Robert "Bob" Polderman

Polderman, Robert "Bob" Paw Paw Robert "Bob" Polderman was born April 18th, 1939, in Portage, Michigan, the 4th of 8 children born to Marinus and Anna (Huizenga) Polderman. Despite growing up poor, all the children learned to value a strong work ethic a value which Bob held throughout his life. He started working on the family farm, raising produce. As soon as he was eligible, Bob enlisted in the Army and served for two years. Upon returning to Michigan, he began his life as an entrepreneur, first with a plaster company and then owning a flower shop with his brother Paul. Soon Bob found his true calling selling insurance, a career he would continue until the end of his life. Bob was truly passionate about getting up every day and going into the office. It would not be uncommon for him to start his day by "stopping in" on several clients before sunrise. Bob was a Lifetime Member of the Million Dollar Round Table an honor he held for over 5 decades. Owning his own business brought him so much pride. Outside of the office, Bob enjoyed golfing, socializing and boating. He also enjoyed being the life of the party at any gathering. Bob is survived by his four children, Kalee (Todd) Wolthuis, Rob Polderman, Judy (Joe) Fleming and Mark (Angi) Polderman. He found great joy teasing his 12 grandchildren, Sam Wolthuis, Noah (Nichole) Wolthuis, Rachael (Bill) Hunt, Jed Wolthuis, Jack, Matthew & Lucy Fleming, Olivia & Max Polderman, Ava, Henry & Violet Polderman. He recently welcomed his first great-grandchild, Lane Hunt. Bob is also survived by siblings Alice Stickels, John (Marie) Polderman, sister-in-law Debra Polderman, Marie Freehling and Mike (Wendy) Polderman. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Marinus & Anna (Huizenga) Polderman and brothers Jacob, Harry & Paul Polderman. For the last several months, Bob lived at Maple Lake Assisted Living where he received wonderful care in the Memory Care Unit. The staff and other residents cared for Bob and enjoyed his company. Before moving to Maple Lake, Bob received care at home from a variety of excellent caregivers with Visiting Angels. The family would also like to thank Centrica Care Navigators of Southwest Michigan for their hospice services. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Calvary Reformed Church, or to the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission. Funeral Services will take place on Saturday, November 5th at Calvary Reformed Church 7829 5th St. Mattawan, MI 49071. Visitation will be from 9:30am until service time at 11:00am, with a luncheon immediately following the service. A graveside service will take place after the luncheon at Maple Grove Cemetery in Mattawan, Michigan. To view Bob's personalized webpage, please visit https://www.langelands.com