Robert Gene Van Eck

Robert Gene Van Eck, age 82 of Grand Rapids, Michigan passed away from this life to his eternal home on January 4, 2023 peacefully and surrounded by his family. Bob was born on September 17, 1940 in Grand Rapids to George and Florence (Gierbowicz) Van Eck.

Bob attended Union High School. After graduating, he served his country as a Marine, alongside his lifelong friend of 65 years, Tim Hawkins. He was a proud Marine and showed it. After his honorable discharge, he began his career at Auto Die Corporation, where he worked as a machinist until his retirement in 2005.

He enjoyed gardening and yardwork, spending time with his family and a casino visit now and again, and he was always busy doing odds and ends around the house.

On June 29, 1963, Bob was married to the love of his life, the former Bonnie Jeanne Pearson who preceded him in death on December 11, 2021. In 1970 Bob and Bonnie moved to Sparta and raised their four children in the Sparta school district. After the kids were grown they moved back to Grand Rapids where they were both raised and have resided there until their passing.

Besides his wife of 58 years, Bob was preceded in death by his daughter Darcy Sullivan, his parents, his brother Richard (Ruth) Van Eck and his sister-in-law Pamela Yuhas.

Bob is lovingly remembered by his children: Angela (Darryl) Tawney, Robert (Kerrie) Van Eck, Arthur (Paula) Van Eck; his son-in-law Blaine Sullivan; his sister Sandy (Jim) Zeigler, and his brother-in-law Russel Yuhas. He will be deeply missed by his grandchildren: Noah (Kenzie) Van Eck, Nicholas (Morgan) Van Eck, Jonah (Bailey) Van Eck, Benjamin (Alyssa Milton) Van Eck, Haley Tawney, Cierra (Ryan Hall) Tawney, Lauren Tawney, Sydney (Austin VanderMyde) Tawney, Connor Sullivan, John Tawney and Kyle Tawney; and his great-grandchildren Oaklee Van Eck, Xander, Bernie & Kayden Tawney and soon to arrive River Van Eck as well as many other relatives.

Visitation will be held on Saturday January 14, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Reyers North Valley Chapel where a memorial service with military honors will be held immediately following at 12:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Bob’s memory may be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Please visit Bob’s memory page at www.reyersnorthvalleychapel.com to leave your favorite memory for the family.