Robert VanGessel

Robert VanGessel passed away peacefully on February 13, 2025 at the age of 94, while holding the hand of his wife and surrounded by his loving family. Bob was born on May 7,1930 to Frances and Anthony VanGessel in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He was a lifelong Grand Rapids West Sider, where both he and his high school sweetheart, Norma, graduated from Catholic Central High School. He was a devout Catholic. He had a strong commitment to God and to his wife of 74 years. He was a parishioner at St. Anthony’s where his beautiful and strong singing voice could be heard throughout the congregation. He also volunteered at St. Vincent DePaul. Bob was a faithful servant to his country, serving in the US Army from 1948 to 1951. He served in the Korean War, and received a Bronze Service Star. Bob grew up spending summers at the family Blue Lake Cottage. He passed on his love of lake life to his children when he built their cottage on Muskellunge Lake. Bob was sharp as a tack and quick-witted with a joke or pun. He was a force of nature with his capable ways and brilliant mind for geography, politics, history, current events, and religion. He worked at Steelcase for over 30 years and utilized his analytical engineering-focused thinking. Bob enjoyed baking bread, gardening, golf, and fishing. He filled his life making memories with family and friends. Anyone who knew Bob knew that he was a loving husband, father, sibling, and son. He shared this same love with his community of friends, professionals, and acquaintances. He made the time to show up for everyone who reached out, providing caring, trustworthy, and sound counsel. He simply wanted to brighten lives and that he surely did. Peace and caring personified him. His final words were from the book of John, “Love one another”. Bob has now joined his parents and siblings, Bill VanGessel, Eunice VanGessel Mitus, Ed VanGessel, Fran VanGessel and Jerry VanGessel and his grandson Timothy VanGessel Jr in heaven. He is survived by his brother Tom VanGessel. He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Norma and their six children, Lynn (Mark) Kahns, Barb (Bill) Meconis, Tim VanGessel, Chris (Jon) Botsford, Tony (Lisa) VanGessel, and Michael (Gayle) VanGessel. He was blessed with 15 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews located all over the United States. A family visitation will be held on Sunday, March 2, 2025 from 3:00-5:00 pm at Arsulowicz Brothers Remembrance Mortuary- 3525 Remembrance Road NW Walker, MI 49534 where a Vigil Service and time of sharing will be Sunday at 4:30 pm . A visitation will be held on Monday, March 3, 2025 at St. Anthony’s of Padua Catholic Church, 2510 Richmond St. NW GR, MI, 49504, at 10:00 am followed by a 11:00 am mass and military salute. There will be a luncheon after the services at Ironwood Bar and Grill. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to God's Kitchen. A private burial service will take place on a later date at Mount Calvary Cemetery overlooking Norma’s childhood home and the view of the west side.

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Robert VanGessel

May 7, 1930 - February 13, 2025