Robert Lee Dixon's Obituary
Robert “Bob” L. Dixon, age 85, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, November 25, 2025. He was born on September 8, 1940, in Muskegon, MI and adopted by Albert and Petronella (Veneklaasen) Dixon. Bob met the love of his life, Barbara L. Rye, at Western Michigan University in 1962, and were married on August 1, 1964, in Kalamazoo, MI. They were happily married for 61 years and he spent a lifetime loving her.
Bob had many interests and hobbies which included: a love for music - he was a true audiophile with a dedicated music listening room, he loved collecting anything electronic, fixing things, collecting football jerseys and helmets, had a passion for weather observation, and spending time with people.
He worked for Children's Protective Services in Muskegon, helping children and their families have better lives for over 30 years. He had a huge heart - being a social worker wasn't just his job, it was how he lived his life in every sense. He loved being a husband, a father, and a grandpa. He was very proud of his children and grandchildren, and would take the time to support them any chance he got. He was always helping people, listening to their stories, enjoying meals with friends, and would give you the shirt off his back. He had an outgoing personality, could talk to anyone for hours, and had a great sense of humor. He also had a passion for watching NFL football, and would dress up in full football gear to greet Halloween trick-or-treaters every year.
He found joy in being outside, especially by the water. One of the highlights every year for Bob and Barb was their annual trip to Stony Lake, something they did for 50 years. They started renting on the lake when their eldest was only three years old, and continued over the years bringing joy to both of their children, friends of the family, and eventually grandchildren.
In the last few years Bob was extremely thankful that he was able to connect with his sister and half sister, whom he found thanks to DNA testing.
Bob is survived by his wife: Barbara Dixon; children: Linda Westerhof, Chris Dixon; grandchildren: Jacob Westerhof, Benjamin Westerhof; sister: Cherie Norris; half-sister: Melanie Collucci; close friend of the family: Jim Hotchkiss. He is preceded in death by his parents: Albert and Petronella Dixon; and brother: Wayne Dixon.
VISITATION will be Saturday, November 29, 2025, from 01:00 PM – 02:00 PM at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St. Norton Shores, MI. 49444 with a FUNERAL SERVICE at 02:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Bob’s memory to United Way of the Lakeshore or the National CFIDS Foundation, Inc. (chronic fatigue immune dysfunction syndrome). Arrangements through the Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services. Please consider signing the family’s online guestbook and share memories at https://sytsemafh.com
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