Adrian “Buster” Potter, age 74, of Dorr, died Friday, May 28.
Buster grew up in Conklin, where he worked on a farm as a young boy. He later married his wife, Mary, and served in the United States Army. They planted their roots in Dorr, where they had lived since 1976.
Buster owned Beline Haulers for 25 years before selling the business. Thereafter, he continued to dispatch for 21 years. Buster loved his tractors and pulled with several clubs. He traveled to Iowa every year for the pulls and has crossed the Mackinac Bridge several times on his tractor.
You could always find him working in his barn with Tim, mowing grass with his grandsons, or splitting wood with Jeff. He had a hand in establishing Foxfire Pullers in 2011, where he passed on his love of tractors and pulling to his grandson, Luke.
He loved watching the boys on their dirt bikes and came to every band concert, soccer game, basketball game, and school event.
Buster is survived by his daughter, Amanda; son-in-law, Jeff Rhodes; grandkids Chloe, Luke, Levi, and Liam Rhodes; brothers and sisters Glenna and Mike Vosburg, Sandy Potter, Evelyn Potter, Lisa Potter, Don Potter, Randy Potter, David and Sue Potter, Carol and Rick Essebaggers, and Phillip Potter; brothers- and sisters-in-law James Bekkering, Judy Mulligan, Larry Isenhoff, Chris Bekkering, and Tim and Dawn Bekkering; many nieces and nephews; his partner in crime, Susie Loew and her family; and many wonderful friends, especially his coffee crew.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Mary (Bekkering); parents Wilber Potter and Ardith Maple; in-laws Raymond and Verna Bekkering; brothers and sisters Bill Potter, Bob Potter, Beverly and Richard Newman, Gordon and June Sorensen, Douglas Potter, and Naomi Potter; and brothers- and sisters-in-law James Mulligan, Wanda VanderMolen, Verla Isenhoff, and Marcia Bekkering.
Buster’s celebration of life will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 6, his 75th birthday, at the Foxfire Pullers track, 2245 144th Ave. in Dorr. Family will reminisce with friends and loved ones. A short service will begin at 5 p.m. with military honors. John Zink is officiating.
Please bring a chair and a tent or umbrella for shade. This is a casual gathering, so dress comfortably. Please set up along both sides of the track as if it were a pull.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family to assist with final expenses or to the Foxfire Pullers non-profit.
