Robert M. Purcell's Obituary
Robert Martin Purcell, age 77, of Spring Lake died peacefully Tuesday, April 22, 2014 with his family at his side after a brief time at Heartwood Lodge. He was born August 12, 1936 in Alpena, Michigan to Robert and Ruth (Start) Purcell.
Bob graduated in 1954 from Grand Haven High School. He played both baseball (pitcher) and football (fullback) and was a member of the 1953 undefeated football team. He served his country in the US Air Force from 1954 - 1960 and was stationed for a time at Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, NE and Okinawa, Japan during the Korean War.
He was employed by Brewers City Dock of Holland for over 25 years, holding the position of Vice President of Operations from 1981-1994. He then took the position of General Manager for Northland Express Transport of Grand Haven, retiring in 1997. He absolutely loved to spend time on the golf course and play an occasional game of tennis, but his favorite thing was wintering on Marco Island, FL where he and his wife, Margaret, walked Tiger Tail Beach every day.
Robert is lovingly remembered by his wife, Margaret, who currently resides at Heartwood Lodge in Spring Lake, MI; daughters, Kim (Scott) Kruse of Dalhart, TX, and Debra (Scott) Opfer of Lincoln, NE; son, David (Michelle) Purcell of Columbus, NE; 3 step-children: Bonnie (Jim) Ellman of Grand Haven, MI, Morris (Gloria Jean) Johnson of Punta Gorda, FL, and Melanie (Skip) Gee of Long Valley, NJ. He is also survived by his sisters: Barb (Harvey) Bekins of Grand Haven, MI, and Bonnie Bramer of Stockton, CA; brothers: Ron (Beverly) Purcell of Norton Shores, MI, Rich (Sandy) Purcell of West Olive, MI, and Randy Purcell of Grand Haven, MI; sisters-in-law: Linda Purcell of Erie, MI, and Terry Purcell of Ormond Beach, FL; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews and their wonderful families. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Roger Purcell of Erie, MI, and Rick Purcell of Ormond Beach, FL.
A memorial visitation will be held 2-5 PM Sunday, April 27, 2014 at VanZantwick Bartels Kammeraad Funeral Home in Spring Lake. Memorial contributions in memory of Bob may be given to the American Lung Association or the Hospice House at Heartwood Lodge. Please sign the family’s online guestbook at www.vbkfuneralhome.com.
The family is being served by VanZantwick Bartels Kammeraad Funeral Home of Spring Lake.
What’s your fondest memory of Robert?
What’s a lesson you learned from Robert?
Share a story where Robert's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Robert you’ll never forget.
How did Robert make you smile?
