Robert Wayland

Robert, known as Bob to friends and family, was born to G. Lee and Viola Wayland on Dec. 23, 1924, in Fort Madison, Iowa, where he primarily lived with his grandparents, Edward and Eva Gehle. He was a standout Fort Madison High School athlete, lettering in basketball, football and track (class of ’44) before being drafted by the U.S. Army during his junior year at 18 years old. Bob became a mortarman in the Army’s 9th Infantry Division. He arrived at the beaches of Normandy days after D-Day and fought in several battles including the Battle of the Bulge and Battle of Saint-Lô before taking enemy fire to secure the Rhine River, which allowed Allied troops to rapidly advance into central Germany. He received a Bronze Star and Purple Heart before being honorably discharged on Oct. 14, 1945. Thanks to the GI Bill, he fulfilled a personal dream and graduated from the University of Iowa, where he played basketball, in 1950.

Bob met the love of his life and wife, Jayne Dysart, in college. They married in 1949 and lived in Iowa and Illinois before moving to Michigan in 1952, where they raised their son, William, and daughter, Martha. Bob and Jayne were married for 40 years before her passing. Bob was always supportive of anything his children wanted to do or be – from horseback riding and basketball to Boy Scouts, where he served as a troop leader. His children most remember their father for his support as well as his caring, patient and loving nature. Bob himself enjoyed sailing, bowling, working with his hands and visiting loved ones. The family would routinely visit relatives in Henry, Ill. and Fort Madison, Iowa.

Bob was a veteran, salesman at American Hospital Supply for 34 years and longtime member and head usher at Grosse Pointe United Methodist Church, but the title he was most honored to have, was Dad, and later Grandpa, then "GG". Family always came first, and he would go above and beyond to assist any of his loved ones whether it would be buying a meal or traveling to an important event or game.

When not with family, he enjoyed reading, golf and rooting for the Detroit Tigers and Iowa Hawkeyes. Later in life, he spent his winters in Florida, where he would meet Shirley Phifer, a longtime partner and loved one. They would enjoy countless hours together walking on the beach, traveling and finding treasures at garage sales. Bob is survived by his children, William Wayland (Nancy) and Martha Wayland-Putz; grandchildren Michael Wayland (Stacey), Amy Wayland and Nathan Putz (Madalynne); and great-grandchildren Kayla and Cameron Wayland; and siblings Margaret Wilson and Shirley Budke (Bob Davidson); and Richard Chapman (Mary). Bob was a resident of Grosse Pointe Woods for 64 years.

A memorial service will be held at a later date in Fort Madison, Iowa. Tributes of memory can be shared with the family through A.H. Peters Funeral Home at dignitymemorial.com/funeral-homes/ah-peters. Bob donated to many causes.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks those who wish to honor him donate to a charity of their choice.