Robert Gleason

Robert Gleason was a family man in every sense of the word. Patient and calm, fun-loving and encouraging; he provided for the wellbeing of his family. Quiet in spirit and analytical in mind, he was deliberate about what he said and did. Bob was honest and dependable, the kind of person who made sure he wasn’t undercharged at a restaurant. He took his work seriously, yet always made time for lighter conversation. His constant smile demonstrated his positive attitude and caring manner.

The oldest of three children, Robert Eugene Gleason was born to Robert W. and Mildred (Needham) Gleason in Vincennes, Indiana on September 6, 1941. Growing up, Bob was a conscientious child, a trait fostered by time with his father (especially fishing) and a close bond with his younger brother.

Bob attended schools in Indiana until the 10th grade. Then he left Perry High School, where he was one of seven kids in a class, to move with his family to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he attended Creston High School with several hundred kids in his class. As a consequence, he spent a lot of time on the bench, but he enjoyed playing basketball and gave it his best. Bob also had a lot of friends in high school, mainly because he was a good friend himself.

While still in high school, Bob’s friends introduced him to Sandra Johnson, who was a half year behind him in school. Their first date to a movie was just the beginning of an enduring relationship. Bob and Sandy started dating because they had many common friends and interests, yet they remained constant with those same friends over the years, and they truly enjoyed being in one another’s company no matter what they were doing.

After graduating from high school, Bob went to Grand Rapids Junior College and then Ferris State College in Big Rapids, Michigan for accounting. Sandy and he became engaged during those years and decided to get married while he was still in college. They made their vows on August 23, 1963 at Fourth Reformed Church in Grand Rapids but moved into married housing on campus. The newlyweds returned to Grand Rapids when Bob started his internship in accounting, and over the next several years, Bob took accounting work for various businesses. Then, in the mid 70’s, he started working for National Nail and remained there throughout his career. He was a man who genuinely liked his job, including the fine people with whom he worked, and he never really envisioned himself retiring.

Being a hard worker didn’t mean Bob couldn’t relax. He loved time with his family, whether at home or away. Bob and Sandy had five children in the years from 1965 to 1976, and they were excellent role models for their children. They faithfully brought their family to church each week at Fourth Reformed, where Bob served as deacon many times and used his gifts in the role of treasurer. Every night after dinner, he led his young family in devotions: Bible reading and prayer that grew their knowledge and love for God. True to his nature, Bob was quiet about his faith, but the way he lived spoke volumes about what he believed.

As a father, Bob was very laid back, which was a good thing when it came to raising four boys! As a man of patience, it took a lot to get him riled up, and he preferred to parent by way of example. Bob became a Cub Scout leader for a year and led Cadet boys’ club at church for several years. He made sure he went to all of his kids’ little league games and school programs. As a matter of principle, Bob never missed those events, but more importantly, he truly wanted to be there.

As a family, the Gleasons went camping for summer vacations – first with a pop-up camper, then moving up to larger trailers. They spent time in the Upper Peninsula each year, but they also took shorter trips closer to home. Bob liked to hike and go for bike rides when the kids were young. However, at a certain stage of life, Bob didn’t really like to fish anymore, but since his boys did, he always picked a camping location that had good fishing. He fished with them until his boys could be on their own. That’s just the kind of person Bob was: he always put his children’s interests before his own. He made sure his kids had what they needed, even if it meant sacrificing his own desires.

When Bob became a grandparent, he couldn’t be more proud. As with his children, Bob made sure he was there for his grandchildren. He went to all their programs and events and was in his element when they were around. For their part, the grandchildren were delighted to spend time with a grandpa who liked to laugh and tell jokes…even the same ones over and over.

The joy of family was built on Bob and Sandy’s loving relationship – they liked being together with just the two of them. In recent years, they looked forward to vacationing in Shipshewana, Holmes County Ohio and Frankenmuth, Michigan. It was great to get away where life was quiet and simple: no phones or televisions. Plus, Bob loved the pies from Amish country and, with each trip, they brought pies home for the kids. At home, Bob liked reading westerns by Louis L’Amour or watching college basketball and taking Sunday afternoon naps along with any game on television. And if he could have found more time, Bob would have played a lot more golf.

In 2004, Bob was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. For four years, he endured the illness well and remained positive. However, the summer of 2008 proved very difficult, and recently, the only smiles he managed were for his grandchildren. Bob passed away at his home on Monday, July 14, 2008 at the age of 66. He is with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Bob was a man of integrity – honest, patient and caring. He loved his wife, children and grandchildren and provided for them materially, emotionally and spiritually. He lived a life that demonstrated his faith to his beloved family and cherished friends.

Robert Gleason was preceded in death by his father, Robert W. Gleason, and his brother, Charles. Bob is survived by his wife, Sandy; their children Bob and Becky Gleason, Steven Gleason, David and Julie Gleason, Michael Gleason, Keri and Chad Zimmerman; grandchildren Brandon, Drew, Alex, Cassie, Max, Avery, Madison, Lauren and Caden; his mother, Mildred Gleason; sister and brother-in-law Brenda and Mark Novak; sister-in-law Cherie Gleason, and many nieces and nephews. A service to celebrate Bob’s life will be held on Saturday, July 19 at 11 AM at Fourth Reformed Church, 1226 Union NE. Interment in Fairplains Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with his family at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Van Strien Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield NE on Thursday from 7-9 PM, Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM and at church for one hour prior to the service. For those who wish, memorial contributions to either Fourth Reformed Church Christian Education Fund or Faith Hospice are appreciated. To share a favorite memory of Bob or to sign the online register, please visit www.lifestorynet.com