Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
3926 South 9th Street
Kalamazoo, Michigan
Robert Glidden Obituary
Kalamazoo
Robert Ray Glidden passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 25, 2024 at the age of 97. Robert is reunited with his wife Florence "Flossie" Glidden, who preceded him in death just 3 months ago. He was born in Kalamazoo, MI on March 23, 1926 to the late Ralph S. and Vesta L. (Claiborne) Glidden. Bob was affectionately known as "Farmer Bob" or "The Whistler", as he could be heard whistling over the sound of his tractor. He was a United States Army veteran and retired from the Upjohn Company in 1990 after 21 years of working in maintenance. After his retirement, Bob went back to farming for himself. He was a member of the Kalamazoo Valley Antique Engine and Machinery Club and loved to farm and collect antique scale tractors and cars. Bob also enjoyed playing cards and square dancing with his beloved, Flossie. He was a friend to all and very much enjoyed helping others.
Bob is survived by his two children, Ronald S. Glidden and Janice E. Glidden; nephew, Timothy (Bethann) Glidden; dear neighbor and friend, Madelyn Goodrich; and good friends, Jim (Angela) Wessing and Wayne (Lisa) Augustyniak. He was preceded in death by his wife, four sisters, Patricia Glidden, Norma (Roy) Avery, Miriam Jonas, Ada (John) Nutt; and brother, James (Sally) Glidden.
A memorial service will be held Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at Texas Corners Bible Church 7780 S 8th Kalamazoo, MI 49009 with visitation beginning at 10:00 am and the service at 11:00 am. Inurnment will take place at Genessee Prairie Cemetery following the luncheon at church. Arrangements entrusted to Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services 3926 S 9th St Kalamazoo, MI 49009. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Texas Corners Bible Church, in memory of Bob. To view Bob's personalized webpage, please visit
https://www.langelands.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Glidden
Sponsored by The Family.
Kathie Matchinski-Dunlap
April 5, 2024
Our mom and dad, (Len and Pat Matchinski) would always have a card game going on. Bob would tell me, " if it´s not red, leave it in the shed"! He loved his tractors. Condolences to all their family and friends. Rest in peace Bob and Floss
Nancy Husted
April 4, 2024
Omg I thought about Bob just the other day! He was such a good man and an asset to the Oshtemo Community. Now all the members of the Oshtemo Card Club are together again in heaven!
Launa Husted Rogers
March 21, 2024
Bob and Flossie were such wonderful friends to my parents. They were part of the Card Club with the other farmers in Oshtemo. Bob was such a beautifully happy man. He´s now with Flossie and all of the other farm friends in Heaven.
Nancy Seymour
March 18, 2024
Dearest Uncle Bob,
How very special you have been to our entire family. Fondest and most special memories include; fun times at the farm climbing in the hay lofts to find all the kittens (you knew exactly where to find me), Glidden family reunions, riding on one of your tractors with you, milking cows, Floss´s "Famous Peach Cobbler".
Later the first impression you made on my husband Mark when you immediately picked up on his interest in anything motorized and showed him your tractors, invited him to the yearly tractor show, and let him drive your MGB. After that initial meeting Mark commented that he felt like he had known you as long as I had. Being present at you and Floss´s 60th Anniversary Celebration was one of the most impactful family events we have ever attended.
Most of all I will always cherish the phone conversations each year at Christmas where we caught up on the year that was ending and many memories.
Your call to me right after Aunt Floss passed where you recited your poem word for word will inspire me for the rest of my days.
Now be with your Floss to continue what you just started here.
I will miss you forever!
Nancy
How you can show support
Shelly Kievit
March 13, 2024
I met Bob when I began working at Upjohn Farms early 1980's.
I was a city girl who knew nothing about farming, unskilled labor, but eager to work and learn. Bob was saddled with me for a period of time. He couldn't have been kinder or more patient. I learned much from him during the time I worked for him. From my perspective, positivity was one of his greatest virtues.
He would start each morning with a little Diddy i.e., "good morning to you..good morning to you..we're all in our places, big bright shiny faces...Good morrrning". Then smile widely!
He was a very positive influence on me. I'm happy to have experienced him in my life.
Nancy DeVries
March 13, 2024
Bob was a dear friend always there to help you no matter how little or big the task. He was a hard worker, loving husband and father. Bob was also known as Farmer Bob. This is how I remember him and the many times he was at our farm helping my husband Al when he needed a helping hand. You could hear Bob coming down the street to our farm because he had his radio on the Tractor turned up as loud as it could go. Our oldest son Bill, on many occasions, would ride with Bob on his tractor and afterwards Bob would always give our son a silver dollar. Bob and his wife Florence were also people who loved God with all their heart. Nancy DeVries
Joyce Nutt
March 11, 2024
Uncle Bob, Steve and I will miss you very much! You always made us laugh with your jokes. Holidays will not be the same without you, mom & Aunt Floss, and hearing that you had to clean your plate because you belong to the clean plate club! You were the last man standing and you made an impression on everybody that met you and knew you. Everyone that knows Uncle Bob, Loves Uncle Bob! Rest in peace and say hi to mom and Aunt Floss for us! Until we meet again! Love Always Steve & Joyce
Don & Janet (Hope) Squires
March 11, 2024
A very special person. Have know Bob for many years. He's now with his wife. Special blessings to his family.
Don & Janet (HOPE) Squires
Lynn Chaffin
March 9, 2024
I had the pleasure of being Bobs barber for many years. Oh how I enjoyed our visits. He had a new song to sing each time he came in. Such a lovely man. Rest well Bob.
Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results
Make a Donation
in Robert Glidden's name
Memorial Events
for Robert Glidden
Mar
19
Mar
19
Funeral services provided by:
Langeland Family Funeral Homes - Westside Chapel - Kalamazoo3926 South 9th Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49009
People and places connected with Robert
Kalamazoo, MI
Kalamazoo Gazette
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Robert's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Robert Glidden's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
