Robert Sporer

Robert J. Sporer, age 88, of Shelbyville, MI died on October 23, 2017. He was known as Captain RJ, a proud Navy man who was raised on the western shores of Lake Michigan. As a young man, he became an Eagle scout, which led him to Sea scouts. He was raised in Menominee, Michigan, and proceeded in death by his parents, Carl and Anna Sporer. The Captain was married to his wife and first mate, Carol (Knutsen) Sporer in 1954. They lived in Parchment, Michigan where he worked at the paper mill and they raised their family. Bob (as he was called by most of his friends) and Carol's love for the water brought them to Gun Lake for many years as campers, and in 1981, they make it home and would winter in Florida. Bob and Carol spent countless summer days playing with their children and grandchildren in the waters on their beach. The Captain has hoisted the anchor and set course for his final "port of call" The Captain is survived by his wife, Carol, his daughter, Karen B. Brown, his son; David C. Sporer & wife (Kathy Zimmerman Sporer) and three grandchildren, Kari Brown, Lt. Daniel C. Sporer and his wife (Rebekah Vizdos Sporer), and Kimberly (Sporer) Radcliff with her husband, Mark Radcliff. He is also survived by 3 great-grandchildren; Finn Sporer, Matthew Radcliff and Katelynn Radcliff. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. A gathering of family and friends will be held at Brookdale Senior Living 3100 West Old Center on Sunday, November 5th, 2017 from 3:00-6:00 pm in the Tea Room.