1924
2013
Age 89, passed away Saturday, April 13, 2013, in Lansing MI.
"Hutch" was born February 7, 1924 to John and Edith Hutchens in Lansing MI. He graduated from Eastern H.S. where he was the drum major for the state champion Boys Marching Band. Hutch was a veteran of WWII, proudly serving in the Marines on Guadalcanal and Okinawa, earning a purple heart. He became a licensed mortician in 1949, then a Michigan State Trooper in 1951, retiring in 1974. In 1975 he became a City of Lansing Court Officer and was later appointed Magistrate of 54A District Court, holding that position for 8 years before retiring for a second time.
Hutch (also known to many as "Bones") enjoyed playing his 'rhythm bones' for anyone that would listen and was a member of the Senior Class Band for many years. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and was very proud of his family. He touched the lives of many people and will be truly missed.
Hutch was preceded in death by a son, Paul (1985), his first wife Iva Lea, eight siblings; Margaret, Gertrude, Mildred, twin sister Elizabeth, John, Roy, Paul, and Charles.
He is survived by his wife Helen, children; Sandra, Renee (Brett) Morton, Robert (Mary), Carol, David, stepdaughter Cheryl, six grandchildren; Aaron, John, Paul, Katherine, Christian and Jarrod, two great-grandchildren, Caden and Cassidy, and many nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, April 17 at Gorsline-Runciman Funeral Homes, Lansing Chapel, 900 East Michigan Ave., Lansing. Funeral Services will be at 12 p.m. Thursday, April 18 at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Michigan State Police Fallen Troopers Memorial Fund, 1715 Abbey Rd., Ste. B, East Lansing, MI 48823 or, The Lansing Safety Council, 3315 S Pennsylvania Ave., Lansing, MI 48910 in memory of Robert L. Hutchins. The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.grlansing.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
April 26, 2013
Larry Dorin
Helen & Family,
I am sorry for your loss of Hutch. I always enjoyed my visits with him when we walked at the mall, playing cards and visiting at the table. My condolences are with you.
April 23, 2013
Joel Clark
Bob and my Mother, Shirley Rowe Clark, were the last two first cousins of the Hocking Family. We were sorry to hear of Bob's passing just today. May God give comfort to the bereaved. And may God be glorified and praised.
April 22, 2013
Tom Ley
To Sandy and her Family,
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. I have some fond memories of Mr. Hutchins. He always made me feel apart of your family and yet,at the age of 18 and dating his oldest daughter, I was definitely intimidated and knew my place. May the memories of your parents, through the strength and closeness of your family, always live on.
April 22, 2013
Bill & Nancy Wagner
My dear Helen & Family:
Nancy and I were so sorry to hear of Hutch's passing. Our condolences to you and your family. We are still in Florida or we would have been at the service. He will be dearly missed by all of us and we pray for comfort for you and your family in this time of great sorrow. Our Love always to you and your family.
April 21, 2013
Nancy Arnold
I am so sorry to hear of this man's passing. He was one of my favorite people while employed with the MSP. He was always kind and gracious to me. One of my favorite peole. My best to his wife, Helen. He was a wonderful man who made me laugh!! Thank You Hutch. Love to All!
April 20, 2013
Karri Smit Lambert
So very sorry to hear of Hutch's passing. He was such a great man and touched so many lives with his humor and kindness. Rest in Peace Hutchie Bunker.
April 18, 2013
Joe & Kathy Speybroeck
Carol,
Just heard about your dad's passing. So sorry we were not there. Great memories of our softball days in Michigan. He was fun to be around and we will never forget him playing the bones at our wedding!... All our love to you and your family.
April 18, 2013
Marsha Curtis Boyer
"Hutch" was a good friend to my father; Lou Curtis. I remember him well. My Mother; Marj Curtis; passed away last month. She would have been 89 on May 1.My condolences to your family and friends.
April 18, 2013
Pat Mort
Hutch was one of the first enlisted members of the Department I met when I started in Records...he and Aren Huiskens were great examples of what I thought State Police should be. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
April 17, 2013
Tony Thias
I'm Tony Thias and a member of the Sr Class band. As a fellow band member it was such a pleasure to have Hutch with us providing the rhythm with his bones. He always had a big smile and a wonderful sense of humor that was contagious. At rehearsals we would exchange humor often. I would ask that we play Lady of Spain often as Hutch and his bones provided beautiful rhythms that the piece called for. Fortunately we recorded a disc. I listen to it often in my travels.
I was happy to visit Hutch at the Nursing home and share in the good times we had bringing music to seniors.
