Robert Arthur Habermas "Bob"

Bob was born February 15, 1929 in Detroit, MI to parents Carl and Genevieve Habermas. He was predeceased by his parents and two younger brothers, Richard and Thomas Habermas. He grew up in Detroit and attended Southeastern High School.

At age 17, Bob enlisted in the Army and was stationed in Stuttgart, Germany. He served with the Constabulary, an elite peace-keeping force following the end of WW II, from August 1946 through January 1948. After the war, he attended Wayne State University, earning B.A. and M.B.A. degrees and took classes towards a doctoral degree.

During the Korean War, Bob and his young family moved to South Bend, IN where he served stateside during the Korean War. In July of 1961, Bob received an Honorable Discharge from the Air Force Reserve. This completed his years of military service for our country, having made the rank of Captain.

Bob was employed for over 30 years at WJR Radio in Detroit where, for much of that time, he was Sales Promotional Manager and President of Wolverine Broadcasting Company. He also served as a high school and college referee for almost 30 years in football, basketball, softball and volleyball.

Additionally, Bob taught Business and Marketing courses at many Detroit area universities and colleges including University of Detroit, Eastern Michigan University, Macomb Community College, and the University of Windsor in Ontario, Canada. In September 1997, he earned a Master’s Degree in Education from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia where he served as a full-time professor for more than ten years.

After retiring from Liberty University, Bob and Roberta returned to Detroit to live with their daughter Laura, her husband Don and Don’s sister, Donna, where they have lived for over eight years. It is here that Bob took his last breath on December 20, 2021 with his daughter, Laura, at his side.

Left to cherish the many memories of this great man include the love of his life, Roberta Jarvis Habermas. Throughout their 72 years of marriage, God blessed them with 6 children, more than 20 grandchildren, and over 40 great-grandchildren. Grafted into the list of children is Donna Pedde, a beloved “daughter” who shared the home with them in their later years. Bob was deeply loved and will be missed by all every single day.

Bob and Roberta’s children and spouses are Gary (the late Debbie) and Eileen Habermas of Lynchburg, Virginia, Ron and Mary Habermas of Siloam Springs, AR, Keith and Marla Habermas of Cleveland, TN, Kevin and Carolyn Habermas of Lynchburg, VA, Laura (Habermas) and Don Pedde of Warren, MI, and Mark and Lori Habermas of Chattanooga, TN.

Bob and Roberta’s 20 grandchildren include Rob (Whitney) Habermas, Michelle (Bryan) Carter, Holly (Jonathan) Torrence, Kevin (Krista) Habermas, Jen Holofchak, Rick Holofchak, James (Jaime) Holofchak, Liz (Corey) Smith, Melissa Habermas (fiancé Stefan Siems), Susan (Charles) Greathouse, Sarah (Paul) Sausville, Tracey (Ben) Davis, Melissa (John) Gann, Kelly (Travis) Griffin, Ryan (Kristin) Habermas, Courtney Habermas, Jennifer (Andrew) McKenney, Heather (Justin) Messina, Rachel (Nicholas) Shoupe, Joel (Jennifer) Habermas, Andrew (Chelsea) Habermas, Matthew Habermas and Jared Habermas. Bob and Roberta also have more than 40 great-grandchildren.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00am on Wednesday, December 29, 2021 at Fellowship Chapel, 12875 E. 14 Mile Rd., Sterling Heights, MI 48312. Visitation at church begins at 10:00am. Bob’s interment and military ceremony will occur at 2:30pm on Wednesday, December 29, at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, MI.

To the glory of God!

(In lieu of flowers, the family prefers that donations be made to Gideons International at sendtheword.org 866-382-4253.)