Robert Gage

Of Lansing, MichiganRobert Laverne Gage, our adored husband and father passed away on May 1, 2007. Bob began his life in Grand Rapids, Michigan on November 5, 1924, the second child of Louis and Frances Gage. He attended South High School, where at 15, he met best friend and the love of his life, Norma. Bob enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force in 1942. He was a B-24 tail gunner with the 12th Air Force, 321st Bomb Group, 488th Bomb Squadron. At the tender age of 21 he was honorably discharged after completing 70 Combat Missions. Bob and Norma were married in 1944 and began their lives together. The family moved to Lansing in 1957 and Bob continued his career with Sealtest. In 1960 he fulfilled the dream of owning his own business and moved the family back to Grand Rapids. Gage?s Bar was born and the family share fond memories of ?cleaning the bar? after Mass, and in return, being treated to sandwiches and pop. With that business venture out of his system, the Gage?s moved back to Lansing where Bob worked for Heatherwood Farms, and later began his career in State Government, with the Commission for the Blind. He retired in 1983, and he and Norma spent the winter months in Port Richey, Florida. They have many great friends and special memories of the Ja-Mar gang. Bob loved to tell a joke and share a story. At one time quite shy, later in life Bob relished the role of comedian, and at times really enjoyed hamming it up at the Park Hall. He golfed, worked on the famous ?pancake breakfast?, played in the Kitchen Band and sang in the choir. One of his favorite recent memories was traveling to Washington D.C. to visit the World War II Memorial. He was very proud of his military service and enjoyed talking about the days when he and his beloved brother, Leo, served their country. Bob is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, Norma; son, Thomas (Barbara) Gage; daughters, Rebecca (Marc) Beattie, Sally (Douglas) Partee and Terri (Wilson) Gravenor; grandchildren, Thomas, Nicole, Tonia, Heather, Rob, Erin, Justin, Robert and Andrew; 4 adorable great-grandsons; much loved brother, Marvin (Ruth) Gage; sister extraordinaire, Delores (William) Hill; cherished sister-in-law, Helen Gage; and many loving nieces, nephews and friends. Preceded in death by his parents, older brother, Leo, infant nephew, John and his dear son-in-law, Roger Hewson. Visitation is 2-4,6-8pm Friday, May 4, 2007 with a 7pm Rosary at Tiffany Funeral Home, 3232 West Saginaw, Lansing 48917. The Funeral Mass is 10:00am Saturday, May 5, 2007 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 3815 S. Cedar Street, Lansing, with Father Michael O?Brien officiating. Our family is strengthened by our childhood memories and the many ways we were nurtured and loved by our Dad ? our rock. He was extremely proud of his family, but in no way does that compare with what we each feel for him. Dad was a modest man who was skilled at finishing basements, building garages, painting everything in sight the same color, and always finding new uses for duct tape. So as we say goodbye for now and remember the life of our husband and father, we are certain of three things; the love of God, the unbreakable bond of love our family shares, and that our Dad would be happiest being remembered by all who knew him, as simply a man who loved his family. We would like to thank Dr. Mahaney and Dr. Beckrow for their excellent care, as well as Great Lakes Hospice. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the VFW National Home for Children, American Cancer Society or Great Lakes Hospice in memory of Mr. Gage