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Robert G. Japenga Grand Haven, MI QCWA # 29942 Chapter 74 |
Date:October 19th, 1922 - December 12th, 2008
Obituary:Robert G. "Bob" Japenga, age 86, of Grand Haven, passed away on December 12, 2008 at his home surrounded by his family. Bob was born in Muskegon on October 19, 1922 to Jacob and Emma (Steffen) Japenga. His family moved to Grand Haven when he was one year old, and he lived in the same house until he married Joan Marie Susterich on March 28, 1950. Bob became interested in electronics while still in high school, working for John Butcher's radio shop and later for Story and Clark Piano working on the world's first electronic piano (StoryTone). He continued his education in electronics while serving in the Signal Corps in the U.S. Army from November 1942 until March 1946, and was stationed in the Pacific.
On returning from the service, Bob continued to repair radios, opening his own shop in Spring Lake in 1949. Bob closed the shop in 1988 but continued to repair televisions, ham radios, and other electronics at his basement workbench. Bob was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and a member of the American Legion. He was a Golden Eagle of the Grand Haven Eagles FOE 925 and was active in the North Ottawa Amateur Radio Club (W8BVA). His hobbies included ham radio, bowling, golf, gardening, wine making, traveling, and enjoying time with his family. He was a fan of the Chicago Bears and a die-hard fan of the Chicago Cubs. He was part of the round table at the Idle Hour in Spring Lake.
Bob is survived by his wife, Joan; four children: Gayle (John) Tighe of Grand Haven, Robert J. (Barbara) Japenga of Simsbury, CT, Mary Jo (Steve) Lange of Grand Haven, Patricia Japenga (Sam Broyles) of Boulder, CO; one brother: Harold (Helen) Japenga of Newport Beach, CA; six grandchildren: Jennifer (Tighe) Cantrell, Brian Tighe, Kevin Lange, Abby (Japenga) Egan, Amy Lange, Scott Lange; and seven great-grandchildren.
A funeral service for Bob will be held Wednesday, December 17, 2008, at 11:00 a.m. from VanZantwick Bartels Kammeraad Funeral Home - West Chapel with VFW Chaplain Jerry Tripp officiating. Military Honors will be provided by the VFW Sgt. Alvin Jonker Post #2326. Friends may meet the family Tuesday 2-4 and 7-8 p.m. (Please use new east entrance). Interment will be in Historic Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to the VFW Sgt. Alvin Jonker Post #2326 or Hospice of North Ottawa Community. Share memories with the family and sign their guestbook at www.vbkfuneralhome.com .