Elmer Jay "Rusty" Sluiter age 74 of McBain passed away at his home on March 23, 2025. Rusty was born on March 2, 1951 in Cadillac to Elmer and Vera (Erdman) Sluiter. Rusty married Bonnie Jean VanderWal on November 20, 1970 at the VanderWal Family home.

Rusty enjoyed deer hunting, loved his dogs, his Corvettes, his Gold Wing motorcycle, and taking motorcycle trips with his wife. His happiest moments were when his family came over to visit, they meant the world to him. Rusty enjoyed spending time at his house in the UP. He had worked at Rubber & Plastics in Cadillac over 20 years before farming on the family farm.

He is survived by his wife; Bonnie Jean Sluiter of McBain, two sons; Marty (special friend Jody Bode) Sluiter and Rusty (Candize) Sluiter both of McBain, 6 grandchildren; Katelyn Sluiter, Gregory Sluiter, Levi Sluiter, Chevy Sluiter, Blaine Sluiter, and Leland Sluiter, one great granddaughter; Emberlee Sluiter, brother; John (Ethel) Sluiter of Freemont, sister-in-law; Marian Westerhof of Caledonia and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter-in-law; Laura Sluiter, nephew; John Sluiter, father-in-law and mother-in-law; Bert and Jennie VanderWal, and brother-in-law; Jim Westerhof.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday at 2:00 P.M. at the Burkholder Family Funeral Home in McBain with Reverend Tom Shelder officiating. Visitation will be on Thursday at the funeral home from noon to time of service. Burial will take place in the Lucas Cemetery. A luncheon will follow at the Lucas Townhall. Arrangements are being handled by the Burkholder Family Funeral Home in McBain. Memorial contributions may be made to Juvenile Diabetes or St. Jude's. Thoughts and prayers may be left at www.burkholderfunerals.com