WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Robert Theodore “Bob” Fess, age 85, of Mendon, died Friday, March 9, 2012, at his home, following a long illness.
He was born Feb. 4, 1927, in Toledo, Ohio, a son of Theodore E. and Agnes L. (Jones) Fess. As a teenager, Bob sailed the Great Lakes for two years before joining the Navy, where he was assigned to the Merchant Marines from 1944-46. He also served in the U.S. Army, and was discharged in December 1956. While in the service, he earned his G.E.D.
Bob was a 30-year employee of Ronningen-Petter in Kalamazoo, where he retired as the shop maintenance foreman. He was a certified horologist, building and repairing clocks. He also enjoyed bowling and fishing in his spare time. Bob was a member of the West Mendon United Methodist Church, Free and Accepted Masons Lodge #137, and American Legion Post #213.
On Oct. 28, 1967, Bob married Jeannette “Jan” Edge. She survives, along with three children, Jeannine Ann (Deon) Brown of Portage, Robert T. (Robin) Fess of Three Rivers and Theodore “Ted” (Kimberly Nott) Fess of Mendon; six grandchildren; a great-grandchild; a brother, James “Jim” (Diane) Fess of Vicksburg; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters, Roberta Steward and Anna Gutierrez.
The family will receive friends from 2-5 p.m. Sunday at Eickhoff Funeral Home in Mendon. Masonic rites by F&AM Lodge #137 will take place at 5 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday at West Mendon United Methodist Church, with Pastor Ward Pierce officiating, followed by military rites from the U.S. Army Reserve Honor Guard.
A private interment of ashes will take place at a later date in Scott-Doane Cemetery.
Memorials may be directed to either West Mendon United Methodist Church or Three Rivers Health Hospice.
Online register: www.eickhofffuneralhome.com.
