Robert Poel (Bob), beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 4 at the age of 85.

Born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, on May 28, 1939, Bob grew up in a parsonage with his parents, the Reverend Abel and Ann (DeGraaf), and three siblings. As a Preacher's Kid, he and his family relocated to Rehoboth, New Mexico in 1944 when his father Abel's new call necessitated a move. His academic career, which began at Rehoboth Christian School, continued at Calvin College where he enrolled in a unique joint engineering program with the University of Michigan, and graduated with a Masters of Science in Engineering.

After working in Minneapolis at Control Data, Bob met the love of his life, Sheryll, while visiting family in Michigan. He helped nurse Sheryll back to health after a car accident, and they married in 1969, settling in Grand Rapids. Together, they raised three sons, Rob and twins, Brian and Brad. Bob was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, providing loving support, wise counsel, and a seat in the fishing boat.

Bob had a successful career in aerospace engineering, working for the same company for over 40 years (Lear Siegler, later GE Aerospace). In his free time, Bob enjoyed attending his sons' and grandkids' athletic events, fishing, reading, and building model airplanes. After his retirement, he volunteered, corresponding with prisoners engaged in Bible studies, as well as driving cancer patients to chemo treatments. He and his family were longtime members of Cascade Fellowship Christian Reformed Church and in later years, LaGrave Christian Reformed Church.

Bob will be remembered for his kind heart, keen mind, integrity, and gentle spirit. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Bob is survived by his cherished wife of 55 years, Sheryll (Petersen); his sons and their families: Rob and Lucinda (de Haan), Brian and Christa (Broers), and Brad and Lisa (Haulenbeek); and his grandchildren: Tyler, Masen, Andersen, Katherine, and Lilah. He is also survived by his siblings: Marilyn Zuiderveen, Don (Barb) Poel, and Stan (Wilma) Poel; his sisters-in-law: Helen Petersen, Eunice Petersen, Donna (Al) DeWeerd, and Yvonne (Len) Riemersma; and his brother-in-law, Jim Petersen.

A visitation will be held at Zaagman Memorial Chapel (2800 Burton St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546) on Friday, January 17, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. A memorial service will follow on Saturday, January 18, at 2:00 p.m. Dessert and fellowship will take place immediately after the service.

While flowers are appreciated, you may also consider a gift to Bob's favorite charity, Rehoboth Christian School of Rehoboth, New Mexico.