Robert Ernest Alderman, age 81, formerly of Muskegon, Michigan, passed away Sunday, September 6, 2026 at his daughter’s home under the loving care of his family and Corewell Health Hospice. 

The son of Ernest Francis & Viola Margaret (Glasen) Alderman, he was born on February 20, 1945 in Muskegon and was a 1964 graduate of Muskegon High School. A veteran of the Vietnam War, he served as an airplane mechanic with the United States Air Force.

For over 36 years, he worked for Sappi Fine Paper in Muskegon. He enjoyed cooking premium meals, fishing, golf, playing card and board games. His favorites were poker, Monopoly and Risk. He was an honest man and always there if anyone needed anything. He was a hard worker and a great person. He loved to laugh and tease. He loved the outdoors and pets.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Surviving are his children, Brian (Erica) Alderman, Douglas (Kodi) Alderman, and Jennifer (Philip) Baxter; eight grandchildren, Stephen (Dani), Gabriela (Kenny), Haley (Evan), Jared, Elizabeth, Hunter, Ian, and Jaelyn; five great-grandchildren, Lana, Lanora, Julian, Carter, and Coraline; a sister, Dorine (Gary) Lape; his former wife and the mother of his children, Shirley Ann Alderman; and several nieces and nephews.

Best brother ever!!! You taught me all my kite building and flying skills, not to mention snow hill building. How to keep a Monopoly game going for weeks (winter is long in Michigan) also the game of chess. Adventures in the middle of the night to star gaze with your telescope in the big field-without parent's permission. Hiking in the woods once ending with getting lost and having police looking for us, again without parent's consent. Later in life my friend and confidant. You will be missed. Say hi to mom and dad. ❤️ - Sissy

"My dad lived for his family. We were everything to him—and that includes Charley...all of them. ( the cats ). If you needed something, Dad was there. If you wanted to tag along with him, you were always welcome. I learned so much from my father over the years —from riding and rebuilding bicycles, to swimming, bowling, fishing, and so much more. Looking back now, I only wish I had learned to listen to him a little more, because somehow, Dad always seemed to be right. There are so many things he taught me and so many memories that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I’m going to miss him more than I can put into words. Dad, you will never, ever be forgotten. I love you, and I will carry everything you taught me with me for the rest of my life." -Doug

"For 42 years I had the privilege of being your daughter. You were there when I took my first breath and the first to hold me. You loved me unconditionally with all your heart. Caring for you was an absolute privilege. One of the many things I loved about you was how grateful and thoughtful you were. You always thanked us for helping you. You would compliment me on a variety of things and you looked for ways to compliment others as well. When we went for dinner, you always volunteered to pay. You'd tell me, "You drove." Even when we were with a group of friends, you would tell me that you'd get the bill. You loved going on vacations, out to eat, picnics with Jaelyn and I, shopping, visiting family, going to the theater and eating popcorn, to the free fair, petting farms, and twice this summer to the Jake Slater concert. Making memories with you and my family will stay with me forever. That last night was the hardest night of my life, but there wasn't any other place I would have wanted to be. I am grateful that I could talk to you and hold your hand throughout the night until you took your last breath. You had my first, I had your last. No regrets. I will always be your Princess and Daddy's little girl." - Jennifer

"Robert was like a second Dad to me. He did everything with me as a kid and a adult. Playing cards was awesome with him, he'd get so mad. It was so much fun. I love him with all of my heart and soul." – Brenda (niece)

"When I think about my grandpa, I don’t just think about one memory. I think about an entire childhood filled with some of the best moments of my life. I was always so excited to go to Grandpa’s house. I loved every chance I got to spend time with you, whether we were doing something special or simply sitting together watching TV. I just wish you had more time. More mornings making bread, more fishing trips, more cribbage games, more TV shows, more Christmas movies, and more ordinary days together. I wasn’t ready to say goodbye, and I don’t think I ever could have been. I love you, Grandpa. I’ll miss you more than I could ever put into words. Thank you for being such a special part of my life and for giving me a childhood I’ll always look back on with so much love. I hope somehow you know just how much you meant to me. ❤️ " - Gabriela"

I loved seeing his excitement whenever he heard about a new recipe or fishing technique on TV or on his computer in his office. He would stop what he was doing, pause the TV, and start writing down a new recipe or a new way to cook. His office was filled to the brim with notes pinned to his corkboard, showing his hard work and his love for fishing and cooking. Whenever he cooked us a great dinner, as he always would, he would usually say that something didn't turn out right and was disappointed in the result. He was always looking to improve so that he could give us the best meal possible." -Hunter Shirley expressed how he has always been in her heart. She described him as a decent, kind, giving, loving, and a helping hand. She felt safe when she knew he was near. "Robert had a gift for noticing others, doing his best to make sure no one was ever left out." - Philip

"Charley the cat has been our father's loyal lap cat for the last 10 years. Our dad always lovingly cared for him. Charley stayed, curled in tight, all night with dad that last night. For that, I feel a deeper bond with that cute fuzz ball. He has a forever home with my family and I." - Jennifer

The family will hold a private gathering of their own to honor his wishes.

To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Robert’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com

Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Christiansen’s Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Greenville, 616-754-5638.