Robert Gallapoo

When reflecting on the life of Robert Gallapoo, Jr., it is easy to see that his unwavering faith was the compass he used to direct his steps. Second only to his faith was the love he had for his family, and although he treasured his roles as a husband and father he just may have argued that becoming a grandfather was his richest reward. One never quite knew if Bob was serious as he was known for telling stories, but in the end he usually cracked, giving himself away. He had a fun-loving free spirit, and there was nothing he loved more than being surrounded by his loved ones. Bob lived a life of purpose while being surrounded by the ones he loved most. He worked hard and accomplished so many things of which to be proud, but it was easy to see that his grandchildren were his greatest source of pride and joy. Bob will never be forgotten.

It seems only fitting that Robert’s journey began during a time that was as vibrant as he was. It was the 1950s when James Dean became a household name, Elvis was king, and shows like I Love Lucy and Father Knows Best shaped the way we saw the American family. It was just as this decade was drawing to a close that Robert Sr. and Amy Gallapoo were eagerly anticipating the birth of their new baby as the cool fall winds settled in on the city of Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1959. Their wait was over on October 20th when the baby boy they named Robert Leeman Gallapoo, Jr. drew his first breath. Although he had four older siblings, he was the youngest of the Gallapoo bunch by quite a lot and therefore raised like an only child in the family home on Panel, NW. Bob did have company at times, however, since his parents hosted a number of foster children over the years.

For those who knew Bob it really should not be a surprise that he found his fair share of mischief while growing up. From the time he was a young boy he loved motorcycles and dirt bikes, and he could often be found riding them around in the woods and within their property as he loved being outside. In fact, Bob was notoriously known as a bad boy on his motorcycle. Despite all of these antics, his mother was firmly grounded in her faith, and in the eyes of his parents Bob could do no wrong. He was close to his siblings, and they remained that way for the rest of his life. Bob attended Fairview Elementary and Kenowa Hills.

Not to be forgotten during Bob's high school years was his introduction to the young woman who would forever hold the key to his heart. Her name was Charlene "Char" Brott, and she caught his eye while out in the yard of her family home on Ann Street when Bob drove by with his brother-in-law. Bob’s brother-in-law invited her to join Bob at his church, Leonard Street Church of God, the following day, and sparks flew right from the start. After falling deeply in love, the sweethearts were married on August 28, 1976. Together Bob and Char were blessed with the birth of a son they named Robert III, but they soon mourned his death as he died as an infant. They found joy again, and together they welcomed three more children including Marian, Amy, and Robert IV over seven years.

As a father Bob was actively involved in the lives of his children. Although work took him away from home a lot, he made the most of his time at home. When his children were young Bob worked nights, and he usually came home to wake them up. As his children got older he worked days, and they often packed a cooler and headed to the beach after work. There were regular trips to Michigan’s Adventure or Cedar Point where he joined the kids on all the fast rides. Usually on Sundays the family went for car rides when the kids often got food from Hot-n-Now and a slurpee as they went through car lots looking for cars, which was one of Bob's favorite hobbies.

For as long as he was able Bob worked hard including holding down two jobs at times in order to provide for his family. During his early years he was a metal scrapper, and he later worked for Leon Plastics, Pridgeon & Clay. From there Bob spent 11 years working for Evans Products and then at Irwin Seating for about 10 years. Loyal and dedicated, he enjoyed working with his hands, and he also took whatever overtime he could.

A man of many interests, Bob was always busy with something. His faith was a cornerstone in his life, and he found both comfort and strength in regularly reading his Bible and praying. Bob loved his motorcycles and had a Triumph for years, but he also had a passion for cars including his yellow Corvette. He was always on the lookout for the next best car and took rides around to do just that. As Bobby got older father and son frequented auctions to buy cars to later resell them. Although Bob was not able to fix the cars that needed work, he stood alongside as his son Bobby as he fixed them. At home he loved working in the yard including his daily work on his pond and gardening, watching Fox News and the stock reports, and when it came to music he loved classic country from legends like Johnny Cash and Hank Williams.

Later in life Bob continued savoring every moment he was given. He was filled with unspeakable joy to become a grandfather, and he spent time with his grandchildren whenever he could as they frequently went to parks, watched movies, or even went to car lots together as Bob was all about what they wanted to do. They didn’t travel much, but he and Char did take trips to Nashville and to see family in Florida.

With unending devotion to his wife, children, and grandchildren, Robert Gallapoo, Jr. was an inspiration to everyone he knew. He could be stubborn and it has also been said that he was never wrong, but his heart was always in the right place. Although he was naturally quiet and shy, Bob loved sharing his quick wit and great sense of humor while also becoming more outgoing later in life. Selfless, faithful, kindhearted, and genuine, he will be deeply missed.

Robert L. Gallapoo Jr., was called home on February 19, 2015 and is now reunited with his parents, Robert Sr. and Amy Gallapoo. He also joins his infant son, Robert III; brother, Joseph; and sister, Donna Lutkus. Bob is survived by his wife, Charlene; their children Marian & Matt Middleton, Amy & Cole Brevis, Robert IV & Christiana Gallapoo; grandchildren Charles and Madison Scheidel, Keegan, Madelynn and Charlie Middleton, Ava Gallapoo, Gerogia and Cole Brevis, Hayden and Bobby Gallapoo; his brother Dale; sister, Georgia Kay (Larry Hagan); brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Sherry Gallapoo, Gary Lutkus, Charles (Tammi) Brott, Ronald (Pat) Brott and David Brott; as well as aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. A service to remember and celebrate Bob's life will be held on Monday, February 23, 2015 at 11 AM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Van't Hof Chapel, 851 Leonard NW where friends are invited to visit with his family on Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. For those who wish, memorial contributions to his church, Trinity Worship Center, are appreciated. To read more about Bob's life, to share a memory or to sign his guestbook, visit www.lifestorynet.com