Robert C. Elbers went to be with his Lord and Savior, Sunday, June 8, 2014 at the age of 83. He was born in Reese on January 15, 1931, son of the late Leonard and Mabel (Blaine) Elbers. He proudly served his country in the U. S. Army during the Korean War and was a member of the local American Legion Post 139 in Reese. He married the former Martha Sue Smith of Vassar on December 29, 1956 and they had celebrated 57 years of marriage this past year. Bob was a lifelong farmer in the Reese area and after retirement kept active helping Sue with gardening and landscaping at their home. He was a member and very involved on committees of the Reese United Methodist Church and also served many years as President of the Reese Public School Board. Bob was a long-time fast-pitch softball player, an ice fisherman and really enjoyed the deer hunt camp years, his card-playing buddies and had become a periodical contributor to the editorial sections of local newspapers. He was a big Reese Rocket and Detroit Tiger fan. Surviving Bob is his loving wife Sue; four children and their spouses: Brad (Christy) Elbers, Doug Elbers, Dean (Ruthie) Elbers and Steve (Laurie) Elbers, eight grandchildren: Jenny, Brandon, Trevor, Troy, Marcel, Ellie, Hollie and Ryan. Also surviving are two sisters: Marilyn Spiekerman and her husband Verne and Carole Bricker; his sister-in-law, Betty Elbers and his in-laws Greg and Dottie Smith, Diane and John Schnell and Janet Warnick, and many special nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. In addition to his parents, Bob was predeceased by his brother William “Bill” Elbers and two brothers-in-law; Donald Bricker and Robert Warnick. A Funeral Service to celebrate Bob’s life will take place at 11 a.m. Friday, June 13, 2014 from the Reese United Methodist Church. Pastor Jon Guegeon will officiate with committal services to follow in the Denmark Township Cemetery in Reese. Military graveside honors will be presented by the U.S. Army Honor Guard and the American Legion Post #139 of Reese. Bob’s family will receive friends at the Ware-Smith-Woolever Funeral Home, 9940 Saginaw St. in Reese on Thursday from 4-7 p.m. and at the church on Friday from 10 a.m. until the services. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Reese United Methodist Church or the donor’s favorite charity. www.waresmithwoolever.com
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