Robert H. "Bob" Van Valkenburg

Robert H. (Bob) Van Valkenburg, age 90, of Newaygo, Michigan, formerly of East Grand Rapids, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Friday, August 22, 2025. Bob was born in Grand Rapids on March 1, 1935 to Benjamin Van Valkenburg (d. 1980) and Beatrice Madlynne (Murray) Van Valkenburg (d. 1983). Bob was also preceded in death by his sisters, Bonnie M. Berry (d. 2015) and Barbara J. Johnson (d. 2020).

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Betty Lou (Wolf) Van Valkenburg (m. 1958); their five children —Robert H., Jr. (Kelly) Van Valkenburg of Traverse City, Katherine A. (Kelly) Swieter of Hesperia, Richard B. (Courtney) Van Valkenburg of Ada, Sandra K. (John) Brooks of Ada, and David J. (Lara) Van Valkenburg of Columbus, IN; 15 grandchildren—Becky Rabish of Traverse City; Joe (Abbey) Van Valkenburg of Madison, WI; Matt (Lauren) Van Valkenburg of Livoni; Kaci (Jeremy) Wiebenga of Grand Haven; Kori (Emily) Swievick of Twin Lake; Kurt (Kristy) Swieter of Jupiter, FL; Ethan Van Valkenburg of Palo Alto, CA; Claudia Van Valkenburg of Ada; Jack (Abby) Brooks of Novi; Annie (Malachi) Mills of Ada; Miriam Brooks of Rockford; Erin Brooks of Stratford, WI; Charlie Brooks of Ada; Kira and Joshua Van Valkenburg of Columbus, IN; as well as 12 great-grandchildren—Max, Van, and Leo Rabish; Grayson, Elliott, and Tatum Wiebenga; Naomi and Ezra Brooks; Raylan Van Valkenburg; Emma Van Valkenburg; Calvert Mills, and Kai Swieter. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Marie (Art) Spinney and Miriam E. Wolf, both of Ann Arbor, and several nieces and nephews.

Bob graduated from Creston High School and Grand Rapids Junior College before earning a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan. He was employed by Lear, Inc./Lear Siegler (Smiths Industries) for over 38 years. He enjoyed his retirement years on Kimball Lake in Newaygo, MI.

Bob was a member of Eastminster Presbyterian Church in Grand Rapids for over 25 years before moving to Kimball Lake (Newaygo) in 1995. Since 1999 Bob has been a member of Fremont United Methodist Church in Fremont.

Bob spent over 18 years with Habitat for Humanity in Newaygo County both on the Finance Committee and building houses. He also spent several years driving for the Vision Impaired in Newaygo County and 20 years on the Chain of Lakes Utilities Authority Board of Directors, 15 of which as treasurer.

Bob was a devoted family man—proud of his marriage of 67 years and cherished his family above all else. His genuine interest and support were evident in his attendance at countless concerts, recitals, performances, sporting events, graduations, and events over the years. He was extremely smart, witty, steadfast, and a true Dutchman at heart—very aware of where every penny was spent but would give you his last pair of holey socks if you needed. He was a terrific role model who showed us the true meaning of family, being money-wise, enjoying life and happiness. Many people learned to look to him for advice. As a son, husband, dad, grandpa, and great-grandpa, it was his highest priority to show up and be there for us all. We are forever grateful.

With each goodbye, Bob’s last words to everyone, "Watch for deer", simply meant “I Love You!” (XOXO)

You will be greatly missed, always in our hearts, and your memory will live on forever.

The family wishes to send a special thank you to his care team at Faith Hospice and the staff at Sunrise of Cascade for their care and compassion. Memorial donations may be made in Bob’s name to Faith Hospice.

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

Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006.