Robert "Bob" Eberstein

A longtime resident of the community he loved, everyone knew Robert Eberstein. He was vibrant, outgoing, and generous with a zest for life that made him the heartbeat of everywhere he went. A more devoted family man would be hard to find as Bob shared the majority of his life with his true love with whom he witnessed his family tree blossom to include the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren he adored. He was a man of faith who loved traveling both throughout the states and abroad, but he was always happy to return to his home sweet home. Generous beyond measure, Bob touched the lives of those too numerous to count. He will never be forgotten.

It was just as a challenging decade was dawning that Max and Marie (Stevens) Eberstein were experiencing a time of great anticipation as they were eagerly awaiting the birth of their third child as fall began to settle in on the small community of Vicksburg, Michigan, in 1931. Their wait was over when the baby boy they named Robert V. drew his first breath on October 1st. He was the third of seven children in his family and was raised alongside his older siblings, Bea and Bill, and his younger siblings, Roy, Alice, Jim, and Max “Mike.” His father was a hardworking farmer while his mother had more than enough to keep her busy at home. Bob attended local schools and went on to graduate from Vicksburg High School in 1949. As a young man he then entered the military, serving in the United States Navy aboard the USS Wright.

After being discharged in 1955, Bob returned home where his life soon became very interesting when he met the young woman of his dreams. Her name was Barb Kline, and they were introduced by his sister, Alice, who was her coworker at the telephone company. Sparks flew right from the start, and they began dating. It wasn’t long before the couple found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to establish a life together, Bob and Barb were married on February 19, 1954, in Angola, Indiana. Together they bought a home in Schoolcraft and welcomed two sons including Mike and Dennis “Louie” into their hearts and home. Bob supported his family by working as a lineman with Michigan Bell for 35 years. He helped design a device that enabled handicapped children to communicate.

Throughout his life Bob was a vital part of his community, and everyone knew Bob, too. He was instrumental in establishing several things throughout the area including the Schoolcraft Library, Schoolcraft Ambulance, and the Elm Tree Disease Project. Bob was a member of the American Legion, serving two years as the commander, and he also served on the village council and coached Little League. Bob was a member of the Schoolcraft United Methodist Church, Athletic Boosters, Band Boosters, PTA, and the Wednesday night Bingo. For years he was there to help organize and line up the entires for the famous Fourth of July Parade in Schoolcraft. Bob also volunteered with Beeper Ball, a program that allows blind children to play softball. Bob and Barb enjoyed playing golf together.

Not to be forgotten in his list of contributions within the community was his role in establishing the Adult Day Care, which is otherwise known as the barbershop that his son, Mike, owns in Schoolcfraft. Bob loved coming in early in the morning and staying for conversations with everyone who came in. He usually stayed for hours to share in the storytelling, fact or fiction,with all the old guys. Since he had developed a love for baking over the past 15 years, he often took treats in with him for everyone to enjoy. Bob made amazing cookies, and he also made fantastic peanut butter pie, cranberry sauce and dinner rolls. During the seventies he made wonderful homemade wine.

Over the years Bob was a man of many interests. He and Barb loved traveling and even went to Germany when the boys were in high school in 1972. Bob was always so proud of his German roots and it was amazing to go over there to trace his family back so he could meet some distant relatives. He also loved Arizona, and for five or six years he and Barb made regular trips there. Woodworking was another favorite pastime, and he made a really neat dollhouse.

The community of Schoolcraft will never be the same without Bob here, but the impact he made will last for generations. He was caring and giving to all who were near with a heart that knew no bounds. Bob loved a good joke and could craft a story with the best of them, and his laughter was contagious. There to help in ways both great and small, Bob leaves behind a timeless legacy that his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will carry on. He will never be forgotten.

Robert “Bob” V. Eberstein, of Schoolcraft, died on Saturday, April 25, 2015. Bob’s family includes his wife, Barbara; two sons: Mike (Jeanne) Eberstein, of Schoolcraft and Dennis “Louie” (Laura) Eberstein, of Schoolcraft; seven grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Bob is also survived by his siblings: Bea Selbee, of Delton; Alice (Robert) Vanderveen, of Hasting; Jim (Donna) Eberstein, of FL; Max “Mike” (Jill) Eberstein,of Vicksburg. Bob was preceded in death by his grandson: Joshua Neeb; brothers: Bill and Roy Eberstein. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, from 10-11 a.m. at the Schoolcraft United Methodist Church. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the church. Burial McKain Cemetery. Please visit Bob’s webpage at www.lifestorynet.com where you can sign the guestbook and share a memory and/or photo. Those who wish may contributions to the charity of your choice in memory of Bob.