Robert M. Speeter

On March 21, 2023, Robert M. Speeter, age 67, passed away at his home with family at his side. Throughout his recent health struggles, Bob remained bravely positive.

Bob was born on September 24, 1955 to parents Mildred and Merrill Speeter. He was raised in Kalamazoo along with his three brothers, John, Bill, and Tom and his sister, Ginner. Together they enjoyed family trips to New York City and the Stratford Shakespear Festival in Canada. Bob recalled the fun he and his siblings had together with neighborhood kids.

Much of Bob’s life was dedicated to education beginning as a summer day camp counselor at the Kalamazoo Nature Center. It was there that he met his future wife, Cindy. Bob went onto teach 8th grade science in Cheboygan. After retirement, he was an explorer guide at Wilderness State Park. Many families returned summer after summer looking forward to more outdoor adventures with Bob. More recently, Bob helped young adults complete their GED. His dedication to education included personal interests. Thanks to his parents Bob was an avid reader of both fiction and nonfiction.

There was nothing Bob loved more than spending time with his family. Married to Cindy in 1982, they celebrated their 40th anniversary last June. They were blessed with the adoption of their children, Chris in 1991 and Katy in 1995. Family adventures included camping, biking, and hiking in the U.P. Katy especially enjoyed fossil collecting with her dad. Daily trips to the nearby beach were great fun. Bob loved making holidays special. His favorite was July 4th celebrated with bottle rockets, a tradition he enjoyed as a child with his family.

Many weekends were spent cheering both Chris and Katy at soccer and hockey games. As the kids grew older, Bob took great pride in their thoughtfulness and kindness to other.

The laughter and fun continued with the addition of grandchildren to the family. They always enjoyed adventures with grandpa – hunting for salamanders, catching frogs, and exploring ponds. Bob encouraged their interest and hobbies – building legos, baking and painting and made sure they had the supplies they needed. Family games of Pictionary and charades were wild. Bob’s quick sense of humor and good natured teasing brought smiles and laughter that filled the house. We are ever so grateful for Bob’s love and support. He will be missed, but we have great memories to hold close to our hearts.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Mildred and Merrill.

Bob is survived by his wife, Cindy; children Chris, and Katy; daughter-in-law, Jenna; grandchildren Nicole, Sophia, Hayden, and Felix; brothers John, Bill, and Tom; sister, Ginny; brothers-in-law, Ken and Jerry; sisters-in-law, Debbe, Kate, Judy, and Karen; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 30 at the Nordman-Christian Funeral Home. Visitation begins at 10:00, the service at 11:00; a luncheon will follow at Inverness Township Hall.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Kalamazoo Nature Center’s summer camp scholarship program, the Cheboygan Humane Society, or Habitat for Humanity.

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