Robert Wielenga

The things that mattered most to Bob Wielenga were quite evident. His family and many friends were the most important part of his life. With stability and security, he was a loving provider and could always be counted on by family and friends alike when needed. His even tempered and fun loving ways made it a joy to be in his company, along with his wonderful sense of humor. Bob took life as it came, often enjoying the simple things in life. Above all, he valued his family beyond compare and loved people in general. He leaves much to be remembered and will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him.

In the throes of the Great Depression, the year 1933 marked the worst year ever during times of great struggle. As the U.S. jobless rate reached 15 million, spirits were boosted when the culture of America began experiencing great strides. Radio City Music Hall opened and The Ranger, the first U.S. aircraft carrier, was officially launched. FDR held his first “Fireside Chat” which served as a welcome diversion to America‘s everyday woes. In the city of Kalamazoo, Michigan, Garrett and Dena (Kramer) Wielenga had much to celebrate that particular summer when they were blessed with the birth of their son Robert who was born on June 26, 1933.

Raised on the north side of Kalamazoo, Bob enjoyed a typical childhood for the times and into his youth shared much with his two siblings, John and Arlene and many friends. Although Bob always lived in quiet faith, his Christian values and beliefs were strongly instilled in him from an early age. At the age of 14 Bob unfortunately experienced the death of his mother. It made for difficult times for Bob and his family, but they managed faithfully. He attended Kalamazoo Christian Schools and played baseball and basketball in school. During high school, Bob acquired his first job working as a grocery bagger at the local Dole Supermarket. Little did he know at the time, but his job there would eventually lead him to his future wife. A co-worker introduced Bob to a pretty young woman who worked in the meat department at Doles named Mary Ann Russon. The two soon began dating and fell deeply in love. Bob went on to graduate from Kalamazoo Christian High School.

With the Korean War in full swing, Bob knew without a doubt he’d be drafted so he joined the U.S. Air Force. Serving with the 6910th Security Group, Bob enlisted toward the end of the conflict in 1953 but not before he proposed to his sweetheart, Mary Ann. While on leave the two joyfully celebrated the Christmas holiday that year by getting married on December 26, 1953. After his honorable discharge in 1957, Bob returned home and he and Mary Ann picked up right where they left off. He attended school, learned the trade of becoming a draftsman and soon acquired a job for the Brunswick Corporation in the design department.

During this time Bob and Mary Ann began a family of their own. They welcomed the births of their children, Dave, Keith and Lisa. A good and loving provider, Bob always made time for them and always had a job. With great people skills, he spent most of his career working in sales. In fact, Bob helped organize the Portage Jaycees where he was a charter member. His membership in the Jaycee organization served as a catalyst for Bob’s interest in a sales career. He worked for Allstate Insurance, the old Dick Loehr auto dealership, the M&M Motor Mall and sold copy machines for DeGroot Office Machine. After suffering his first heart attack, Bob left Degroots and began working in the tile and carpet business.

For 15 years he worked at the former Modern Tile and Carpet until eventually retiring in 1995. Not able to be still for long, Bob then began working part-time for Life Story Funeral Homes. He was very proud of his association with the funeral home and loved his work there helping people. A wonderful asset, there were few that walked through the door that Bob wasn’t acquainted with. He continued working until his health didn’t allow him to do so earlier this year.

As a member of Portage First United Methodist Church, Bob always remained quiet about his faith but it was a very important aspect of his life. As busy as he was, Bob always took an active role in the lives of his family whom he cherished above all. Whether it was his own children or his grandchildren, Bob was especially interested in their lives and activities. After retiring Bob and Mary Ann thoroughly enjoyed a little time traveling. They went to Florida, Mexico and took in several memorable cruises. Besides being with his family, Bob’s single most favorite place to be was on any beach, especially Holland State Park where he always acquired a deep and dark tan. Bob also enjoyed golfing with his sons and loved taking his grandchildren fishing.

Fun loving and with a great sense of humor, Bob's social side was quite evident. He was truly in his element around others. For several years he enjoyed getting together with friends early in the morning to walk the mall and afterward always enjoyed a cup or two of coffee with them. Bob truly enjoyed the simple things in life, and although his recurring heart problems slowed him down a little over the years, Bob never lost his zest and love for those that meant the most to him. Not much could get Bob down, but several months ago he was diagnosed with cancer. At the age of 77, Bob Wielenga sadly died on Saturday, August 21, 2010 at home. He will be long remembered and fondly missed.

Learn more about Bob, view his life story film and share light refreshments while visiting with his family and friends on Tuesday, 4-7 PM at the Life Story Funeral Home-Portage, 5975 Lovers Lane (344-5600) where a Memorial Service to celebrate his life will take place on Wednesday, August 25, 2010 at 11 AM. Members of his family include his wife, Mary Ann; children: Dave Wielenga, Keith (Lisa) Wielenga and Lisa (Tom) Enslen; grandchildren: Michele (Sean) Chisholm and her son Rocco, Anna, Tommy and Robby Enslen, Samantha and Dylan Wielenga, Jessica and Danielle Pillars and Heather Skinner. Bob was preceded in death by his parents; brother, John Wielenga; sister, Arlene VanderVeen. Visit Bob’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can read his life story, archive a memory or photo, sign his guest book online before coming to the funeral home and make a memorial donation to either Hospice of Southwest Michigan or the charity of your choice.