Robert Joseph Des Jardins

Our loving husband, father and grandfather passed away peacefully Tuesday, December 24, 2013 at Caretel Inns of Tri-Cities following a courageous battle with cancer with his loving family at his side. Age 84 years. The son of the late Arthur and Catherine (Brooks) Des Jardins was born on April 9, 1929 in Essexville, Michigan- Bay County and has resided in this area all of his life. Bob attended Faith Lutheran Church, proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1948 to 1950 aboard the naval ship Coral Sea as a journalist seaman. Following his military service he continued his journalist career at the Bay City Times for 38 years retiring in 1986. Bob had a great love for his family, he lived a rich full life, was always happy, active, kept a sense of humor and was mentally sharp right up to the end. Bob had a great love for reading, was an extremely clever and creative writer, he enjoyed his life at the beach, woodworking, painting and most of all he enjoyed spending time attending his grandchildren's activities. On July 30, 1954 he married his wife of 59 years the former Margery R. Mueller who was his best friend and confidant and she survives his passing. Their long loving marriage produced five daughters; Jean R. and (Steve) Wesolowski, Lynne M. (Kevin) Taylor, Mary Jo (Jon) Burgiel, Kay A. (Scott) Boyce and Patti A. Des Jardins who preceded him in death. He is also survived by his grandchildren; Brad (Becky) Wesolowski, Kyle Wesolowski and Brooke Behmlander, Kate Taylor, Kurtis Taylor, Jay Burgiel, Andy Burgiel, Alec Boyce and Corey Boyce, one great grandchild; Blake Robert Wesolowski, two sisters -in-law and one brother-in-law; Betty Des Jardins, Gerald and Carolyn Mueller and many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by one sister; Dorothy Ventrone and two brothers; Tom and Don Des Jardins. The family would like to express a heartfelt thank you to everyone for the unending, loving care they extended to Bob and his family during the time they cared for him. Members of the Bay County Veterans Council will conduct Military Honors Saturday December 28, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at the Gephart Funeral Home, Inc. followed by the Funeral and Committal Service. Officiating will be Rev. Daniel C. Meckes with private interment following in Floral Gardens Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home Friday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. and until the time of service. For those planning an expression of Sympathy the family ask that you consider a memorial to Faith Lutheran Church or the Wishes of the Family.