Arthur Aldrich Jr.

When reflecting on the life of Arthur Aldrich Jr., it is easy to see both his unwavering strength and his unconditional love for his family. He was always willing to go above and beyond to serve others, and he was a shining example of loyalty and kindness. Nothing brought Art greater joy than spending time with his loved ones, no matter how simple the moment. His solid work ethic formed the foundation of all that he did. Deeply loved, Art will be forever missed by those who knew him best.

The early 1950s were among some of the most influential years for the United States. Following the end of WWII just a short time before, the economy was flourishing, and the baby boom was underway. It was during this exciting time that Arthur and Cyrlena Aldrich of the Detroit area were awaiting the arrival of their second child. On July 16, 1953, they welcomed their son, Arthur Jr., into the world.

Growing up, Art was a typical young man of his generation in many ways. He was raised in the family farmhouse on Warner Road in Haslett, MI alongside his five siblings, Anita, Patricia, Colleen, Charlie, and Paul. The Aldrich children enjoyed playing baseball on the farm. Art attended local schools, including Haslett Elementary, Middle, and High School. During his time in high school, he was very active in sports and was involved in basketball, football, and track. Art began working with his father, who laid tile for a living, to earn some money of his own. Though he didn’t attend college, he did pursue further education by taking a few classes at Michigan State University. Art then began working at a Big Boy restaurant.

Of all the things Art loved in life, he cherished his family above all else. In 1973, he married Terri and became a father to Josh and Asia. Art later remarried in 1987 to Gina and welcomed another daughter, Jennifer, into his heart and home. Though both marriages ended in divorce, he was always grateful for the three children he was able to raise. Art thrived in his role as a father, and Josh, Asia, and Jennifer were his pride and joy. Art and Jennifer enjoyed playing yard games and watching sports together, and he never missed a tennis match. When Josh and Asia moved back to the area, they were able to spend weekends with Art, which was time he treasured. He loved going to their activities and sporting events. Later in life, Art was thrilled to become a grandfather as well. He adored his grandchildren, doting on them whenever he could, and he was always supportive of them. About 20 years ago, Art met Erin Mullen, who became a very special part of his life. He considered himself blessed to be surrounded by so many loved ones.

Art was never afraid to work hard in order to support himself and those who depended on him. For many years, he worked in sales and sold manufactured homes in Gaylord, Michigan. Art later became a loan officer for Chemical Bank, where he would work until he retired and left his career behind. He also had a side gig selling homes privately, and over the years, he sold homes for family members and friends who needed someone they could trust.

In 1978, four men created a fishing club they called SOL Fisheries. Since then, the group has grown to 18 men who fish together on Houghton Lake every first weekend in February and spend a weekend in the summer planning this fishing outing. Art was a lifelong member of the group, and he was eventually elected the president for life. His son, Josh, also became a member of SOL Fisheries. Art was a member of the DTX Foundation, which raises money to support those in their community who need help financially. He was a firm believer in caring for the local community and for those around him.

Never one to sit still for long, Art pursued many hobbies to stay busy in his free time. He was a diehard Spartans football fan, and he had season tickets to the games for 20 years. Art enjoyed golfing, fishing, and hunting. He could often be found at the deer camp, drinking beer and hunting. Art liked to cook and bake, and he was known for his smoked meats and pies. He loved having fun, and he was happiest when everyone around him was happy.

As family and friends can surely attest, Arthur Aldrich Jr. truly understood the secret to a life well lived. He was a constant source of strength, even in the most difficult of times. A devoted partner, brother, father, and grandfather, Art was a friend to many and beloved by all he met. His primary focus in life was building deep and personal relationships with others. Though he will be dearly missed, Art leaves behind a priceless legacy that his loved ones will be proud to carry on in his footsteps.

Arthur G. Aldrich Jr., 71, of Standale MI, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Sunday, November 3, 2024, after a long sickness. He was born in the Detroit area in 1953 to Arthur Sr. and Cyrlena Aldrich, who have preceded him in death. Art is also preceded in death by his longtime girlfriend Erin Mullen, his sister Anita Hampton, brother Paul Aldrich, and brother-in-law Joss Hurni. Surviving are his son Josh Aldrich, daughters Asia (Mark) Chapman, Jennifer (Scott) Verstrat, as well as his grandchildren Haily, Dylan, Ezra, Vivienne, Lennox, and Maxwell. Art is also survived by his sisters Patricia Hurni, Colleen (Scott) Westerman, and brother Charlie (Chris) Aldrich. Arthur had a large heart for others and was a friend to all. He will be fondly remembered by his family, including his Shots friends and family, and his SOL brothers. Art was also an active member of the DTX Foundation. Art was a lifelong Michigan State football fan and was a season ticket holder for more than twenty years. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with family on Friday, November 8, 2024 from 5 – 8 pm PM at the Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel 2120 Lake Michigan Dr., N.W. Grand Rapids MI 49504. In lieu of flowers Art’s family has requested memorial donations be directed to the DTX Foundation (https://www.dtxgr.org/) to support local individuals and families in need. To read more of Arthurs’s life, share a memory. or sign the online register book, please visit www.heritagelifestory.com