Bob Didion

As friends and family can surely attest, Robert Didion had truly unlocked the secret to a life well lived. He was a constant source of strength, and nothing brought him greater joy than surrounding himself with his loved ones. Forever loved, Bob will be deeply missed by those who knew him best.

The 1920s were exciting years to be living in the United States. The “Roaring 20s,” as the decade is known, ushered in great economic and social change. Motion pictures became widely available in both color and sound, and ballroom dancing and jazz music became wildly popular as well. It was during this influential time that Leo and Donna Didion were eagerly awaiting the arrival of their first child. On March 20, 1929, the couple welcomed their son, Robert, into the world.

Growing up, Bob was a typical young man of his generation in many ways. He was raised in the family home in Burton Heights alongside his three younger siblings, Ron, Sandy, and Doug, though he was much older than them. Bob’s father, Leo, supported the family by working as a mechanic at local auto and body shops while his mother, Donna, was a homemaker dedicated to raising her children. The Great Depression was a defining factor in Bob’s childhood, and from a young age, he learned to work hard and make ends meet. His aunt, Helen, would take him on train trips to Chicago, and Bob quickly developed a lifelong love for trains. He also enjoyed playing football with his friends, shooting his BB gun, and playing with his pet squirrel, which he would even sneak into movies in his coat pocket. Bob’s mother taught him to play piano and love music.

Throughout his childhood, Bob attended local Grand Rapids public schools. He graduated from South High School in 1947, ready to move on to bigger and better things. Bob then began working at General Motors, where he earned his certification as a tool and die maker. Soon after, however, he was drafted into the United States Army to serve his country during the Korean War. Bob went through basic training at Camp Carson, Colorado. He spent most of his service at Fort Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, where he was a part of a security force. Following his time in the military, Bob returned home and resumed his job at GM.

New and exciting changes were on the horizon for Bob as he met the young woman who would soon become the love of his life. Her name was Rose Koprowski, and the two were first introduced by mutual friends and shared an instant connection. They went on their first date to Par 4 on St. Patrick’s Day in 1958, and over the next 18 months of dating, the couple grew to be inseparable. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Bob and Rose were married on October 10, 1959, at St. Adalbert Church. After enjoying a reception at the 5th Street Hall and a week-long honeymoon in Colorado, the newlyweds settled down into an apartment at the corner of Veto and Straight Streets to step into their future as husband and wife.

Of all the things Bob loved in life, he treasured his family above all else. He and Rose were overjoyed to bring their four beloved children, Alan, Mary, Chris, and Cheryl, into their hearts and home. Bob thrived in his role as a father, and he was very gentle and compassionate with his children. He worked tirelessly and sacrificed selflessly to ensure they had a Catholic education, and he instilled in them the importance of kindness and forgiveness. Bob was so proud to watch his children grow up, graduate from West Catholic High School, and build lives of their own. Later on, he was thrilled to become a grandfather. Bob adored his grandchildren and doted on them whenever he could, and he never missed an activity or special occasion. Holidays were always spent with extended family. Bob considered himself blessed to watch his family grow to include so many loved ones.

Bob was very involved in his community. He was a member of the Holy Spirit Catholic Church for 60 years, and he served on several committees, including the finance committee. Bob and Rose also participated in and helped run BINGO. Thanks to his son, Chris, Bob was recently able to enjoy an honor flight to Washington, D.C., which gave him the opportunity to look back on the best of his military days.

Never one to sit still for long, Bob pursued many hobbies to stay busy in his free time. He would watch Johnny Carson every night, and he also enjoyed watching the Honeymooners, Archie Bunker, and Wheel of Fortune. Bob was an avid sports fan and he loved the Michigan State University Spartans as well as the Detroit Lions and Tigers. He liked playing golf, and he bowled in leagues. After his retirement from General Motors, Bob and Rose were able to travel. He enjoyed gambling and visiting casinos, and he loved caring for his home, yard, and garden.

When reflecting on the life of Robert Didion, it is easy to see his unwavering strength and his unconditional love for his family. His primary focus in life was caring for others, and as a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather, he was beloved by all who knew him. Though he will be dearly missed, Bob leaves behind a priceless legacy of selflessness and character that his loved ones will be proud to carry on in his footsteps.

Robert L Didion, aged 95, of Grand Rapids, MI passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, August 18, 2024. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, Rose (Koprowski), his parents Leo and Donna Didion, brother Ron Didion, and sister Sandy Junaud. Survivors include his children Alan (Alanna) Didion of Carol Stream, Illinois, Mary (Jim) Danielski, Chris (Derrick McCullough) Didion, and Cheryl (Stan) Zurek; his grandchildren David Didion, Ashley (Aaron) Koss, Shannon Didion, Angela (Dan) Kim, Josie Zurek, Katie Zurek and Abby Zurek; his brother Doug (Gerda) Didion; his canine buddy, Newt; and many nieces and nephews.

Bob was born on March 20, 1929. He was a graduate of South High School Class of 1947, and served in the US Army during the Korean War. He retired from the General Motors Metal Fabrication plant in Wyoming, MI after 44 years, and was also a parishioner of Holy Spirit Catholic Church for 60 years.

Bob was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He truly lived for his family, and nothing made him happier than spending time with them. He was a humble, gentle, and kind soul. To know Bob was to love him.

Visitation will be on Friday, August 23rd from 2-4 and 6-8 PM, with Rosary held at 7:30 PM, at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel 2120 Lake Michigan Dr NW. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated, Saturday, August 24th at 11 AM at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 2230 Lake Michigan Drive NW. A private interment service will be at Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Holy Spirit Educational Fund and St. Ann’s Home.