Robert Burrows

Robert (Bob) Burrows, age 89, of Portage, MI died on September 2, 2017. Hardworking, positive attitude, and trailblazer are some of the words that come to mind when thinking back on the life of Robert (Bob) Burrows. One of Bob's close friends said that Bob was happiest when he was buying, selling or moving. Bob loved the adventure of life and lived life to the fullest each and every day. He lived and believed that anything was possible with hard work and a little luck. He loved his family including his wife Gertrude (Trudy), his four boys and daughter in-laws, seven grand-children, and four great-grandchildren. Bob was born on August 23, 1928 in Battle Creek, MI. He grew up in Pennfield Township on Clear Lake with his Father (Leon) and Mother (Lavina). He attended a one-room school house for grades 1 - 8 and remained in touch with fellow classmates over the years. The youngest of three children, he also had an older brother (LaVern) and sister (Virginia). On weekends, as a youngster, he would help his father deliver Peter Pan bread to grocery stores and others who couldn't afford it. He also developed a passion for automobiles which continued even into his sunset years as he battled cancer and dementia. After graduating from Battle Creek Central High School he went on to attend Michigan State University until he was drafted into the Army in 1947. He was an expert marksman and became a Supply Sergeant while serving in Germany. Upon his return, he began a 40 year career at The Kellogg Company. He began in Industrial Engineering and was soon promoted into the Purchasing Department where he later became an Executive Vice President and Officer of the company at 39 years old. He worked on several new product introductions and enjoyed his time working at Kellogg's. While attending High School, Bob was introduced to the woman he would fall in love with and later become his wife of 63 years, Trudy. Sparks flew from the start and the courtship began. Bob and Trudy were married in December 1950. Together they were blessed with four sons Dave, Rick, Chris, and Bill. Over his lifetime Bob developed many interests. He enjoyed home renovation projects teaching his boys along the way. No project was "too big". Bob also enjoyed buying and selling cars. He truly enjoyed "the deal". Bob was baptized Catholic later in life at the age of 60. He was an avid golfer upon his retirement and also enjoyed boating on "the big lake" Lake Michigan. Together, Bob and Trudy wintered in Venice, FL and spent summers in South Haven. Over the years they developed many close friendships that they deeply cherished. Trudy preceded Bob in death in January 2014. He is survived by his sons Dave (Marilyn), Rick (Laurel), Chris (Cathy), and Bill (Tory); grandchildren, Liz (Brian) Lang, Ben (Bryanna), Bob, Jack, Charlie, Zoey, Kate: and four (4) great grandchildren. Visitation will be held at Craig Kempf Funeral Home, 2838 Capital Ave. SW Battle Creek, MI from 4 - 7pm on Thursday, September 7th followed by a rosary. Services celebrating Bob's life will be held Friday, September 8that St. Joseph Catholic Church, 61 N. 23rdStreet, Battle Creek beginning at 11am, followed by internment at Memorial Park, and a luncheon. Donations may be made to Hospice of SW Michigan or The . Assistance with memorials is available at the Kempf Funeral Home, Battle Creek Chapel.