Russell Henry Van Gilder, Jr.

Russell (Russ, Buzz) H. Van Gilder Jr., 90, passed away peacefully on December 2, 2024, surrounded by his family in a place he loved – Melbourne Beach, Florida. 

Born on March 14, 1934, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to Virginia (Berner) Van Gilder and Russell H. Van Gilder Sr., Russ grew up with his six siblings in Fenton, Michigan, graduating from Fenton High School in 1953. Shortly after, he served his country in the U.S. Navy, completing a tour in Key West, Florida. Upon his return from the service, he worked as a butcher at the local Comber and Fox grocery store, where his entrepreneurial spirit began to shine under the mentorship of lifelong friend Kenneth Fox.

Russ’ determination was evident in every endeavor he pursued. In 1958, Russ married the love of his life, Shirley Jean Holloway, of Ypsilanti, Michigan. A year later, while balancing a full-time job and a growing family, he graduated from the University of Michigan-Flint in 1959. Together, Russ and Shirley, went on to build a thriving family business that became a beloved part of the Fenton community and many other towns in the surrounding area.

VG’s Food Center was more than a grocery store to Russ. The first locations, opened in Clio and Fenton, grew to include 17 stores, providing countless individuals with their first jobs and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Russ took immense pride in mentoring his three children, Rusty, Lisa and Julie, who carried on the family business until its sale in 2008. In addition to helping VG’s grow and prosper, Russ shared his experience and knowledge by serving on the Board of Directors at several other companies. He was the Chairman of Spartan Stores, Inc. of Grand Rapids, MI for several years, the Chairman of Oven Fresh Bakeries, the Chairman of the Michigan Food Dealers Association and the Chairman of the State Bank of Fenton.

Even in retirement, Russ remained active. Well known for his playful and adventurous nature, he would often ride his Harley Davidson into the office to check up on everyone. He loved to travel in his many motorhomes with Shirley. They had several adventures including a very special trip to Alaska. He was also an incredibly gifted piano player. His competitive drive inspired everyone around him, although it did occasionally get the best of him while watching Michigan play football. Above all, Russ loved his family, his dog, Kaelee and his community deeply, always seeking ways to give back and make those around him feel valued.

Russ is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Shirley; his children, Russell (Jerrie) Van Gilder III, Lisa Van Gilder (Bill Ogle), and Julie Tittl (John DeLong); his brothers Jim (Jan) Van Gilder and Paul Van Gilder; his sisters Betty Herrick, Mary (David) Lenzi, and Pauline (Hank) Carabelli; his grandchildren Erica (David) Sandusky, Tiffany (Brian) King, Jaimie Keranen (Ben Staley), Russell (Allie) Van Gilder IV, Michael (Samantha) Ogle, and Lauren (Jacob) Heffner; and his great-grandchildren Aubrie, Mikey, Adam, Raelle, Nathan, Sam, Andrew, Jacob, Bella, Aria, Russell V, and Hailey. In addition, Russ has dozens of nieces and nephews and extended family that were very meaningful to him. A special thanks to Cricket Bonner for her friendship these past couple of years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Virginia Van Gilder Sr.; in-laws Percival and Cleda Holloway; his sister and brother-in-law Janice and Blake Moore; his sister-in-law Nina Van Gilder; his brother-in-law Kenneth Herrick; his brother-in-law Gordon Marshall; his Holloway family brothers and sisters in-laws, Robert and Velda Holloway, Skip and Sue Smith, and Donald and Mary Holloway; as well as several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Russ’s life will be held in the late spring or early summer of 2025. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his honor to the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan.

‘Heroes are remembered, but legends never die!’

Arrangements by Sharp Funeral Homes, Fenton Chapel, 1000 W. Silver Lake Rd., Fenton, MI 48430. Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com