On July 21st, Robert (Bob) T. VanDerbeck (63) of Berrien Springs, peacefully passed away surrounded by loved ones, after enduring a 12-year battle with cancer.
Bob was born April 25th, 1958 to William and Elizabeth (Grathwohl) VanDerbeck in Niles, MI. He graduated from Niles High School in 1976. His working years were spent serving others in various capacities, such as delivering produce, transportation, and manufacturing within his community.
Through the last 6 years, Bob enjoyed retirement, and spent his time just being a grandpa. Bob loved all his kids and grandkids and enjoyed being a part of all their special days, birthdays, graduations, cookouts, concerts, etc. Mowing the grass, giving wagon rides, and taking the canoe/kayak down to the river were a few of his favorite activities. Especially in his last weeks, he could be found with a smile on his face as long as he was on his tractor.
Bob loved the Blues. He introduced many of his friends and family to the Chicago Blues Festival, which he attended annually over the last 40 years. His love for Blues will be carried on with his memory for years to come.
Bob was preceded in death by his father, William VanDerbeck, mother, Elizabeth VanDerbeck , first wife, Theresa Deutscher, and nephew Marcus VanDerbeck
He is survived by his children, Joshua Deutscher of Eau Claire, Anna VanDerbeck of Berrien Springs, Tanya (Cory) Penister of South Bend, Jamie (Jon) Lintz of Berrien Springs, Rachel Carino of Berrien Springs, Jasmine Mitchell of Niles, grandchildren; Joshua Deutscher II, Kylie Deutscher, Bryce Liggett, Kayla Penister, John Penister, Elizabeth Mitchell, Aryana Lintz, Paxton Bennett, Charlotte Carino and Bella Garcia, brothers, Scott(Sara) VanDerbeck, William VanDerbeck, and Mike VanDerbeck, nieces Amy (Tom) Roose, Kate (Ryan) Clark, and nephew, Kawain Broadus.
Cremation has been entrusted to Purely Cremations.
Posted On: Friday, July 23, 2021 3:58 PM