If Hutch will be honored with a military funeral it would be a privelege to play taps.
My sincerest condolences to all of his family and friends.
April 17, 2013
Bobby Depew
Uncle "Hutch" was a joy to visit with. The photo at the top of this page is perfect; This is how I remember him, always with a smile & a positive word. He was such a wonderful husband to Aunt Helen. May peace be with the Hutchins family in this difficult time....Bobby & Kim DePew
April 17, 2013
We will be thinking of you this day even though we're not able to be there. So many good memories of working with Hutch both officially at Sta.11 and unofficially with he and John and Paul and with shared time with our families. When I remember him I think of a great combination of common sense, patriotism, and humor. And a guy who cared about others and looked for the best in everyone.
Nadine and Larry Olmstead
April 17, 2013
Carol and family,
Al and I were so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. He lead a full life, and was proud of his family. Know that we are thinking of you at this sad time. Al and Sandy Burdi
April 17, 2013
Norm Hutchens
Uncle Bob will be missed by a lot of people all over the state. I will always remember his smile and humor.
April 16, 2013
Mary Ellen & Hugh Warren
Patriotism is supporting your country all the time and the government when it deserves it. John, our hearts and prayers go to you and your family w/your loss. We know he was special to you.
April 16, 2013
Kent Neigebauer
The Neigebauer Family sends it condolences to the Hutchins family. My father Arthur Neigebauer worked with Hutch in the Michigan State Police. My mother Isabelle Neigebauer was a close friend of the family. They both knew Hutch and his family for many years. May you rest in peace. Arthur, Isabelle, Kent, Steven, and Judy Neigebauer
April 16, 2013
Kathleen Herrick
Dear Sandy,
My deepest condolences to you and your family. Your father's remarkable life is certainly a tribute to his character and an inspiration to all. I regret that I cannot attend his service because I am out of state, but my thoughts and prayers are with you and all the Hutchins Family at this sad time.
Love,
Kathleen Herrick
April 16, 2013
Gary Buckner
Find comfort in the love Robert gave to all of you. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
April 16, 2013
Margo Jonker
Mr. Hutch will be missed. Greeting him at almost every game between the team I coached and Hutch's team will be missed. He always came up with a smile and a hug. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and his loved ones.
April 16, 2013
Sandy so sorry for the loss of your dad. I'm thinking of you and your family at this tremendously sad time. Theresa
April 16, 2013
Bruce and Becky Long
We are so sorry for your loss. Hutch was a wonderful man.
April 16, 2013
Susan Mayberry
To every member of the Hutchins family, Sending my love and spiritual faith to everyone who knew and loved Mr. Hutchins. The Mayberry family is lifting you up in prayer. God Bless for healing and engrained memories. Susan
April 16, 2013
Patti Harcourt
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. He was always such a gentlemen. We will miss him and Helen at Dimitris. God bless
April 16, 2013
Laura Percival
Sandy - If a person's legacy tells about the person - than he was a great man because you are an amazing daughter!!!
April 16, 2013
Chris Reed
Will miss you Uncle Bob, so proud to have known such a great man. Semper Fi
April 16, 2013
Jeff, Tiffany, Riley, Mike, JR Hecklinski
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family
April 16, 2013
Diane Ketcheson-Fox
Words can never replace the loss of a loved one. Keep them alive with everything you say and do. Hugs to the entire family from Texas.
April 16, 2013
Rick & Sandi Cook
We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and our prayers. May God bless you all and hold you close in this time of sorrow.
April 16, 2013
Brenda Ross
I always loved and enjoyed seeing "Uncle Bob" and you Aunt Helen. My thoughts are prayers are with your family. Very sorry for you loss.
April 16, 2013
BARRY DAMON
I only knew "Hutch" through my work, at Ingham County, but I thought very highly of him. He truely was a great man, and I will Pray for him, and his loved ones. God Bless you, and bring comfort to you, in Hutch's passing.
April 16, 2013
Carol Bushy
To all the Hutchins family. I am so sorry for your loss as Hutch was a great man. I first became acquianted with Hutch when he was in MSP Records, when I came to work for the MSP in Gun Files in May of 1970. He always had such a great sense of humor and is someone I will never forget. At times, we would see him, his wife and perhaps another couple out to dinner somewhere around Lansing. Just a couple years ago or so, I walked over to the table and asked him if he was Hutch, and introduced myself. He seemed so pleased that I would remember him all those years after his retirement, but Hutch is a truly an unforgettable man. I have always held the utmost respect for him and will remember him always.
