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 January 18, 1932, to Louis and Emma (Lippens) Heynssens. He grew up in St. Nicholas and had nine sisters and one brother. Bob served for years in the US Air Force and fought in the Korean War. Several years later, going on the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. was a highlight to him.

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

Bob installed carpet for several years, then opened Heynssens Selin’s Furniture and Carpet Store. He went on to buy a 60 unit hotel next to Bay College and then ventured out to Florida and had a company 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 was 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 motorhome people, traveling all over the US, Canada, Newfoundland and three times to Alaska.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Lakeview Assisted Living and UP Health and Hospice for their caring support.

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

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