Bob Paasche

Robert George Paasche Sr. died peacefully at the age of 93 on March 11, 2025. We are rejoicing he is now experiencing new life in the presence of his Lord and Savior. Bob was born in South St. Paul, Minnesota on November 4, 1931 and lived in Grand Rapids, Michigan for most of his life. He graduated in 1949 from Creston High School where he met his wife, Gladys, and played on the basketball team. Bob worked for over forty years as the credit manager for Wolverine Brass.

A beloved fixture at every family gathering, he is survived by his wife of 73 years, Gladys Paasche; his brother, David (Janet) Paasche; his five children, Barbara Wolz, Robert Jr. (Linda) Paasche, Cynthia Paasche, Lynette (John) Sigtema, and Mark (Sara) Paasche, as well as his nine grandchildren, Krista (Chris) Yiannias, Karen (Chad) Parmenter, Kim (Rob) Wolz-Swelgin, Tim (Elise) Paasche, Alyssa (Brian) Jewell, Laura (Peter) Pigorsh, Alan (Angela) Paasche, Leah Paasche, Hannah Paasche, and eleven great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Laura and Herbert Paasche, and his sisters, Laurel Paasche and Beth Kirkpatrick.

Bob served his country as a staff sergeant in the Air Force during the Korean War. He was an active member and choir participant at Berean Baptist Church and later sang hymns at Rest Haven Homes. Known for crooning impressive bass lines, he had a song for every occasion while driving with his family on road trips to South Carolina and Minnesota or while raking leaves, mowing the lawn, or shoveling snow at home. As a fastidious worker, he loved to spend time helping his brother on the family farm in Paynesville, Minnesota and picking blueberries, strawberries, and cherries alongside his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He read stories to his grandchildren often and took an active interest in their lives. Bob was quick to volunteer to help others as a handyman, especially with painting and plumbing work. He enjoyed ice cream, Sunday drives, outings for chocolate malts, Christmas cookies, jigsaw and cross word puzzles, bowling, and Michigan State basketball. Bob was unusually dedicated to whatever project he undertook, and this determination translated to all the ways he cared for and loved his family.

Please join us in sharing more memories of Bob on Monday, March 17 at Berean Baptist Church, 1574 Coit Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, Michigan. Visitation will be held at 10:00 AM prior to the funeral service at 11:00. Interment will be at Rosedale Memorial Park. In memory of Bob, please consider a donation to Berean Baptist Church or to Rest Haven Homes.

To read more of Bob’s Life Story, leave a memory or sign the guestbook please visit www.heritagelifestory.com.