Glenn Buller

All who knew Glenn Buller will surely agree that he understood the secret to living each and every day to the very fullest. He never took a single moment for granted, and he found great joy in serving those around him in whatever ways he could. Dearly loved, Glenn will be forever missed by those who knew him best.

The early 1940s are among some of the most tumultuous years for the United States and the rest of the globe. WWII was reaching a boiling point, and it wouldn’t be long before the U.S. entered the war, calling countless servicemen away from home. During this dark time, however, there was a ray of light for Neil and Georgetta (Mikula) Buller of Traverse City, Michigan, as they awaited the arrival of their baby. On December 29, 1940, they welcomed their son, Glenn Allen, into their world.

Growing up, Glenn was a typical young man of his generation in many ways. He was raised in the family home on Harding Street in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Glenn’s father Neil, worked for Kent Meats and later drove a delivery truck for Butternut Breads, and his mother, Georgetta,also worked for Kent Meats. The Buller family attended Fairview Reformed Church, setting the foundation of faith that would serve Glenn well for the rest of his life. Throughout his childhood, he attended local schools. Glenn went to Union High School, where he ran track and cross country. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his best friends, Jim Lamper and Gerrit Sturrus. Glenn graduated from Union in 1959, eager to see what the future held in store for him.

It wasn’t long before Glenn met the woman who would soon become his wife. Her name was Carol Cook, and the two first met while Glenn was working at Dexter Lock and Carol was skipping school with a friend. There was an instant spark between them. Over the next year of dating, they fell deeper and deeper in love. On July 14, 1961, Glenn and Carol were married at Fairview Reformed Church in Walker, Michigan. The newlyweds then embarked on a honeymoon to Niagara Falls and Virginia before settling down to begin their lives together in an apartment on Oneida.

Glenn was always willing to work hard in order to provide for himself and those who depended on him. He worked for a time at Dexter Lock and Ada Manufacturing. Glenn then set out to start a machine shop of his own, B&B Screw Machine. He was a savvy businessman, and he prided himself on providing excellent service to his customers. Glenn later worked part-time for Micron Manufacturing. Throughout his career, he was known for his helpful nature and his solid work ethic.

Of all the things he loved in life, Glenn cherished his family above all else. Over the years, he and Carol were overjoyed to welcome their beloved children, Karen, Sharon, Dawn, Mary, and adopted son Raul, into their hearts and home. Glenn thrived in his role as a father, and he instilled in his children the importance of generosity to others and hard work. He coached his daughters in softball for several years. The Buller family made their home at 1676 Sandra NW. They enjoyed tent camping at Silver Lake and snowmobiling during winters. Later in life, Glenn was thrilled to become a grandfather and even a great-grandfather as well. He always considered himself blessed to watch his family grow to include so many loved ones.

Never one to sit still for long, Glenn pursued many hobbies to stay busy in his free time. He could often be found at his longtime church home, Fairview Reformed Church which later became Orchard Hill Reformed Church. Glenn served faithfully as a deacon. He and Carol enjoyed boating, and they played in co-ed softball leagues. They traveled the world together and spent many winters down in Bradenton, Florida. Glenn was known for his sweet tooth and his love for peanut M&M’s. He was never one to hire someone to do a job for him, instead preferring to figure it out himself and gain knowledge through experience. Glenn’s quick wit and sharp sense of humor could bring a smile to anyone’s face. He loved spending time with “the gang,” his band of close, lifelong friends.

As Carol’s health declined, Glenn became her dedicated caretaker, a role that brought him great joy. He continued to care for his wife until she passed away in 2011. Devastated by his loss, Glenn began attending a widow’s group. It was in this group that he would once again find love. In 2012, Glenn met a woman named Sandy Coons. The two soon became a couple and pledged to spend the rest of their lives together. Glenn and Sandy were married at St. Patrick Church on May 3, 2014. They took a honeymoon to Chicago and bought a new home on North Park Street. Glenn welcomed Sandy’s two sons, Tim and Tom and their families into his heart as well. He and Sandy enjoyed traveling and taking cruises together. They spent winters in Palmetto, Florida, though they would always come back home for the holidays.

When reflecting on the life of Glenn Buller, it is easy to see his unwavering strength and his unconditional love for his family. He was a shining example of selflessness and service to others, and his insatiable zest for life could be felt by all those around him. Though he will be deeply missed, Glenn leaves behind a priceless legacy that his loved ones will be proud to carry on in his footsteps.

Glenn Allen Buller, age 83, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus, November 21, 2024 with his loving family by his side. Glenn was born December 29, 1940 in Traverse City to the late Neil and Georgetta (Mikula) Buller. He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Carol Buller. Glenn was a “jack of all trades” who was always lending a helping hand to his neighbors, friends and family. He attended and served the congregations of Orchard Hill and Holy Spirit with a selfless spirit. Glenn is survived by his wife of 10 years, Sandy Coons-Buller; daughters, Karen (Dave) Peterson, Sharon (Corky) Williams, Dawn (Jerry) Denhof, Mary (Matt) Sallee; sons, Raul (Milangela) Castillo, Tim (Robyn) Coons, Tom (Krissy) Coons; grandchildren, Danielle Peterson, Jordan Peterson, Kelsey (Ryan) Alexander, Jason (Mae Muzzy) Williams, Ashleigh (Seth) Bakker, Justin (Ian) Williams, Matthew (Medina) Denhof, Andrew (Amanda) Denhof, Kevin (Ashley) Denhof, Brittnie (Royce) Vaughn, Alexandria (Beau) Portillo, Daniel (Jennifer) Castillo, Kendra (Zach) Oborne, Kaitlyn Coons, Noel Coons, Jaeden Coons; and 18 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his special friends, Gerrit and Tina Sturrus; and the lifelong friends affectionately known as “the gang”. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, November 26, 2024 at 11 AM at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 2230 Lake Michigan Drive NW. Friends and family will visit together on Monday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes, Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW and beginning at 10 AM Tuesday at church. Interment will be in Rosedale Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society.