Bob Murfin

Dearly loved, Bob Murfin added much to the lives of others. He was a devoted man to those he held dear, and gave his all, and then some. His quick wit enlightened the days of many, and it was a joy to share his company. Generous and kind, Bob's personable nature and fun-loving ways will be deeply missed and treasured.

The decade of the 1920s forever changed the landscape of America. From prosperity to financial devastation, it was indeed a turning point in the history of our nation. The year 1922 saw an unprecedented increase in industrial expansion, and the 19th Amendment gave women the right to vote, with many more changes to come. Yet it was on February 9, 1922 when Floyd and Della (Fowler) Murfin of Anderson, Indiana celebrated the birth of their son, Bob.

The second of four children, Bob joined his older sister, Madge, and later welcomed younger siblings, Bill and Catherine. Bob's father worked as a printer while his mother was a seamstress and court stenographer. During his early years, Bob and his family moved to Battle Creek, Michigan before settling in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He attended Lincoln School, and during his youth he played a lot of baseball. He was a good player, and his father was an excellent pitcher. In fact, Bob even witnessed his father pitch a no-hitter once.

Growing up during the Depression created times of hardship for all. Even so, Bob led a typical childhood for the times. He went on to attend Kalamazoo Central High School, graduating in 1940. Right out of high school, Bob landed a job at Clausing Corp., a machine shop which made tools, and was always a hard worker.

As a young man, Bob met Marie, the girl who would come to win his heart. She was attending the same St. Patrick's Day dance at the Silver Star Roller Rink on March 17, 1942, and was there with a church group. But when Bob asked Marie to skate and took her hand, it was most definitely love at first skate!

At the time, World War II was raging overseas, and Marie was working for the draft. She saw Bob's name come up on the draft, and knew of his fate. Yet like many young men during the war, Bob was eager to defend his country, but he wasn't about to leave without marrying his sweetheart. On September 15, 1942, Bob and Marie exchanged vows of marriage at St. Augustine Church.

After bidding his farewells, Bob served with the U.S. Army for a little over three years in Germany and France, becoming quite fluent in French. He served as an officer in supplies before volunteering for the 106th Infantry Artillery Division. During this time, Marie faithfully wrote Bob two letters a day which he looked forward to.

Marie was expecting their first child while Bob was away overseas. He managed a brief leave just in time for the birth of Virginia in 1943, but it wasn't until she was two and a half years old that Bob had the opportunity to hold his little girl once again.

Bob eagerly returned home to his family and before long they welcomed the birth of Patricia in 1946, and Michael in 1952. Roberta completed their family in 1960. Nothing brought Bob greater joy than being surrounded by Marie and their wonderful children. Bob and his family enjoyed weekends at their cottage on Duck Lake where endless memories were made.

Bob took up where he left off at Clausing, and also made a fun hobby working as a TV repairman. A big sports fan, he coached for the Millwood Little League, and was an avid Detroit Tigers and Red Wings fan. The fact that Bob loved hockey was an understatement. A season ticket holder, he always made sure to buy the first season ticket for the first game of the Kalamazoo Wings, remaining a faithful fan throughout his days. Bob also enjoyed bowling, and golfed until he was 90 years old! Every Sunday he looked forward to spending time out on the greens with four generations of his family.

A true gentleman, Bob never said a cross word even though his quick wit may have gotten the best of him a time or two. As wheat farmers in the province of Saskatchewan, Canada, Marie's parents lived with them whenever they returned to the States. It wasn't always easy, but Bob welcomed them with open arms.

Bob was a great cook. His potato soup was simply the best, along with his gravy, scalloped potatoes and fruit pies. Bob liked the sounds of Dean Martin and Glenn Miller's big band music. He also liked a good book, especially stories about mobsters and the Mafia. He read about the Catholic faith and Catholic periodicals. Bob converted to Catholicism, and was very devoted to his Catholic faith. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus 1616 for many years and a longtime member of the VFW and Moose Lodge.

Sadly, Bob's beloved Marie died in 1977 as a result of breast cancer. Although these days were difficult, Bob pressed on. He continued working and made his way to superintendent at Clausing before retiring in 1981. After retirement, Bob continued his love of sports and filled his time golfing. He was a talented woodworker and his handiwork included numerous benches, wishing wells and gliders.

Bob found love again in the companionship of Esther Haas. They met at St. Joseph Church as she chased him out the door one Sunday, and before long their relationship blossomed. They were married in 1983 and shared many of the same interests. Esther sadly died in 1999.

The grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren in Bob's life became his delight and he loved them dearly. He loved watching them grow as well as their involvement in school and sporting activities. People in general loved sharing Bob's company. He had a great sense of humor to the end, and his generous and caring nature shone bright.

No longer able to live on his own, Bob spent the last few months of his life living with his granddaughter, Caroline and her family. He was shown much love and admiration while remaining quite active. Bob told Fr. Mike he considered his family to be his greatest gift, and was the happiest with a baby on his lap, serenading them with a sweet song.

At the age of 92, Bob Murfin, of Kalamazoo, died on Tuesday, May 13, 2014 at Borgess Hospital. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Marie Murfin; second wife, Esther Murfin; daughter, Patricia Murfin; infant great-grandson, David Scott; infant great-great-grandson, Jace Weitz; sister, Madge Bathaur; brother, William Murfin; and daughter-in-law, Cindy Murfin. Members of his family include three children: Virginia (Ron) Zweedyk, Michael (Pam) Murfin, and Roberta (Paul) Price; 11 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; sister, Catherine (Jack) Eitelbuss; many nieces and nephews, including Robert (Sue) Jordan.

Visit with Bob’s family and friends while sharing stories, food and drinks on Thursday from 5-8 PM at the Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler-Kalamazoo, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo 375-2900 where the Rosary will be recited at 7:30 PM. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, 11:00 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church followed by a luncheon in the church hall. Burial at Mt. Olivet Cemetery with military honors will follow after the luncheon. Please visit Bob’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a favorite memory or photo and sign his guestbook before coming to the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Catholic Family Services.