Robert VanLoon

VAN LOON, ROBERT Robert Van Loon went peacefully into the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, January 19, 2014, with his adoring, devoted wife Shirley beside him and his loving children surrounding his bedside. Born February 7, 1927, he was just three weeks shy of his 87th birthday. Bob was a quiet, humble, selfless man of great faith who began his earthly journey with Jesus at age eight. He never wavered in his commitment to God's Word and to living out his faith in daily life and helping others any way he could. His loving, generous heart knew no bounds when it came to helping in any area he saw a need. Bob was a devoted husband and loving Dad and "Poppy" who leaves the following family members behind to grieve his passing while rejoicing in his homegoing: his beloved wife of 65 years, Shirley Anne (Cole); and children: Sherry and Steve Trott, Steve and Sharon Van Loon, Kathy and Larry High, and Chuck Van Loon and fiancee BillieJo Skeel. He was a loving Poppy to grandchildren Bethany Perry, Benj and Lisa Perry, Harmony Perry, Tyler and Kelly Van Loon, Brady Van Loon, Sarah and Grady Peeler, Joe and Ruth High, Jeremiah High, Carissa Van Loon and fiancé Drew Chamberlain, Dani Van Loon and Caleb Van Loon; as well as Poppy to 11 great-grandchildren. He was an adopted American Dad and Grandpa to two special Vietnamese families: Thuong and Tuyet Huynh and children, and Sinh and Trang Tang and children. In addition to love of family, Bob had a love for motors, enjoying Harley-Davidson motorcycles, speedboats and radio-controlled airplanes. He worked as a screw machine operator at C.L. Frost, retiring after 38 years in 1989. He served in the U.S. Navy during the final years of World War II. Visitation is at Pederson Funeral Home in Rockford from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, January 21st and at the church 1 hour prior to the service. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, January 22nd at 12:00 noon at Trinity Baptist Church, 2050 Aberdeen St. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505. Those desiring an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Pregnancy Resource Center, 415 Cherry St. S.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford www.pedersonfuneralhome.com