Obituary of Robert Nelson VerBurg

Robert (Bob) Nelson VerBurg passed at Woodland Hospice in Mt. Pleasant, Saturday June 2, 2018, at the age of 81. He was born August 2, 1936 in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Nelson and Florence VerBurg. Bob lived a full and happy life. He attended Denby High School where he met his longtime wife and love Darlene Williams. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Darlene; sister, Grace; children, Larry (Sandy), Diane (Dan Hagle), and Bruce (Laurie), and eight grandchildren, Mandi, Darlene, Sarah, Bob, Megan, Austin, Brent, and Katie.

Bob was an avid MSU Spartan fan having graduated Engineering School there. His career led him to Dow Chemical in New York for a short time then to Ford Motor Co. (Mt. Clemons, Glendale, and Utica) in Southeast Michigan where he retired. He lived in Michigan most of his life raising his family and surrounded by many life long friends. He also loved his Detroit Tigers and Lions. He enjoyed playing golf and bridge with his friends in Canadian Lakes. He had many friends in his life and could meet one wherever he went. He would take the time to get to know people he didn’t, and develop a friendship with them. Most recently he found them around Canadian Lakes. Additionally he truly loved wintering in Norhtport, Florida with friends who traveled there.

Bob lived a full life and travelled to many locations in and out of the US. He was not one to sit still and his glass was always, always, half full. Everyday was better than the last and there was always someplace or someone to look forward to. 

A funeral ceremony will be held Saturday, June 9^th, at 11:00 AM, at Chapel of the lakes Lutheran Church in Mecosta, MI. Pastor Richard Collin will officiate. Visitation will be held at Janowicz Family Funeral Home in Remus, Friday evening (June 8^th), from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, and again one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the church. A wake will follow the service at the Stanwood Eagles from 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM. 

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Spectrum Hospice, Mid Michigan Hospice, or Chapel of the Lakes Church.