Robert Tunnison

Robert "Bob, Bobby" William Tunnison, age 89 years young, of Grand Rapids, passed away Saturday, March 11, 2017 at Spectrum Health Nursing and Rehab Center surrounded by family. of Grand Rapids, passed away Saturday, March 11, 2017 at Spectrum Health Nursing and Rehab Center surrounded by family. The son of Gerald Tunison & Ida (Weaver) Holifield, he was born on January 30, 1928 in Battle Creek. Robert was a proud U.S. Navy veteran. Bob enjoyed life! He was a pilot out of Northern Air at the Gerald R. Ford Airport for over 30 years, flying for Daverman, Siedman and Siedman, Amway, and finally Bissell where he retired in 1990 after 20 years of service. After moving north to the Hardy Dam area, Bob kept busy with his many hobbies, such as golfing, woodworking, pontooning, riding around in his golf cart and helping others. The last 2 1/2 years were spent in Grand Rapids staying with his daughter Robin. They spent most of their Friday lunches with friends visiting as many hotdog restaurants as possible and then trying out different local restaurants. Also they enjoyed going to listen to live jazz and blues music in the summer and even made it to 3 times in one week. Bob loved meeting people and has many, many friends and family who will miss him very much. Friday Bob was preceded in death by his parents; loving wife, Shirley Tunnison; sisters, Betty Braggert, Yvonne Jensen, and Sue Knauss; brother, Don Holifield, and Tom Tunison; and stepson, David Ellinger. Bob will be missed very much by many. Surviving are his kids, Nancy (Bob) Watkins, Robin Boyle, Robert (Lucy) Tunnison, and Tracy (Geo) Carncross; stepson, Rick Ellinger; grandchildren, Brian Benn, Corrie (Jim) Force, Billie DeZarn, Krishna (Ryan) Heidenfeld, Solon Boyle, Tasha (Andy) Tunnison, Melissa Carncross, Joshua Tunnison, Jacob Tunnison, Curtis Tunnison, and Rachel Tunnison; great grand-kids, Angellica Heidenfeld, Sequoya Heidenfeld, Xanthi Heidenfeld, Rowan Heidenfeld, Vered Heidenfeld, Juniper Heidenfeld, Reagan DeSoto, Savannah Jacobsen, Harper Perez, Nick Walker, Isabela Force, Alex Force, Nathan Steagald, Brent Rabas, Samantha Benn, Kaitlyn VanKoevering, Lexa Benn, Addison Oliphant, and Cadence Oliphant; sister, Joyce Freese; brother, Jack (Shelby) Holifield; stepmother, Bonnie Davenport; great friend and first wife, Gaylene Adamy and her brothers, Frank Adamy, and Ken (Marion) Adamy; along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Celebration of Bob's life will be on Sunday, March 26, 2017 at 1:30 pm with chaplain Steve officiating at Central Park Place Club house, 2875 Central Park Way, Grand Rapids with an open house/luncheon to follow from 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm. We would love for you to bring your photos, stories and memories of Bob. Please come and join us. March 26, 2017 at 1:30 pm with chaplain Steve officiating at Central Park Place Club house, 2875 Central Park Way, Grand Rapids Honoring his wishes, cremation will take place. Arrangements are entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Robert Tunnison, please visit our flower store.