Terry Van Putten, 68

Terry Van Putten, age 68, of Imlay City, Michigan, passed away Thursday, July 30, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Terry John Van Putten was born October 14, 1957, in Almont, Michigan, the son of the late Norman and Irene (Wille) Van Putten. He grew up in Imlay City and remained deeply rooted there for most of his life. A proud graduate of Imlay City High School, Class of 1975, Terry continued his education at Ferris State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Automotive Engineering.

For more than 35 years, he owned and operated Van Putten Automotive in Imlay City. Through hard work he built a trusted local business that became a valued part of the community.

From a young age, Terry had a deep love for anything with speed and motors. He was an avid dirt bike and motorcycle racer until a serious motorcycle accident in his twenties brought his racing days to an end. Even so, his passion for automobiles never faded. He took great pride in collecting and restoring vehicles, as well as building and driving cars in the yearly demolition derby, always finding joy in the roar of an engine and the thrill of the competition.

Terry also cherished time outdoors. He loved gardening and farming, and enjoyed escaping to the family cabin, where he hunted birds and deer. He found peace on the water whether it was walleye fishing and boating on Lake Huron, or saltwater fishing in Florida.

He is survived by his daughters, Jessica Van Putten of Spencerville, Ohio, and Tiffany Roszczewski of Imlay City, Michigan; his son, Justin Van Putten of DeLand, Florida; his brother, Thomas Van Putten of Minnesota; and his cherished grandchildren, Brody Roszczewski, Gabrielle Roszczewski, Makinley Monosmith, and Jackson Monosmith.

Terry was preceded in death by: his parents, Norman and Irene Van Putten.

The funeral service was held 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at Muir Brothers Funeral Home of Imlay City, 225 N. Main Street, Imlay City, MI. Reverend Fr. Charles Altermatt, pastor of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, officiated. 

Please be sure to sign our online register at www.muirbrothersfh.com to share condolences and memories with the Van Putten family.