Robert "Bob" Vanderstelt

Robert VanDerStelt, known as Bob to his family and friends, was a multi-talented man. With an IQ of 162, where 150 is considered a genius, Bob was more than just a scholar. Blessed with an incredible musical talent, he shared his love of life and rock and roll music with the world as a touring musician. 1945 was a pivotal year for the United States. Franklin D. Roosevelt began his fourth term of presidency in January, but would die in office in April. His successor, President Harry Truman, authorized the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which would bring the end to World War II. For Norman and Thelma (Haines) VanDerStelt of Muskegon, Michigan, life was much simpler and happier as they welcomed the birth of their son, Robert Allen, on May 31, 1945. Bob was one of five children and grew up in the company of his three brothers: Jim, Paul and Mike, and sister, Mary. After high school, Bob followed the same patriotic calling of other young men of the time, and enlisted in the U.S. Marines. After his tour of duty was complete Bob decided to use his karate training he learned in the Marines to help under privileged children at a local community center. Bob eventually went back to what he loved the most being a musician. He played guitar in various classic rock bands and enjoyed touring from town to town. In the early 70s, Bobs life took a new direction when he met his first wife, Jean, and in order to foster their relationship, Bob gave up touring to do gigs on the Holiday Inn circuit. After he and Jean were married, they moved to Smiths Grove, Kentucky with their son, Steve, in 1975, to take care of Jeans ailing grandparents. Here, Bob put his music on the back burner to start his own fix it business, and later became the City Commissioner of their small town. Bob and Jeans marriage ended after 10 years, and he and his son, Steve, moved back to the Muskegon area in 1984. Bob went back to playing music. Then, in 1989, he met Ann Marie Bratsburg while playing in a band. She was much younger than him, so Bob really noticed her mom rather than her. At the time, Ann needed a place to live, so Bob rented her a room. They went about their own lives, however, because they played in the same band and lived in the same house, they spent a lot of time together and a close friendship developed. It wasnt until 1990 that the two realized they felt like more than just friends - so Bob asked Ann to marry him, and their relationship blossomed from there. They were happily married on May 16, 1992. The best part of Bob and Anns relationship was that they both loved music; Bob played the guitar and base guitar in bands. Over the years, they played together in several groups, including the well-known band Legacy, Velvet Hammer duo, Sauce Box, Blue Plate Special and Stone Blue, which was a Native American band that was successful on the Michigan casino circuit. Although music was a big part of their lives, Bob had decided he wanted to serve his community through television. In 1996, Ann was working with her mom on a fundraiser for the Meals on Wheels, but they just werent able to get airtime on public access TV. Then, in 1998, extremely motivated, Bob told Ann and her mom lets just start our own TV show. And that is what they did, albeit after maxing out her mothers credit cards on supplies and equipment. It wasnt long before Bob and Ann were pursuing their dream in broadcasting, which started with digital editing and recording, and Ann writing music and lyrics for some local shows. Finally, on July 7, 1999, they launched their own TV show called Whats happenin West Michigan on TV40, and in 2005, after petitioning Comcast for some Public Education Government Free Access TV, they started their own TV station. Bob became the Executive Producer and Director of Digital Spectrum (DSE TV 97), and with the backing of the City Commission and their sponsors, they began airing community events and various shows. Their dedicated work made their dreams come true! Because the media work kept him busy, Bob found the best way to unwind was through gardening. He absolutely loved his garden, and every spring he couldnt wait to see his tulips come up, and after that he could plant his beautiful perennials. Bob also enjoyed working with stain glass. Bob lived an eventful life for many years, and unfortunately during the 1980s, he found himself turning to alcohol for relief. Knowing it was detrimental to his health, Bob slowly began to quit on his own, and it was during this time that he grew close to his Savior, Jesus Christ. This relationship was very important to Bob, and it upheld him through many tough times. It also inspired him when later in life he was introduced to his daughters, Darcey and Lori, whom he didnt know, but now had a chance to get to know. In 2007, Bob was diagnosed with lung cancer, and after chemotherapy and radiation treatments, it went into remission. Unfortunately, the cancer reappeared in October 2008, and he was tenderly cared for by his wife Ann and his family including his daughter Lori (who was a nurse) until he passed away on Saturday, February 7, 2009. All who knew and loved Bob will treasure his memory. Bob is survived by his wife, Ann Marie; 1 son, Steve R. VanDerStelt of IL; 2 daughters, Darcey Toscano of Muskegon & Lori (Ron) Crum of Hesperia; 1 stepson, Willy (Sandy) Lawson of Newaygo; 11 grandchildren; 1 brother, Mike (Patty) VanDerStelt; 1 sister, Mary VanDerStelt; 3 beloved pets, Jade, Filmore & Fue. He was preceded in death by his parents, Norman & Thelma, & 2 brothers, Jim & Paul. A memorial service for Bob will be held on Saturday, February 14, at 11:00 a.m. in the Clock Chapel of Clock Life Story Funeral Home Muskegon, with Fr. Julian Reginato officiating. Friends may visit with Bobs family on Saturday, 1 hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Digital Spectrum - Non Profit. Please visit Bobs memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may sign his online guest book or share a memory with his family.