Bob Overbeek

Selfless in his love and commitment to his family and those around him, Robert J. Overbeek exemplified a life lived encompassing a servant’s heart. A man of integrity, he was diligent not only in his work ethic, but in his dedication to those in his company. Faith and his unending patience were the cornerstone and foundation on which he based his life, and he will be fondly remembered in the lives he so lovingly touched.

On October 4, 1924, just as the autumn colors were reaching their peak, John and Bertha (Stehouwer) Overbeek of Grand Rapids, Michigan celebrated the blessing of their fourth child, a son they named Robert. The Overbeek household eventually included five children in all, and growing up along the banks of the Grand River on the west side of the city offered great boyhood adventures for Robert.

As a youngster, Bob began a lifelong love of baseball, and in his youth loved playing baseball with his many neighborhood friends. He had such a fascination with the game that at every opportunity, he could either be found listening to a game, talking about a game, or watching a game, and was particularly fond of the Detroit Tigers. Richmond Park became a childhood delight where Bob often went ice skating and sledding. Having attended Widdicomb and Harrison Elementary, Bob later graduated from Union High School. Bob learned a strong work ethic working at his uncles hardware store, and he felt fortunate to have work during the economic struggles of the Depression. There was a young woman who Bob became quite fond of, and Elvera Wiersma captured his heart.

Like most young men during World War II, Bob enlisted in the Army. He went through basic training and then moved on to engineer training. As part of the Corps of Engineers, Bob soon shipped out to Europe where he was stationed while awaiting the invasion of Normandy. Bob’s unit entered Normandy on the second day of that invasion. When discharged at the age of 21, Bob had reached the rank of Sergeant. Later in life, he would faithfully attend the annual reunions held throughout the country with those he served with.

After his return home in 1945, Bob immediately contacted his beloved Elvera. They were united in marriage on September 26, 1947, and before long, they were blessed with three children, Jim, Pat and Laurie. A wonderful father, Bob was an example of God’s love to his children throughout their lives. Elvera was deaf, so it was often Bob who instinctively listened for the children’s calls in the night, and he was the one attending to a problem. Incredibly patient, Bob did everything for the good of his children. He set reasonable yet firm expectations, knowing full well that seeing his disappointment was all the discipline they needed. As a father, his discipline and leadership was in the form of unconditional and loving guidance.

After the war, Bob began working alongside his brother at their father’s company, Overbeek Sheet Metal. One of Bob’s greatest assets was the ability to see a project through from its conception to making it become a reality. Later, Bob went on to become a partner in the business with his brother. Throughout the years, he took on all aspects of the business from design work to fabrication right along with working in the office and doing payroll. Very handy, Bob was the type of individual who could fix anything and put things together, and when he did, it was done right the first time. A diligent worker, Bob often worked six days a week, and for many years, only took one week of vacation each year.

As a family, memorable times were spent on driving trips out east to Washington, D.C. and Boston, Massachusetts. They also enjoyed time out west enjoying the mountains in Estes Park, Colorado. Grandchildren and great grandchildren became Bob’s delight, and he enjoyed playing with them and relished every opportunity to spend time with them. Often in attendance at one of their many sporting or school events, he also bestowed his love for them through many cards over the years.

Foremost in Bob’s life was his unending faith and desire to serve others. His servant’s heart truly exemplified a life filled with faith, hope and love. Giving of himself for the good of others was his greatest joy. Bob served as a church deacon or elder for many years in the consistory at his church home, Alpine Avenue Christian Reformed Church. Active in the community, Bob was a longtime volunteer where he often gave his time to many organizations. He most recently became involved with Kids Hope USA and Ken-O-Sha School. Well respected, Bob had a way of making people feel important. He took an interest in others, accepting everyone as an equal. Bob’s friendly demeanor was truly welcome by those in his company. His great sense of humor and the ease with which he interacted with people made them feel comfortable in his presence.

Attending the World War II reunions gave Bob and Elvera the opportunity for travel in later years. His dedication was clearly evident towards Elvera as he was the instrument through which she could hear. Opposites in many respects, their diverse interests and abilities quite often complemented one another. After retiring, they traveled throughout the world, later going to Florida where they spent the cold winters. When they reached their early 70’s, Bob and Elvera decided to move into Raybrook Manor where Bob remained following Elvera’s death in 2000. He always enjoyed dining in restaurants, and the years following her death were no exception. Having made many friends at Raybrook, he truly enjoyed his time living there.

Sadly, at the age of 84, Robert J. Overbeek passed away on Tuesday, July 28, 2009. He will be fondly remembered by those whose lives he touched in the many ways he selflessly gave of himself.

Besides his wife, Bob was preceded in death by his brother, Marvin Overbeek and sister, Ruth Rickers. He is survived by his children, Jim (Gretchen) Overbeek, Pat (Paul) Menkveld-DeYoung, and Laurie (Randall) Beyer-Braaksma; grandchildren: Dawn (Jim) Durham, Brooke Overbeek, Judd (Megan) Menkveld, Kate (Sam) Strater, Joel (Sarah) Menkveld, Anna (Steve) Anderson, Jonathan Beyer, and Claire Beyer; great-grandchildren, Hanna Trout, Nate Durham, Oliver Strater, and Henry Menkveld; sisters and brothers-in-law, Lois (John) Ruiter, Bette (Clare) Kooi, Neal Rickers, and Roger (Mary) Wiersma; several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, July 31, 10:00 AM in the Chapel at Raybrook Manor, 2121 Raybrook SE. Relatives and friends are invited to visit his family Thursday, 2-4 and 6-8 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes–Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW. Interment in Rosedale Memorial Park. For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to Raybrook Manor or Faith Hospice. Please visit

www.lifestorynet.com to read more about Bob’s life, to share a favorite memory, photo or to sign the online register.