Robert L. Remynse

A proud Veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corp, Robert Remynse served his country, his family, and those entrusted to his care. An outgoing fellow who was just as likable as he was talkative, Robert never knew a stranger. Deeply missed, he will be fondly remembered in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

From the world of fashion to the world to politics, forces clashed in the 1920s to produce one of the most explosive decades of the century. An age of prohibition, prosperity followed many new advancements, discoveries, and inventions of the day which greatly improved the American way of life. A sense of gaiety filled the air, and The Roaring Twenties challenged America’s once conservative nature all while bringing a sense of hope to the nation. During this time of change on August 21, 1925, Lawrence and Katherine (Keegan) Remynse welcomed the arrival of their newborn son, Robert into their arms.

Born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Robert was the oldest of six children in his family. He grew up in Kalamazoo in the Oakwood neighborhood where he spent most of his free time caddying at the Kalamazoo Country Club. Robert enjoyed a childhood typical for the times even as the onset of the Great Depression cast a shadow among all. He found his share of mischief as a young boy and enjoyed the adventures of his youth. Robert attended the local elementary school and moved on to Oakwood Junior High before attending and graduating from Kalamazoo Central High School.

During World War II, Robert entered the U.S. Army Air Corp where he served as a tail gunner flying in 49 battles over Italy. Simply a young man with aspirations of winning the war, he was truly a war hero to his family. Following his honorable discharge from the service, he began working for the Upjohn Company. He worked hard to support his young family all while furthering his education on the GI Bill.

Robert's life was in for a few more changes when he met a pretty young lady who stole his heart. On December 17, 1954 he married Lena “Lee” Deiterman who took his young daughter, Nancy on as her own. Before long, Robert and Lee added three sons to their fold with the births of Rick, Randy, and Kevin, who always considered himself the favorite!

After graduating from Western Michigan University in 1959, Robert landed a job with Michigan Bell Telephone Company working as a salesman for the Yellow Pages. He excelled in this capacity and with his outgoing personality; he developed a faithful client base throughout the years. His talents also landed him numerous trophies and awards from sales campaigns. He remained with Michigan Bell for the remainder of his career until 1983 when he retired at the age of 58.

Faith was a vital part of Robert's life. He and Lee were longtime, faithful members of the Lord of Life Lutheran Church. Robert loved the game of golf and he played on many church leagues over the years. Along with golf, Robert loved to fish. His favorite fishing hole was on Sugarloaf Lake with his best friend, Al Vemich. Among his varied interests, Robert bowled for many years and was an avid Chicago Cubs fan. He loved a good game of poker, and every Thursday night for nearly 30 years, Robert and a group of five of his buddies got together to play poker.

Pizza was a tradition amongst the Remynse men. For years, Robert made Appian Way pizzas every Friday. First you make the dough and then season the sauce just so. This love of pizza perfection was quickly handed down to his sons creating a friendly rivalry amongst brothers. Although, the competition was fierce the end result was always the same, family together eating pizza made from scratch all because Robert made a pizza every Friday night.

When it came to gambling, both, Robert and Lee LOVED to gamble. They spent a month every year traveling by car to Las Vegas and Laughlin, Nevada for a little video poker before heading to California to visit their "favorite" son, Kevin. After taking in some gambling there, they traveled on to North Dakota to see their son, Randy and gambling at the Indian tribe casinos there before heading back to Michigan. To get their fix in Michigan, they kept the chips stacked at the FireKeepers Casino.

Robert served over 20 years as a volunteer for the Kalamazoo Air Zoo as a Docent. Near and dear to his heart, he absolutely loved talking about the military and his years as a tail gunner gave him inside knowledge on the planes. Robert also had a love for his canine companions. Over the years he had a lovable Basset Hound named Betsy, and a German Shepard mix named Bambi. Each of Robert’s dogs tended to be on the chunky side as he never wanted them to go hungry.

His six grandchildren and great-grandson gave Robert quite a sparkle in his eye. He loved his family beyond compare and was truly proud of them. Always outgoing, he was quite the talker and shared the friendships of many. It was always a pleasure to be in his company as he delighted all with his stories, kindness, and fun-loving ways. He was generous and was known to hide a $100 bill in the house when family was coming over or when he was visiting one of his kids. The fun and excitement of everyone hunting for it brought much laughter and good times shared.

As the years began to descend upon Robert, he began experiencing age related issues. He had 88 great years of living to the fullest with the exception of the last three weeks which embattled Robert to the core. As his health rapidly went downhill, Robert sadly died at his home on Monday, October 7, 2013.

Robert Remynse was a loving family man who would have done anything for those he loved. He was blessed with an abundance of friends, many with whom he developed throughout his career. He proudly served his country, and whenever he and Lee got a gambling itch, they hit the road. Gone but never to be forgotten. Robert's memory will live on in the hearts of those he leaves behind.

Visit with Robert’s family on Thursday, October 10, 2013 from 4-7 PM at Life Story Funeral Homes, Portage; 5975 Lovers Lane (344-5600). A funeral service will be held on Friday, October 11, 2013, 11:00 AM at the Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 9420 Portage Road, Portage.

Robert was preceded in death by his sister, Ruth Parker. Members of his family include his wife Lee; children: Nancy (Ashraf Maher) Remynse, Rick (Jerri) Remynse, Randy (Michele) Remynse, Kevin Remynse; grandchildren: Jason (Sara) Remynse, Kevie Remynse, Matthew (Amanda) Remynse, Nathan and Eric Remynse; Beth (Christopher) Fryling; his great-grandson, Jason Remynse II; siblings: Ellie Follin, Harry Carruth, Raymond Carruth, Richard Carruth; many other relatives. Visit Robert’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can read his complete life story, archive a photo or memory and sign his online guest book. Memorial donations may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association or Kalamazoo Gospel Mission.