Obituary of Robert James Killingbeck

Robert James Killingbeck

September 12, 1946 - March 28, 2021

Robert Killingbeck of Canadian Lakes passed away on March 28, 2021 lovingly

surrounded by his family.

Born in Wayne, Michigan on September 12, 1946 to Gerald and Helen (LaDuc)

Killingbeck, Robert was affectionately called “Moe” by his lifelong friends and five

siblings: Judy, Don, Betsy, Joanne, and Dave.

Throughout his life, Moe held many titles. He was a student and graduate of Wayne

Memorial High School (’64) and of Eastern Michigan University (’69). He was an

outstanding athlete-turned-coach in multiple sports. He was a teacher for 27 years at

Marshall Junior High. He was a builder who built three of their family homes.

Most important to Moe were his titles of devoted husband to Kathy, father to Rodney,

Casey and Julie and grandpa to Molly, Jack, Cate and Casey. Moe was the epitome of

a family man from the time he met his high school sweetheart and the love of his life,

Kathleen “Kathy” Patterson in 1962.

Moe and Kathy’s 54 ½ year, adventure-filled marriage reflects their love of time together

as a family: Golfing, camping, fishing, RV trips to the U.P., building and enjoying dune

buggies (and cars), and watching their favorite Michigan sports teams (especially the

Tigers who Moe loved to watch even when there were playing like a bunch of saps).

The adventures continued with a move to Canadian Lakes in 1999 where Moe honed

his skills in golf (2 hole-in-ones), became a supreme dune buggy builder and developed

a newfound passion for bridge.

Known to his family as an expert tire cleaner, a great golf ball hunter, #1 Phoebe Buffay

fan, dedicated Price is Right watcher and nonstop jingle-singer, Moe was simply an

all-around wonderful husband, dad and grandpa.

A memorial service will be held this summer.

Memorial contributions in honor of Robert Killingbeck may be made to the Susan P.

Wheatlake Regional Cancer Center.