He lived his life with quiet strength, generosity, integrity, and a sense of humor.

Bob and his wife, Karen, shared 52 years of marriage built on love, respect, and partnership.

Together, they raised two children, Greg and Kristen. Bob was their rock, a steadfast support in both everyday moments and life’s larger milestones. He carried deep wisdom, yet offered his guidance gently, giving Greg and Kristen space to shape their own paths. His anchored love showed what being a parent is all about.

Over time Bob became a grandpa to eight grandchildren: Glen Lake, Lachlan, Isla, Skye, Will, London, Wild, and Levi. He loved watching his family grow, relishing moments holding a sleeping baby and joining in for countless birthday parties, sports games, and school events.

In his working years, Bob excelled in a number of leadership roles. A genuine care for people marked his professional approach in every chapter of his career. He also sought out ways to serve his community, for example, regularly volunteering as a poll worker on election days, giving blood, delivering meals to seniors for Meals on Wheels, and supporting a program employing people with intellectual disabilities. He retired in 2000, ready to spend more time in the places and with the people he loved most. Bob and Karen made a second home in Glen Arbor, Michigan. That home became the heart of their family summers. Time on the deck among the treetops will never be forgotten: the hot tub bubbling, Bob at the grill, meals that stretched into long evenings of talk and laughter with northern Michigan’s late sunsets. Here, as everywhere, Bob was always thinking of the next joke. Their doors were always open, and their home welcomed generations with warmth and generosity. On the lake, Bob was in his element. He loved taking the boat out on Glen Lake, patiently teaching friends and family how to water ski and giving tube rides to all the kids, who eagerly awaited their turn

September 8, 1950 – September 29, 2025 to be knocked off into the waves. As he circled the shoreline with loved ones aboard, or parked in the Narrows for playtime, Bob created treasured traditions people looked forward to year after year. Bob was a lifelong fan of the University of Michigan, his alma mater, where he earned degrees in industrial engineering. On fall Saturdays, he could often be found tuned into a Wolverines game, proud of the traditions that stayed with him dating back to his time playing trumpet in the Michigan Marching Band.

Bob gave to his family and friends with gentle devotion. He was there for his sister Nancy and her family during her most difficult days. In recent years, he deepened his bond with his mother-inlaw, Angeline, when she came to live with him and Karen in Austin, Texas, where he constantly looked out for her comfort. He gladly widened his family as his children got married, immediately developing special, affectionate bonds with their spouses Belinda and Mark.

Bob and Karen have been blessed with dear friends, especially Roland and Katharine Volk, Bob and Mary Weyand, and Bill and Barb McMillen, with whom they have enjoyed many trips, visits, and relaxing dinners over decades of friendship. The family is grateful for their kindness and above-and-beyond support through the years, especially during Bob’s illness.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Lorraine and Philip, and by his sister Nancy. Bob is survived by Karen, his wife of 52 years, his children Greg (Belinda) and Kristen (Mark), and his eight grandchildren. He is also survived by many cherished sisters- and brothersin- law and nieces, nephews, and cousins. Bob is best defined by the way he lived— with conviction, compassion, and humor. He is deeply missed, but his legacy of love and connection will live on in the many lives he enriched.

The family is planning a celebration of Bob’s life, to take place in Glen Arbor in the summer. Please reach out to the family for details if you would like to join the celebration.