Carol (Janetzke) Bush, MSP 1970 to the present.
April 16, 2013
Cheryl Schilling
So Sorry Aunt Helen, words could never explain how much I am going to miss Uncle Bob.
Cheryl
April 16, 2013
Jerry and Lupe Runions
Dear helen, we were so sorry to hear about Hutch, our love and prayers for you and all the family. He was a joy to be around.
April 16, 2013
Bob and Diane Millis
Dear Aunt Helen,
We are thinking of you at this difficult time, and wish we could be there for Hutch's service. When we return from Florida we will visit you. We are thankful for the many good years you had with Hutch. We love you.
April 16, 2013
Aunt Helen,
Thinking of you in this sad, sad time.
Hutch was an AWESOME great uncle. And to
Hutch's family I hope you find peace in
your memories. Lori Smith Wirt
April 15, 2013
Beverly Fedewa
So sorry to hear that "Hutch" died....remembering all the good times we had when we were neighbors in Gulf Shores......Bev fedewa
April 15, 2013
A fellow Marine, may you rest in peace. I knew Hutch for over 30 years and we always had a good time at the Marine Corps Birthday party on Nov 11th. I let Hutch buy one of my most prized possessions a WWII Marine Corps Ring, he was always showing it off and so proud of it. Hutch was part of the Old Corps (they were of the Greatest Generation) a tough and honorable breed, he was truly a American Hero, he will be missed and I know he will be with his fellow Marines for eternity. Hutch definately is one of the Few, the Proud, the Marines.
Semper-Fi
Pete Zivic USMC Vietnam 1966-68
April 15, 2013
Kathy Strahan
Carol and Family
My thoughts are with you at this very difficult time. Hutch was such an incredible person and he always made me laugh. He was a fixture at all those softball games with the Laurels and MSU, and I'll always remember that million dollar smile. He was a great man who touched so many lives, and left a legacy that will live on in all who were fortunate enough to know him.
April 15, 2013
Diane
Sandy, Bob, Renee,Carol, Dave and Helen please know that you are all in my prayers, we have all been blessed to be apart of Hutch's life and just as important part of your lives. I will be praying for you in the coming days and weeks. It was truly a blessing to have been able to come up and see Hutch with all of you as well a couple weeks ago. Take care of each other as your parents have shown you how to love one another.
April 15, 2013
A good friend, you will be missed, rest in peace, joy, and love with God our Father.
David D. Dickson Jr. (Lansing, Mi.)
April 15, 2013
A good friend, you will be missed, rest in peace, joy, and love with God our Father.
David D. Dickson Jr. (Lansing, Mi.)
April 15, 2013
Dear Carol,
How well I remember the fun times following the MSU National Championship Softball Team of 1976(?) Mr. Hutch was always there, and everyone loved him. Fred and I always enjoyed seeing him at every game and softball related occasions. Among other things, he entertained us all with his rhythmic spoons at the dinner celebrations. (Especially Omaha!) He was proud of you throughout your MSU accomplishments, and I'm sure since then at U/M. Laury and my U/M granddaughter, Leslie, were pleased to see you Saturday.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Laury Ward's Mom, Arlene Ward
April 15, 2013
Glenn Dafoe
Bob and I were great friends. We worked together
And after we both retired he and his lovely wife always came to see me when in mt pleasant.
I had great respect for Bob as a friend and a police officer. I will try and make the funeral but not sure
Have a dental appointment and prefer to have
My son drive me rather than go alone. He may or may not be able to get away from his business that
Day. In either case, our prayers are with him and his family, I will miss his good sense of humor but
Mostly as a friend and his reflection as a fine officer
With the state police.
Glenn Dafoe
Sent from my iPad
April 15, 2013
Molly Watcke
Carol,
Our prayers to you and yours...
Craig and Molly McClimon Watcke
April 15, 2013
Bill Askin
To Helen and family,
Hutch was one of my first Sr officer's when I was assigned to Station 11. I remember those occasions vividly when he was demonstrating to me on how to be a good trooper. He was clearly a wonderful human being and has been an inspiration to all he connected with.
I share some of your sadness.
April 15, 2013
Cherie & Red Beck
To All the Hutchins:
Red and I are so terribly sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
April 14, 2013
Glen & Suzanne DePew
Dear Aunt Helen -
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. May the peace that passes all understanding be yours. Glen and I are sorry for your loss. He will be greatly missed by so many. With our love, Glen and Suzanne DePew.
Showing 1 - 47 of 47 results
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