Robert Lee Van Houten

Robert L. “Bob” Van Houten, age 80, of Crystal, Michigan passed away Thursday, June 4, 2026. The son of Theo Glen & Ona Lee (Ribble) Van Houten, he was born on December 13, 1945 in Ionia, Michigan. On June 4, 1983 he married Geneva Grace Maxon and together they enjoyed nearly 40 years of marriage.

In Robert’s early years he worked in the tree service with his dad earning the nickname “Treetopper.” For more than 15 years, Robert faithfully served the community as a school bus driver and Transportation Supervisor of Palo Schools. He took pride in his work and enjoyed the relationships he built with students, families, and fellow staff members over the years.

Robert had a lifelong love of country music, especially the songs of Hank Williams Jr. Whether working in his garage, tinkering with a project, or simply relaxing, country music was often playing nearby.

Robert enjoyed the past time of fishing on the various lakes across Montcalm County. Getting up in the early morning hours and heading out onto the lake when the water was calm was what he enjoyed the most. Countless hours were spent in his fishing boat out on Pearl Lake in Sheridan, Michigan, which was one of his favorite fishing spots.

Known as a master tinkerer, Robert had a remarkable ability to bring broken things back to life. From repairing bicycles to fixing household items to working on computers and electronics, he could often see solutions where others saw problems.

Though he was a big, burly man on the outside, those who knew him best knew the gentle and caring heart he held within. Robert had a special love for animals. He deeply cherished his little dog, Molly, whose passing a few years ago left a lasting place in his heart. He also adored Bella and Gracie, the beloved family dogs he affectionately considered his grand doggies.

Above all else, Robert’s greatest love was his daughter, Rachel. She was truly the center of his world. He was immensely proud of her and treasured every moment they spent together. His love for Rachel was unwavering and evident to everyone who knew him.

Robert’s kindness, generosity and gentle spirit will be remembered by all who had the privilege to know and love him. Though he is no longer with us, the things he repaired, the lives he touched, and the love he shared will continue to live on in the hearts of his family and friends. Robert will be dearly missed and forever remembered.

He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant daughter, Aprel Sue Van Houten; his wife, Geneva Van Houten; his brother, Larry Van Houten; and a brother-in-law, Max Morris. Surviving are his daughter, Rachel (Daniel) Mesyn of Rockford, Michigan; sons, Joey Maxon of Logansport, Indiana and Martin Swan of Greenville, Michigan, two sisters, Judy Morris and Joyce (Roger) Wilcox; a sister-in-law, Donna Van Houten; and many nieces and nephews.

Honoring Robert wishes, no formal services are planned at this time and his final resting place will be at the Evergreen Township Cemetery in Sheridan, Michigan.

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