Robert J. Ahlberg

Though he might have been a grouch from time to time, Robert had one of the biggest, most genuine hearts around. Seeing through his tough exterior meant knowing Robert as he really was -- a gentle, loyal man who brought nothing but laughter and kindness into the world.

In the winter of 1920, Edmund Ahlberg and his wife, Esther (Reed), were busy preparing for their first child. They readied their house with blankets and clothes, though there wasn't really much room for too much fuss. Their home was modest, but welcoming, located on a piece of land in rural Michigan between Martin and Orangeville. Excitement and apprehension set in as the baby made it's way into the world on February 10, 1921, and the proud parents were happy to announce the healthy birth of their first son, Robert James. The Ahlberg house was soon filled with the movements of seven children. Edmund worked long hours in the fields and Esther spent her days in a local factory to support the family. The income may have been limited, but that didn't mean Robert and his siblings couldn't have any fun. They invented games to entertain each other, like the one that involved raiding a local watermelon patch. During the week the Ahlberg clan did their fair share in filling up the one room school house, though after completing the eighth grade, Robert quit school to go to work in the onion fields. He was glad to support his family in whatever way he could.

By the time he was a teenager, Robert had moved with his family to the bustling town of Plainwell . Together, he and his parents had earned enough savings to make the move, which would allow the rest of the Ahlberg children to have the luxury of better schools and for the entire family to come across more opportunities. Robert found his right away. He first took a job at Deans Creamery just down the way from the family's Sherwood Street home. New York Central Railroad was then his next employer, and they found him to be an exceptional trackman. World War II interrupted the experience, however, as twenty-one year old Robert was eager to enlist in the army. He joined in 1942, and made his way east to the Philippines and Japan.

Robert fought bravely overseas with his fellow soldiers, including his friend Lester Bean. While on leave, Lester took it upon himself to introduce Robert to his sister, Marguerite. Robert and Marguerite were an immediate match. In 1944, they had a modest wedding in Portland, Maine , which is where Robert was stationed at the time. The couple settled in Maine to give East Coast living a try. After completing his service to the army and receiving a bronze star, Robert decided his next move was to take a job at S.D. Warren Paper Company. Within two short years, he and Marguerite had created a warm and loving home, into which they welcomed a beautiful daughter named Barbara.

Robert and Marguerite spent the next thirteen years raising their daughter together, but after fifteen years of marriage they eventually decided that it would be best to end their marriage. Robert returned to Michigan , to Plainwell, where he looked forward to seeing his long time sweetheart. Marian Boulter was her name, and she lived in exactly the same neighborhood where Robert had lived so many years before, right on Sherwood Street. She was heartbroken when she heard he had married someone in Maine . In fact, Marian was so upset that she actually became engaged to someone else. As fate would have it though, she ended up not marrying her fiancé, meaning her wedding to Robert in 1959 was her very first.

Robert and Marian weren't married very long before Marian began running a daycare out of their home. Immediately, Robert could tell that it was her favorite thing in the world. He saw how her eyes lit up and became teary when she held her nephew, David for the first time. Within a matter of weeks he asked, "Should we have a child of our own?" No words could have been sweeter to Marian's ears. They were both in their early forties, but they decided to give parenthood a try. Their daughter Lisa was soon the center of their lives.

Robert was a good dad. True, he was a little grouchy at times because of all the children and noise that consumed his house, but everyone, especially Marian, knew that beneath his tough exterior was a tender and caring man who loved children and especially loved to make them smile. Robert hated to discipline the kids. Instead, he made sure that the boundaries were clearly established, so that the children always knew what was expected of them.

Robert enjoyed being a family man and was good at it. He couldn't wait for family outings, loved fishing trips, and could always find just one more sight to see up in the U.P. "Easygoing" was probably the best word to describe him. When Robert did happen to be in one of his grumpy states, he was sure to let everyone know. He'd prepare the meal of macaroni and cheese depending on his mood, macaroni topped with a smiley catsup face meant "good mood," macaroni topped with a frowning catsup face meant "tread lightly."

When he wasn't at home with Marian and the kids, Robert worked third shift at Keene Corporation in Kalamazoo . He remained there until 1982, when he retired. More free time allowed him to explore woodworking, bowling, doodling on paper, or just take time to watch a wrestling match on TV. One of his favorite parts of the year remained his annual trip up north, where he could photograph the wild landscape, and capture some of the most beautiful sunsets and fall colors his family would ever see.

In 1993, Robert's world was shaken by the death of his beloved Marian. He thought he would be lost without her, but with the support of his family and his own determination, Robert began adjusting to independent life very well. Not only did he take good care of himself, he kept himself busy with all sorts of hobbies. Of these, none could compare to the afternoons he spent watching his grandchildren participate in school activities, or the evening when he would phone up his siblings, one by one, just to make sure he got in a good conversation with each of them. Robert remained close to his eldest daughter, Barbara, as well, she having moved to Michigan in later years. Even when he became hospitalized, Robert was sure to inquire about his grandchildren, his daughters, and his siblings with every breath.

No man could have been more loyal or enthusiastic about his family than Robert. He had a gift for making each person feel noticed and special and loved. An honorable man in the truest sense, Robert will be missed greatly. The memories and stories of his life, meanwhile, will continue to live on forever. Robert James Ahlberg, age 84 of Plainwell, died Monday October 24, 2005 at his home. Learn more about Robert, view his Life Story film, and visit with his family and friends today from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the RDMG Life Story Funeral Home Plainwell Chapel. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the same location, with military honors provided by V.F.W. Post 3030, of Otsego to follow. Members of Roberts family include his daughters Barbara (William) Scarbrough of Mattawan, Lisa (Donny) Munn of Plainwell, grandchildren, Scott and Todd Harmon, Shelli Brugh, Chad DeLorenzo, Amanda and Holly Brigance, Ben and Katy Munn, six great-grandchildren, a sister, Ethel (Larry) Dresser of Santa Anna CA., brothers, Don (Betty) Ahlberg of Gun Lake, Bill (June) Ahlberg, John Ahlberg both of Plainwell, Bud (Lucy) Ahlberg of Santa Anna, CA. Robert was preceded in death by a sister and brother in law, Helen and Chuck Henson and a sister in law Marilyn Ahlberg. Please visit Robert's memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can archive a favorite memory or make a memorial contribution to the American Cancer Society.