Robert William Alder

The legacy Robert Alder leaves behind is one of honor, integrity, and strength of character. He was a dedicated family man, a loyal friend, and a true patriot who significantly impacted the lives around him in such a special way. Bob was a hardworking man whose family was the driving force behind his strong work ethic as he strived to provide for their every need. No matter what he was doing, Bob threw himself into it whole-heartedly as he was passionate about everything he did. Although he will be dearly missed, those who knew Bob will be forever grateful for having known such a remarkable man. The year 1925 was part of a vibrant decade in America that became known as the Roaring Twenties. It was during this decade that products like automobiles and radios became more affordable to consumers thanks to the assembly line. People were thrilled to discover that they could buy what they wanted even sooner as it was during this decade that buying on credit became available for the first time. There was great cause to celebrate during this exciting time for the family of Robert and Beatrice (Jessop) Alder for a much different reason as they were blessed with the birth of a son they named Robert. Born in Detroit, Michigan, on April 12, 1925, Robert William was one of four boys in his family including his older brother, Ivan, and his younger brothers, Alfred and James. His father worked as a machinist for the flourishing Ford Motor Company where the Model T, previously available only in black, was being manufactured in a deep green hue as well as maroon for the first time. Roberts mother worked for a brush company in addition to keeping her very active brood of boys under control. By the 1930s the Great Depression blanketed our nation like a black cloud and remained stationary throughout the entire decade. Times were tough in the Alder family as they were for countless American families who lost their jobs, their homes, and their dreams for the future, too. Children of this decade commonly helped out in any way they could and in Bobs case, he picked up coal alongside the railroad tracks. Bob was also helpful around the house, often assisting in raising his younger brothers. Even from an early age, friends played an important role in Bobs life and he had a special childhood friendship with Bill Thornsberry. One day while fishing, Bob caught a tire that was in better shape than what he had on his Model A, so he promptly swapped out his catch with the worst tire on his car. He attended Detroit Public Schools through the eighth grade. After officially entering WWII on December 8, 1941, countless young Americans answered the call to serve. Bob enlisted in the Army when he was just 17 and was assigned to Company B of the 291st Engineer Combat Battalion. His time during the service was exemplary and in February of 1945, Bob received a unit citation from his headquarters commander for outstanding performance of duty against the enemy from December 17 to December 26, 1944 during the Malmedy massacre. This infamous war crime occurred on December 17th in which 84 American prisoners of war were murdered by their German captors in Malmedy, Belgium during the Battle of the Bulge. Bob was also awarded the Purple Heart among other awards and ribbons. Once his military duties were fulfilled, Bob met a young woman named Ilean A. Kiel on a blind date while in Mancelona, Michigan, located in the northern region of the state. After falling deeply in love, Bob and Ilean were married on February 4, 1947, in Mancelona. They remained in Mancelona for a few years where they welcomed two of their five sons, Bob in 1947 and Billy in 1950. In 1952, they moved to Cloverville, just to the east of Muskegon, where they were blessed with their son, Richard, in 1953, although he died just two months later of pneumonia. Richard was followed by their son, Rick, in 1960 and their son, Tom, in 1962. Bob was a good provider who worked hard as a machinist at Brunswick Corporation for over 30 years before he retired in 1990. His childrens health and their education were of the utmost importance to Bob. Although his work kept him busy, Bob recognized that there was so much more to life, too. The Alder family enjoyed weekends at their cottage in Hesperia where Bob busied himself doing improvements of various kinds. Bob and Ilean liked snowmobiling and during their retirement years, they enjoyed taking walks, eating out, and going on road trips. Of course when their grandchildren came along, Bob and Ilean were overjoyed and did a fair amount of babysitting and took many memorable family picnics at the cottage. Bobs brothers were very important to him as well and so he visited them often, even if it meant crossing state lines to do so. Friends remained a vital part of his life as well, especially Earl Paprocki and Peggy Cornwell. Robert Alder was a kind-hearted man who lived a long and fruitful life. He treasured the family he created with the love of his life with whom he shared more than 50 years. Bobs life was not without hardship, but he took each moment captive and made it his own. A truly remarkable man, Bobs memory will be forever held near and dear to the hearts of those he leaves behind. Robert W. Alder of Fruitport died on Sunday, August 1, 2010. Bobs family includes his sons, Robert B. (Leeanne) Alder of Fruitport, William (Jan) Alder of Sullivan Township, Rick (Debra) Alder of Norton Shores, Tom (Vicki) Alder of Sullivan Township; 7 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren. Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Ilean in 2001 and son, Richard. A service will be held on Thursday, August 5, 2010, 11:00 a.m. at Clock Chapel - Fruitport with Rev. Ben Jansen officiating and Military Honors under the Auspices of the Muskegon County Council of Veterans. Interment at Fruitport Township Cemetery. Visit with Bobs family and friends on Wednesday, 7-9 p.m. at Clock Life Story Funeral Homes Fruitport location Fruitport, MI. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.