Robert ‘Bob’ Heynssens | News, sports, jobs

Robert ‘Bob’ Heynssens

GLADSTONE – Robert “Bob” Heynssens, 92, of Gladstone passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at Lakeview Assisted Living in Gladstone.

Bob was born on January 18, 1932 as the son of Louis and Emma (Lippens) Heynssens. He grew up in St. Nicholas and had nine sisters and one brother. Bob served in the United States Air Force for many years and fought in the Korean War. A few years later, the flight of honor to Washington DC was a highlight for him.

In his early years he rode snowmobiles and won many trophies. He enjoyed hunting deer and big game and made many trips to Colorado, Montana and Alaska. He shot a moose and a grizzly bear.

Bob installed carpet for a number of years and then opened the Heynssens Selin furniture and carpet store. He then bought a 60-unit hotel next to Bay College and then ventured to Florida and had a business there called Cyber-Test.

His wife, Joyce of 52 years, raised five children. Bob’s two, Alan (Amy) Heynssens, Lori (Tim) Peterson, Lisa (Lance) Welton were raised by her mother, three stepchildren, Deborah Tirschel, James (Barb) West and Janet West; 8 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

Bob and Joyce were avid RVers and traveled throughout the US, Canada, Newfoundland and three times to Alaska.

The family would like to thank Lakeview Assisted Living and UP Health and Hospice for their caring support.

Bob’s wish was to be cremated with only military graveside services, which will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 31, at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Escanaba. Fr. Jamie Ziminski will officiate and Military Awards will be presented by the Gladstone American Legion Post 71.

The family is being assisted by the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.skradskifuneralhomes.com.