Robert “Bob” Broadhurst, age 88, passed away peacefully on October 23rd, 2024 with his family by his side.
Bob was born September 24, 1936 to Frank and Frieda (Mundt) Broadhurst. He graduated from Otsego High School and attended Western Michigan University until he joined the Army. He served for 2 years, after which he was employed at Mac Sim Bar and then James River, from which he eventually retired.
Bob had many hobbies. He made cribbage boards with scenes that he wood burned into them. He tied his own fishing spiders and made his own ice fishing rods. He loved to read, particularly westerns. He loved watching baseball- especially the Detroit Tigers, his favorite team. Everyone knew when Spring Training was going to happen because he would start telling everyone in January.
Wednesdays were special to Bob, as that was the day he would meet his friends at “The Barn”, where they would talk, play cards, and plan their next trip. Every year they would go hunting up north, and go fishing in lakes around the Midwest, even once renting a houseboat.
However, his favorite thing of all was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He went to all their football, baseball, and hockey games. He also went to all their concerts. He was known as ”Grandpa Bob” to all of the neighborhood kids and he loved it when they called him that. He loved taking trips with the kids to museums, to Chicago to see the Titanic exhibit, and to Disney World. He also loved the evenings he spent just sitting in the backyard, barbecuing and watching the kids swim. He was very excited when his great granddaughter was born and loved it when she would spend the night. They would play ”restaurant” and she would cook him pretend meals over and over.
Bob is survived by his daughters Susan Branch and Sheri LaForge, his grandchildren Eric (Brenna) LaForge, Kevin (Jayden) LaForge, Allison Branch (Derek Laker), Sarah Branch, and his great granddaughter Nora LaForge. He is also survived by his sister Rose “Tootie” Treece, in-laws Frank (Judy) Burroughs and Sharon (Larry) Thompson, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his son-in-law Greg LaForge, his brothers Art (Elaine) Broadhurst, Herb (Myrt) Broadhurst, George (Donna) Broadhurst, Walter “Skip” Broadhurst, his sisters Marilynn (Wayne) Bouters and Arlene Broadhurst, his brother-in-law Rex Treece, his niece Marsha Bouters, and his nephew Barry Broadhurst.
In accordance with the family’s wishes cremation has taken place and a celebration of Bob’s life will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at Avink, McCowen and Secord Funeral Home, 120 South Woodhams Street, Plainwell, MI 49080, with a time for visiting beginning at 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at 12:00 noon with Michael Hueschen officiating.
Memorials made in Bob’s memory may be directed to the Ransom District Library, 180 S Sherwood Ave, Plainwell, MI 49080. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.
While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign Bob’s guestbook and/or share a memory with his family.
The Broadhurst family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 120 South Woodhams Street, Plainwell, MI 49080. 269-685-5881.
