NORDIN, Robert J. “Bob”
Kalamazoo
Age 98, went to his heavenly home on March 6, 2024. He was born June 20,1925 to the late Gustuf Robert and Kerstin (Lofgren) Nordeen in Chicago, Illinois. Bob moved to Otsego Michigan as a young boy and was raised on a farm. After graduating from high school, Bob enlisted in the US Army, serving as an infantryman in Company K, 23rd Division. He served his country well in the Normandy Campaign and received a Purple Heart for his service. Bob was married to Celia (VanDyken) Nordin in 1946 and they enjoyed 74 years together. Bob became a custom home builder and built over 60 Homes in the Kalamazoo area. He was a man known for his honesty, integrity, kindness and helpfulness. Being a true woodworking craftsman, he showed his servant’s heart in making many functional furniture items for his family, church and other places needing his talents. Bob was a long-time member of Hope Reformed Church where he shared his many talents in renovations to the facility and parsonage over the years, as well as refurbishing altar furniture. Besides his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Celia in 2020; his daughters, Linda McCall in 2021 and Amy Poch in 1988 and sisters, Helen Packard and Kay Ellis. He is survived by his daughter, Laura Vlietstra (Terry); son in-law, Kevin McCall; grandchildren, Erik Poch (Katie), Heidi Poch, Andrew Poch (Suzi), Adam Poch, Nate Vlietstra (Sarah), Nick Vlietstra (Amber) and Melanie Kilgore (Steve) and nine great-grandchildren. Both Bob and Celia were known as those grandparents who attended as many events of their grandchildren as possible; from soccer, little league and football, to marching band competitions, State band competitions, choir, dance performances and various plays and musicals. Their lives as grandparents were very full. Retirement years sent them on many adventures to locate Great Lake Lighthouses via their truck camper. He gained the affection of all his caregivers at Park Village Pines over the past year with his sweet disposition and quick sense of humor. A graveside service will be held on Monday, March 18, 2024 at 11:30 AM at Grand Prairie Cemetery, followed by a visitation at Hope Church, 910 Jenks Blvd., Kalamazoo, MI 49006, beginning at 12:00 PM and a memorial service at 1:00 PM. Memorial contributions can be made to Elara Caring Hospice Foundation, Park Village Pines Employee Activities Fund or Kalamazoo Gospel Ministries.