Glenn Dale Hudson

Glenn Dale Hudson was a man of great character and compassion who spent a lifetime cherishing the thing that was most precious to him, his family. To Dale, life isnt about what you acquire or what you achieve, but about what you give and about what you leave behind. Dale spent his lifetime building relationships, ensuring that he would leave behind a legacy of love, and that he did. The year 1931 was a difficult year for many American families; we as a nation were held tightly in the grip of the Great Depression. Glen and Fannie (Leggett) Hudson, of Coopersville, Michigan, were able to focus their attention on their own exciting time; as Fannie was due to give birth to their third child at any time. They were indeed blessed on April 17, 1931 with the birth of their healthy son, Glenn Dale. The Hudson family was fortunate to be able to provide for their needs during these scarce times with their 80 acre farm where Dale grew up. Dale and his older siblings, LaVerne and George, were later joined by twins Dixie and Duane, and then Yvonne and Mary. Together, the Hudsons cherished family time, a priority that gained roots during Dales childhood and would follow him throughout his entire lifetime. Dale developed a love for fishing, hunting, and participating in the local 4-H, all of which he did with his siblings during his youth. Dale attended Coopersville High School where he met a young lady that would forever change the course of his life. Her name was Jean Ann Mitchell and he won her love with a pretzel. A romance soon ensued and after Jean graduated from high school, Glenn Dale and Jean were married, on November 23, 1950. The young couple was soon blessed with the births of three sons: Kenneth, Grant, and Todd. Dale embraced his role as a father, finding ways to communicate love to each of his children in their own unique way. Dale exhibited the perfect balance between being firm with his children and providing them with grace and compassion. As a father he always encouraged his children and supported them in their various endeavors and decisions, both large and small. Dale worked hard to support his family as a machinist at Sealed Power where he worked for over 35 years until he retired, in 1989. Dale provided his children with various opportunities to create memories that would be cherished for a lifetime. Dale loved sharing his passion for hunting and fishing with his boys. Together, Dale and Jean bought a camper in which they often took their boys camping and even after they sold the camper; their family still enjoyed time off at various hotels where they would often just get away for the weekend. In addition to working and spending time with his family, Dale also found time to pursue some of his passions. Dale continued to adore fishing and hunting, especially on his trips to Alaska. He fondly recalled the time that he and his best friend Glen Rice traveled to the Upper Peninsula to go bear hunting. Dale managed to get a bear, which the two friends then dragged out of the woods and brought home. Dale had a shoulder mount done of this most prized catch and he wanted to display it in the television room. Even though Jean was resistant to the bear finding his home there, she eventually went along with it and even accessorized the bear for the holidays! Dale also enjoyed the family property located in Baldwin, a bit to the north, where he and his brothers, sons, and later grandchildren enjoyed the fishing on the Baldwin River. This property set the stage for many fond memories to be made among the Hudson family. When grandchildren, Lauren & Jordan arrived on the scene, Dale delighted in them and had a special place in his heart for each one. Lauren & Jordan were his pride and joy and he was thrilled to share his name with his only grandson, Jordan Dale. Dale also enjoyed sharing his sneezes with Lauren, they could raise the roof. April Fools Day was Dales favorite holiday which provided him with the opportunity to play tricks on those he loved; he often tried to convince his children and grandchildren that there were various animals in the yard! Dale was always a softie when it came to the family pets as well; he was often the first one to stray from the guidelines that had been in place for the various pets. Retirement also gave Dale more time to golf, participate in his bridge club, and take various senior citizen trips. Life was not without its difficulties for Dale, however, as Jean began to experience declining health. It was important to Jean that Dale have companionship so she purchased Dale a dog, although he didnt want one. Staying true to form, Dale fell in love with this dog named Jaques who became his best friend and companion. Jaques proved to be a welcome addition for Dale as his beloved Jean died in 1998, after 47 years of marriage. Dale leaned on his family for support during the difficult days after her death. Brighter days were soon in store for Dale when he took a trip to the Soaring Eagle Casino where he met the former Mable Shelley. No matter what else happened at the casino, Dale felt he won, as he and Mable were later united in marriage on October 21, 2001. Whether he was shooting a bear, fishing up north, or swinging a golf club, Dale did it all with integrity, vibrancy, and zest. Anytime was always the time to make memories with his loved ones and it was no secret that the times that Dale cherished the most were those spent surrounded by loved ones. Dale spent a lifetime making memories which will be forever etched on the hearts of those he leaves behind. He will be deeply missed. Glenn Dale Hudson, of Muskegon, MI, died on Monday, January 12, 2009. Dales family includes his wife, Mable; three sons, Kenneth Hudson of TN, Grant (Lori) Hudson of Muskegon, Todd Hudson of Brighton, MI; 3 stepchildren, Carl Jensen of Edmore, MI, Lew (Ann) Jensen of Blanchard, MI, Cynthia (William) Borland of Mt. Pleasant, MI; 2 grandchildren, Jordan & Lauren Hudson; 7 step grandchildren; 2 sisters, Yvonne Welch of AK, Mary (Robert) Bonner of Black Lake, MI; 2 sisters-in-law, Rosemary Hudson of Coopersville, MI, Marlene Hudson of Muskegon; several nieces, nephews, cousins & many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his three brothers, LaVerne, George (Lelia), Duane; sister, Dixie (Albert) Sievers. Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 16, 2009, 11:00 a.m. at the chapel of Clock Life Story Funeral Homes - Muskegon location - Muskegon, MI with Pastor James Norman officiating. Interment at Sunrise Memorial Gardens. Visit with Glenns family and friends on Thursday, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Please visit Glenns memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can leave a favorite memory or make a memorial contribution to Harbor Hospice.