me to do a very extensive remodel on their home. Bruce was always a very square dealing man who appreciated hard work,because he worked hard himself. The whole community owes him a debt of gratitude for his life achievements that have improved the very community in which he lived. The true meaning of life is to leave this world a little better than it was before you were here and I think it’s very safe to say that Bruce was one of those folks. I know he will be missed by many and my heart goes out to Linda, Corey,Brett, and Allen I am sure they know what a great man he was.
Reply
Dixie Johnson
November 23, 2016 at 2:57 pm
I am truely sorry to hear about Bruce’s passing. May our Lord be with each one of you and give you peace.
Reply
Sue Brenner
November 23, 2016 at 3:31 pm
I am sad to hear of your loss. In the years I worked with Bruce he was a friend to me and to my family. I know how deeply he cared for each and every member of his family. I send blessings for strength in the days ahead.
Reply
Del Beier
November 23, 2016 at 3:38 pm
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Cherish all your wonderful family memories close to your heart. I know this is a difficult time but know you have many friends thinking of you and the boys. God bless you.
Reply
Ron Dingerson
November 23, 2016 at 8:25 pm
I first met Bruce in the fall of 1965 when we were room mates for orientation at MSU. We have been friends ever since. In all the years that I knew him I never saw him to get mad, even when Fritz ran away in South Dakota. We had great adventures from deer hunting in Kansas to bear hunting in Alberta. I enjoyed every trip. I will miss his friendship and council. I know he and Fritz are Pheasant hunting in heaven.
Reply
Susan Howe
November 23, 2016 at 11:26 pm
Oh, Allen, I am saddened to read this news. I am sending up prayers for you and your entire family. Please give your mother a hug from me. I am so sorry. Take care….Peace and Blessings, Sue aka Colin’s Mom
Reply
Truman & Evander
November 24, 2016 at 9:03 am
We love & miss you grandpa!
Reply
Leigh Clark
November 24, 2016 at 2:56 pm
Our condolences to the Summerer Family. We are in total shock here with the news of Bruce’s passing. Linda, Bruce, Allen, Brett and Corey is one of the nicest family’s we had the pleasure of being a part of when we moved to Michigan and our boys were growing up. When Jim was in between jobs Bruce took him under his wing and gave him work so we could feed our family. This family did not hesitate to help us when we needed it. Corey Smith said it best that the world is better for having Bruce in it and I agree he was a very kind man who’s character is unsurpassed You are correct he will be greatly missed by many! My heart goes out to this beautiful family… RIP Bruce! Till we see you again our friend…. The Clark’s …..Jim, Leigh ,Clint, Michael and Brandon
Reply
Jerry and Judy Shumaker
November 24, 2016 at 5:46 pm
We are writing this on Thanksgiving Day and just learned about Bruce this afternoon. We are so sad about his death. They were our neighbors for many years before Al and Staci moved into the house. Please know that our thoughts and sympathy are with your family on your very sad loss. May you find strength in the future with your special memories and photos, etc. Please know that we are keeping you in our thoughts and are so very sorry for your loss. Please take care and know that others are thinking of your family.
Reply
James Baumgart
November 25, 2016 at 8:30 am
Allen,
You and your family are in our prayers.
Jim and Renae Baumgart
Reply
Mike & Sally Pritko
November 26, 2016 at 10:34 pm
Allen so very sorry to read about the loss of your father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Reply
Eloise Crocker
November 27, 2016 at 1:45 pm
Linda, I just read in Sun’s paper of the death of Bruce. I am so sad for you and your boys and send my condolences. Although I never met Bruce, I so enjoyed working with you in Allegan and hearing your many stories of home life with him and your three boys. I know you have such warm memories of Bruce, I hope they will sustain you in the months and years ahead.
Ellie Crocker
Reply
Marianne Fuerst
November 27, 2016 at 5:15 pm
Dear Linda, I was so sorry to read about Bruce’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the boys and their families. I am leaving for Mexico Monday the 28th but will get in touch with you when I return.
Reply
Elsie Bennett
November 28, 2016 at 8:04 am
Dear Linda, I was so shocked to read of Bruce’s death in Sundays paper. Please accept my most sincere condolences and to your entire family. I know you will miss him greatly. Take care of yourself and stop by any time if you would like to talk.
Elsie Bennett
Reply
Tresa (Miller) Koch
November 28, 2016 at 8:12 am
So sorry to hear we have lost Bruce. I went to HS with him and sat next to him in band for about four years. He and Albert Selesky and myself used to run around and hangout together. We had great times together. My heart goes out to his family during this sad. . .sad time.
Reply
Leave a Condolence
Cancel reply
Please share your message of condolence with the family, It will be visible to the public but your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked
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