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Bob A. Spitler

February 16, 1949 - July 21, 2006
Portage, MI

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Service

Friday, July 28, 2006
10:00 AM EDT
Life Story Funeral Homes - Rupert, Durham, Marshall & Gren
Vicksburg Location
409 South Main Street
Vicksburg, MI 49097
(269) 649-1697
Driving Directions

Life Story / Obituary


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Although Bob Spitler presented a gruff exterior, his kind heart was never a secret to family and friends. With his great sense of humor, he was always able to place a smile on someone's face.

With the victorious end of the Second World War, thousands of young soldiers returned home to start their families. The Baby Boom was quickly underway. In Kalamazoo, Michigan LaNell Witham was among the many expecting parents, and on February 16, 1949 she was blessed with the healthy birth of her son Robert.

The oldest of three children, Bob grew up in Kalamazoo with the company of his younger sisters Cathy and Debbie. He was a protective older brother, always looking out for his sisters and making sure that they didn't get into any trouble. Even as a youngster he possessed a private, independent personality. He marched to his own beat, and he never followed a crowd. He skipped a lot of school, preferring to spend his time in the outdoors fishing.

After completing his education in the Portage School System Bob entered the U.S. Army. For the next three years he served as a Military Policeman at Fort Belvor in Virginia. After his discharge he returned to Kalamazoo and began working for Anodized Specialists. He was later hired by Graphic Packaging where he worked for the last twenty-eight years as a web press operator. He formed a close friendship with his colleague Cathy Huff. They lived near each other, and they spent a great deal of time together. Cathy was Bob's confidante.

Bob recently became reacquainted with his son Jason. He was overjoyed to rekindle their relationship. He was especially excited to attend Jason's wedding. Bob was looking forward to getting to know the two new grandkids in the family, his daughter-in-law's children Kamaryn and Karleigh.

Among his friends and family, Bob always remained a private individual. In his free time he enjoyed fixing up his house, fishing, and gambling at casinos. He was an excellent chef who prepared many delicious dinners. Although he had a gruff exterior, he truly was a gentle and loving man on the inside. Many people saw through this exterior, and he was deeply cherished by his friends and family. Among the many people who loved him, Bob will be greatly missed and frequently remembered.

Bob died at his home Friday July 21, 2006. Learn more about Bob, spend time with his family and friends and view his life story film at his memorial service Friday at 10 a.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, RDMG Vicksburg, 409 S. Main St. Bob's cremated remains will interred with military honors at Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Members of Bob's family include his mother LaNell Witham and her husband Ben of Niles, who was Bob's stepfather and best friend, his son Jason (Autumn) Spitler of Niles, sisters; Cathy (Ron) Curtis of Marcellus, Debbie (Bob) Langmaack of Charlotte, 2 grandchildren; Jason, Jr. and Jaydon, 2 stepgrandchildren; Kamaryn and Karleigh, nieces and nephews; Shawn Matson and Autumn and Austin Garvison and his closest friend and coworker Cathy Huff of Portage. Please visit Bob's memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a favorite memory and photo or make a memorial donation to his family for his grandchildren's education.

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