Robert "Bob" Chase

Robert Chase was a loving husband, father and grandfather. A generous, driven and dedicated man, he lived his life with passion. Always equipped with quick humor to lighten the mood, an ability to empathize with others and a hearty sense of adventure, Bob lived his life to the fullest. Although he will be deeply missed, Bob leaves behind a wonderful collection of memories for his family and special friends to cherish for years to come.

After many years of misery through the depression and World War II, the year 1949 brought much needed prosperity. Televisions and cars were getting bigger and were the popular goods demanded in a growing consumer society. The first Volkswagen Beetle was sold in United States that year and Soap Operas were the latest craze. Rodgers and Hammerstein’s musical "South Pacific" debuted on Broadway. The Philadelphia Eagles won the Super Bowl that year and thanks to the Brooks Brothers men were dressing in argyle socks. In the small hometown of Evergreen Park, Illinois, Hank and Kay (Broderick) Chase welcomed home their loving newborn son, Robert, born on December 21st. Born to a hardworking field service engineer for Chevrolet and a caring homemaker, he brought great joy to their lives.

Growing up in the suburbs of Chicago before later moving to Suffern, New York and then to Sylvania, Ohio, Bob was the brother of his siblings, Peggy and Mark. As a youngster, Bob was known to be one tough little cookie often wrestling with his cousins as well as making them laugh during family get togethers! Always one to seek mischief, once Bob quit school and was working as a lifeguard for a while before his parents finally found out! He didn’t always like school and instead found ways to cause enough trouble to earn himself some time off. This often put his mother in the uncomfortable position of knowing about his troublemaking without bringing any of it to his father’s attention. During his adolescence, he enjoyed years of playing baseball and was also a member of the swim team. These activities were a great help for keeping him busy enough and helping to tame him some. A favorite family vacation was a X country trip to California in the Green brier camper. Bob & Peggy slept on the top in the pop up tent part. By the age of 17, he enlisted in the United States Army serving with the 1st Cavalry as a radio teletype operator. He proudly earned the rank of an SP4 E4 which is roughly the equivalent to a corporal. After the service, he earned his GED before moving on to Wayne State University for some time. School wasn’t always a fit for him however and he took up work with General Motors instead. Not to be forgotten, was the love of his life for forty one years, Chris. The two of them were once neighbors, and the rest is history! She made him light right up when she entered any room. He simply adored her. The greatest day of his life was the day they married on September 18, 1971. Together they raised two wonderful children; Chrissie and Mike.

Providing for his growing family, for 20 years he ran a charter boat service on Lake Erie called the Blue Heron. He went on to win a number of large tournaments along with his friends who also were charter boat captains. Bob continued his work for General Motors before retiring after thirty five successful years. After retirement, Bob was able to tend to his growing collection of hobbies. He loved to go both hunting and fishing. His friends and family loved returning home to their families eager to share some of their newest stories of Bob while at hunting camp. As much as he loved hunting and fishing, golf was his true passion. Happily retired, he spent time perfecting his golf game even naming his beloved dog, Bogey! Always generous, once he cooked an entire chicken and brought it out on the course to share with everyone on his golf league! Compassionate about serving others, Bob volunteered his time with Fort Custer in Augusta, Michigan. His favorite place to relax was out on the lake with Chris and their friends. He could never pass up a boat ride or catching up with friends at the lake. He always seemed to have enough funny stories to share and jokes to tell to keep everyone entertained long into a summer’s evening. Although he had many special interests, nothing brought him greater joy than spending time with his kids and his grandchildren! He loved to crack jokes with them, tell them stories and take them on adventures! His many special phrases and humor bring smiles to their hearts. Described as fun loving and always willing to help out his family and friends, Bob’s wonderful sense of humor, ability to listen and his wonderful guidance will be deeply missed.

Robert “Bob” Chase of Plainwell died unexpectedly on August 13, 2016. Bob was born on December 21, 1949 to Hank & Kay (Broderick) Chase. Bob’s family includes his children: Christine (Bradley) Jungbluth, Michael (Bethany) Chase; his sister Peggy (Greig) his brother Mark (Kathy); grandchildren: Noah, Jackson, Lindy, Nicholas and Ella. Bob was preceded in death by his wife of 41 years Christine and his parents. Visit with his family and friends and view his life story film on Tuesday, August 23 from 10:00 - 12:00 with a short memorial service at 11:30 at the Life Story Funeral Home, Plainwell; 120 Woodhams St. (685-5881). Please visit Bob’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a memory or photo and sign his memory book online.