Robert Fall

A well-known saying declares, “Come rain, come snow, come hail or sleet, the postman always delivers,” referring to the determination and reliability of our postal workers. For Robert ”Bob” Fall, a rural mail carrier for 19 years, this quotation is particularly apt. Bob could always be counted on – not only to do his work conscientiously, but also to be there for his friends and beloved family when they needed him. Considerate, loving, and kind, Bob went out of his way to brighten the lives of those around him; he touched many hearts, and will be deeply missed

For the United States, 1966 was a tense year, best remembered for the space race with the USSR, increasing race riots, and heavy military involvement in Vietnam. For proud parents Robert Leroy and Margaret Ann (Roach) Fall, however, 1966 had one even more momentous event: the birth of their son, Robert Leo, on September 25, 1966.

The Fall family lived in Dewitt, Michigan, where Bob would grow up with younger siblings Douglas and Karen. Although Bob was a quiet child, he had a well-developed sense of humor, and was known for playing practical jokes on unsuspecting friends and family members. He also had a lively curiosity, and enjoyed taking things apart to see how they worked. As the oldest child, Bob was very protective of his siblings, and always looked out for Doug and Karen.

When the time came for Bob to start school, he was enrolled in the Dewitt Public school system. Bob was not the most enthusiastic student, but he liked going to school to see his friends. Once he got to high school, Bob enjoyed playing in the school band. He also tried out for the football team, but just to see if he could make the cut – after making the team, he quit!

After graduating from Dewitt High School in 1984, Bob went on to Lansing Community College. He received an associate’s degree in business, and also earned his real estate license. Bob was extremely hardworking, and in the years after graduation worked at the Lansing Country Club to make ends meet while also selling real estate.

One evening while attending a party at the country club, Bob was introduced to a young lady named Jackie Schmitz. While Jackie didn’t really notice Bob at the time (she thought he was too skinny), she herself made quite an impression on Bob. He eventually got her number, and their first date was at Bennigan’s in Okemos, Michigan. Naturally, Bob wanted to put his best foot forward with Jackie, and so in the beginning of their relationship he hid the fact that he was a smoker – he was afraid that would be a deal-breaker! His strategy must have worked, since several years later they became engaged. Bob was hesitant to jump off the dock, wanting to wait until he felt they could afford marriage, but Jackie forced the proposal while Bob was sick with the flu. The happy couple was married on October 17, 1992, in Pewamo, Michigan.

After a honeymoon in Niagara Falls and Vermont, Bob and Jackie settled into married life in their own apartment. Not only was Jackie the love of Bob’s life, she was also his best friend. Bob and Jackie enjoyed traveling, and highlights over the years included diamond mines in Arkansas, gem-mining in North Carolina, and gold-panning in Georgia. They also liked going to the casinos, and made many happy memories at his parents’ cottage in Prudenville, Michigan. Bob earned a living as a rural mail carrier in Dewitt, Michigan, a job he performed faithfully for 19 years.

Bob loved spending time with his family, and always made time for those he loved. He remained close to his mother, and took her out every Thursday. Bob also enjoyed doing construction projects with his brother, Doug, and loved being an uncle to several wonderful nieces and nephews.

Sadly, Bob was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in 2011. He thought he had beaten the disease, but early this week it was discovered that the cancer had returned; Bob passed away only six days later.

Considerate, hardworking, and kind hearted, Bob was a devoted husband, a loving son, brother, and uncle, and a loyal friend. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his many friends and family members.

Mr. Robert Leo Fall died on May 3, 2013, at the age of 46. Bob’s family includes his wife, Jackie Schmitz; his mother, Margaret Ann Fall of DeWitt, MI; his brother, Douglas (Lorianne) Fall of DeWitt, MI; his sister, Karen Brown (Pat Plesko) of Bannister, MI; his nieces, Caliann Brown, Hayley Brown, and Kayla Lynn Fall; his nephew, Jeremy Fall; his great-niece, Holly Fall; and his great-nephews, Ryan Willis and Logan Fall. Bob was preceded in death by his father, Robert Leroy Fall.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 7, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pewamo, with Rev. Fr. Charlon Mason presiding. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. on Sunday, May 5, and 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Monday, May 6, at the Osgood Funeral Home in St. Johns. A prayer service will be held at 3 p.m. on Monday, May 6, at the funeral home. Please visit Bob’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com/memories/89475, where you can learn more about his life, share a favorite memory or photo, and sign the online guestbook.