Robert "Bob" Bosserd

Robert Charles Bosserd entered the presence of his Lord on January 13, 2024, surrounded by his loving family, at his home in Kalamazoo, MI.

Bob was born on October 17, 1952, in Marshall, MI to Charles and Sally Bosserd, the second of their four children.

He attended Marshall Public Schools. At a revival service during his high school years, Bob received Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. After high school graduation in 1971, Bob attended MSU, earning his degree in Animal Husbandry and returning to work on the Bosserd Family Farm. During those years on the farm, he met and courted Tamara J. Olmstead, marrying the love of his life on May 30, 1981. The Lord blessed them with two sons, Nathaniel (Christina) and Jonathan (Holly). The Bosserds celebrated 41 years together last May. 

Bob later went into agricultural sales, retiring in 2016, at which time he was able to devote himself to some of his favorite hobbies, including gardening, walking, running and camping - especially in his favorite place – Up North, in Michigan’s north woods. Any activity he could share with his children and grandchildren was special to Bob.  He was faithful in sharing his faith with his sons as well, introducing them to Jesus during their childhood. He had a big impact on the faith and spiritual growth of his grandchildren, sharing Bible lessons with Elijah, Ezra, Ezekiel, Eden, Noah and Henry during their family vacations together. Bob and Tamara also have a precious grandbaby in Heaven, Emmanuel.

Bob was an enthusiastic member of his church family. Over his adult life, he served as a Sunday School teacher, a Junior Church leader, choir member, song-leader, church treasurer, and deacon. He willingly shared his faith in the Lord with others. He was also an avid student of the Bible, studying the sacred book for hours in preparation for teaching, even when his own health began to fail. In his later years, Bob became even more intentional in his prayer life, too. Those who knew him best understood that he drew his strength and peace from this communion with his Lord. James 5:16b best describes his urgency in prayer. “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”

Proverbs 3:5-6 were favorite life-verses of Bob’s: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

A special verse on which Bob and Tamara chose to build their family was I Corinthians 3:11: “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Sally Bosserd, and infant grandson, Emmanuel Bosserd.

Bob is survived by his wife, Tamara of Kalamazoo, sons Nathaniel (Christina) of Owosso, Jonathan (Holly) of Kalamazoo, as well as grandchildren Elijah, Ezra, Ezekiel, Eden, Noah and Henry. Also surviving are his brother James (Jane) Bosserd of Marshall, sister Joan (Craig) Bosserd-Schroeder of Hickory Corners, and David (Pam) of Marshall, as well as many special nieces, nephews, and other extended family members.

Though we who knew and loved him struggle with this difficult goodbye, our hearts are full as we picture the joyous reunion between Bob and his precious Savior.

The family will receive friends on Friday, January 19, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel.  Funeral services to celebrate Bob’s life will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, January 20 at Green Meadow Bible Baptist Church, 6914 E ML Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49048.  Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Bellevue.  Memorial donations may be made to the mission program or to the co-op school at Green Meadow Bible Baptist Church.  Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.