Robert Heemstra

Robert D. Heemstra, age 88 of Kalamazoo, died on May 6, 2026. He was born on September 8, 1937, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the son of Martin and Arlieth (Eldred) Heemstra. Bob grew up in Ludington and was a graduate of Ludington High School. On April 24, 1959, he married Luanne Clausen and they were blessed with three children. The family moved to Kalamazoo when Bob took a position at General Motors. He worked as a millwright for 29 years for the company, until his retirement. Bob enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting with his sons and son-in-law. He liked to fish and snowmobile and spend time up north by Ludington and the Manistee Forest. Bob spent a lot of time golfing and was on men's leagues at Eastern Hills Golf Course and on a couple's league with Luanne at Indian Run Golf Course. He achieved three holes-in-one.

He is survived by his wife Luanne Heemstra; his children: Dave Heemstra, Beth (Ken) Sweet and Marc Heemstra; his grandchildren: Lindsay (Craig) Cleary, Nate Heemstra, Whitney Taylor, Tyler Heemstra, Kaitlin Sweet (Brian), Cody (Brittani) Heemstra and Kaysee (Mason) Munn; his great-grandchildren: Bennett, Reese, Quinn, Ryder, Gunner, Mac and Zoe; his brother Arlie (Kathy) Heemstra and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Louis Schrader and his sister Janice Feltenbarger.

Please share memories and condolences with his family at www.langelands.com