Bob Vanbrocklin

Traverse City - Robert Harris VanBrocklin, 94 of Traverse City went home to be with the Lord July 16, 2014.

Bob was born at home on Woodmere Street on March 8, 1920, the son of Milo and Lila (Moe) VanBrocklin. He attended and graduated from Traverse City Schools. On November 7, 1939, he married the former Arlene Blythe Cole of Interlochen.

Bob was a veteran of WWII having served as a member of the US Army in Italy. Upon discharge, he returned to Traverse City where he built the family home on Carver Street. In 1954, Bob opened VanBrocklin Service Inc. at the corner of Garfield and Carver later moving to the corner of Garfield and Hannah. He retired in 1982, turning the business over to his son and son-in-law.

Bob and his wife Arlene are charter members of Bible Baptist Church, where Bob served as elder, deacon and various other positions. He was a member of the American Legion and enjoyed golfing, hunting and craft work, and was truly a jack-of-all trades.

Bob is survived by his wife Arlene with whom he would have celebrated 75 years of marriage in November, son James (Kay) VanBrocklin and daughter Beverly (Denny) Sheffer, all of Traverse City; his grandchildren, Cory (Anne) VanBrocklin, Jason (Shelley) VanBrocklin, Candi (Zack) Kurmas, Joshua (Tara) Sheffer, Tony (Shannon) Sheffer; great-grandchildren Alex and Lily, Kelby, Kate and Claire, Brandon and Andrew, Xander, Xavier, Malcolm, Quilan, and Amara, Ella and Mady and many nieces and nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, brothers William and Burton and sister Betty.

Visitation will take place at Bible Baptist Church on Monday, July 21, 2014 from 10 until 12 noon. Services will begin at 12 noon at the church with Pastor Joel Brown officiating. Military honors will be provided by Cherryland VFW Post #2780.

Private family graveside services have taken place at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Bible Baptist Church, 1915 Cass Road, Traverse City.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Culver Meadows Senior Living, Comfort Keepers, and Hospice of Michigan for their outstanding care and compassion.