Robert "Bob" Biesiada

There was no one quite like Bob Biesiada. A good natured man with a heart of gold, he was always there for those he loved and cared about. Fun loving yet a tad on the frugal side, it was a joy to be in Bobs company, especially around a blazing bon fire at his cabin up north. He loved his family deeply, and in them he found his greatest joy. Truly missed, he will be fondly remembered. After years of struggle through the Great Depression, 1939 found Americans beginning to hope again as the economy slowly emerged from hardship. The introduction of God Bless America filled a need for American pride while moviegoers enjoyed the premieres of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and Gone With the Wind. Albeit promising times, the country was looming on the edge of World War II, but for Joe and Francis (Murphy) Biesiada, the future looked bright as they welcomed the birth of their son, Robert Lee, born on September 25, 1939. Born and raised in Muskegon, Michigan, Roberts father owned a local grocery store, even growing and selling his own produce. His mother was a busy homemaker looking after Robert, the eighth of eventually 11 children. Their home was a bustling place of activity where everyone was expected to help with chores and look after younger siblings. Robert, or Bob as he was called, grew up alongside his older brothers Dick, Tom, Jim, Ken, Doug, Wayne and Don, and his younger siblings, Dave, Roger and Joanne. He enjoyed typical childhood adventures with neighborhood friends and his brothers. Each summer fun times were shared on vacation visiting relatives in Fort Wayne, Indiana. They always looked forward to this time, and luckily the car ride wasnt too lengthy with everyone squeezed into the car! Many lasting memories were made during their travels and time spent with extended family. Devout in their faith, they were members of St. Thomas Catholic Church. Bob attended St. Mary's elementary school, later attending Catholic Central High School. With the onset of the Korean War, Bob left his education behind to join the Army. He did, however, have the opportunity to finish his high school studies and did so while in the Army. Bob completed his tour of duty at the tail end of the war, and upon his discharge, began attending Muskegon Business College where he studied bookkeeping. During this time Bob tended bar at Gomerys, a popular night spot. One fateful night an underage girl named Joni entered the bar. Although Bob instantly thought she was quite a good looking girl, he had no choice but to kick her out. Soon the two began dating and before long they found themselves in love. After becoming husband and wife on August 8, 1969, they enjoyed a memorable honeymoon in Vermont. Bob, Joni and daughter, Michelle made their first home together on Ducey Street in Muskegon, Bob began working for Sealed Power and remained there as a machinist for over 30 years before eventually retiring in 1999. Joni worked tending bar, but later went back to school and became a nurse. In the meantime, they were again blessed with the upcoming birth of their second child. Michelle was excited at the prospect of becoming a big sister, so Bob promised that when the baby was born, she would be the first to know if she had a baby sister or a baby brother. Bob kept good on his promise and Michelle was indeed the first to know that she was the proud sister of a beautiful baby girl they named Amber. In time they moved to the Ravenna area but later returned to the city, settling into a home on Catherine Street. When it came to parenting, Bob was in his glory. He loved his girls deeply and was protective, but firm. He also knew how to strictly discipline them by way of life lessons never to be forgotten. One time when Amber lied about going to a friends house, she ended up in trouble and the police were called. When Bob found out she had lied to him, he told the police to just keep her. When Michelle left the hose water running while washing the car, Bob made her pay the months water bill due to the wasted water. Valuable lessons indeed, Bob was certain to teach his girls responsibility, one way or another! Although Bob adamantly disagreed with having animals in his house, a soft spot was found in his heart while cutting wood one day when he found three little kittens. He brought them to Amber to care for, and although Amber found a home for one, she kept the other two. True to his Catholic upbringing, Bob was a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church. The greatest joy for Bob was to be surrounded by his family and those he loved. As a family they treasured times together enjoying the Bear Lake area up north near Manistee, Michigan. They first began camping in their van before purchasing a motor home, but loved the area so much they eventually bought a cabin there. Great memories were shared at the lake with family and numerous friends over the years. Bob especially loved Bear Lake Days which included fish dinners, coffee with friends and bake sales. He always out sought a lady who made the most scrumptious jelly. Like a little kid at a circus, Bob thoroughly loved this time at the lake enjoying the art fair. He often bought little trinkets that no one could figure out, and he always looked forward to the bratwurst tent and annual parade. The evenings usually ended with an awesome fireworks display, only to be capped off back at Roger's cabin for a relaxing bon fire in the company of great friends and good conversation. Bob was sure to be found wearing his special signature hat during the festivities! Other memories of days at the cabin include mornings when Bob and Amber got up at the crack of dawn to hunt for rocks for the waterfall he was building. Bob enjoyed many great friendships over the years and always loved getting a group together for a bon fire at the lake cabin or at home. In his spare time he loved yard sales and auctions. Along with his brother Roger, they enjoyed rummaging through garbage scavenging for metal. Whatever Bob did, he enjoyed it thoroughly, especially in the company of good friends and beloved family. Like the loving father he was, Bob was just as devoted as a grandfather. In fact, he even went along with his granddaughter on her very first bus ride. Bob Biesiada added much to the lives of many. One to be counted on, he was always willing to lend a hand. He taught his daughters well with loving firmness, but blended it with his big heart and caring ways. A wonderful man in many respects, he leaves much to cherish in the hearts and lives of those he touched. At the age of 71, Robert Lee Bob Biesiada lost his battle with cancer, and passed away on Saturday, November 27, 2010. Most of all, Bob loved his family. He was a wonderful father, grandfather, brother and friend and will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his daughters: Michelle Jannenga and Amber Biesiada, both of Muskegon; former wife, Joni Biesiada; grandchildren: Desirae, Bill and Nikki; adopted grandchildren: David, Dana and Destiny; brothers: Ken (Mary), Wayne (Norma), Don (Marg) and Roger (Jan); sister, Joanne (Dick) Krukowski; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers: Dick, Tom, Jim, Doug and Dave. SERVICE: Thursday, December 2, 2010, 11:00 AM at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church with Fr. Anthony Britto officiating. VISITATION: Wednesday, 6-8 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home-Muskegon and one hour prior to the service. MEMORIAL: Harbor Hospice Poppen House. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a favorite memory, submit a photo or to sign his online guest book.