Verne "Barney" Sutherland's Obituary
Verne E. "Barney" Sutherland Jr. was born in LaPorte, Indiana on October 27, 1933, to the late Verne J. and Alda Victoria (Rosborg) Sutherland Sr. and passed away on March 29, 2025. Along with his parents Barney was preceded in death by his first wife, Julia (Gustafson) Sutherland in 1972. Surviving is his wife, Janet Sutherland; children Robin (Arthur) Stevens, Jeri (Chris) Cooke, Patrick (Denise) Hartman, Robert (Tammy) Hartman, and Mark (Erin) Sutherland; ten grandchildren, four great-grandchildren; dear friend, Darrell White.
Barney graduated from Western Michigan University with a bachelor's degree in education. He is a veteran of the United States Army and member of Lebanon Lutheran Church in Whitehall. He and his wife Janet are both retired teachers from Reeths-Puffer with over 70 years of combined service. He is a long-time supporter of youth sports, and past member of Muskegon fastpitch softball teams for many years along with being a member of the Muskegon Area Sports Hall of Fame. He was also honored at Reeths-Puffer High School with the softball complex bearing his name.
According to his wishes cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, April 21, 2025, at Lebanon Lutheran Church, 1101 s. Mears Ave. Whitehall, Michigan. Visitation will be held one hour before the service from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service at 2:00 p.m. There will also be a public reception for Barney at Reeths Puffer Intermediate School Cafeteria, 1500 North Getty Street, Muskegon on Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to the Rocket Scholars Foundation, in care of Reeths-Puffer School, 991 W. Giles Road, Muskegon, Michigan 49445.
Arrangements by Shoreline Memorial Services -- Muskegon Chapel -- (231)-722-5050
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