Robert W. Mann

Robert “Bob” William Mann was born near Lawton, Michigan on October 15, 1937, to William A. Mann and Ruth O. Owen. He attended Howardsville, Marcellus, Dowagiac and Comstock schools in Michigan. Robert graduated from Cory-Rawson High School in Mt. Cory, OH in 1955. He earned multiple degrees from Central Missouri State College (now University of Central Missouri). He did additional graduate work at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.

Robert served in the U.S. Air Force, earning SAC Air Force Airman First Class. He worked in Hospital Administration in the USAF 4236th Tactical Hospital at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri.

On May 25,1957, Robert married his college sweetheart Geraldine “Gerry” Maier at the Lutheran Chapel in Warrensburg, MO. Robert and Geraldine have three children: Elsbeth “Beth” (Mark) Pace of Tallahassee, FL, Douglas “Doug” (Kathy) Mann of Battle Creek, MI and Gregory “Greg” (Michelle) Mann of Waunakee, WI. They have grandchildren: Jeremy (Ashley) Mann, Rebecca (Ryan) Lovell and Jeffrey (Erika) Mann of Michigan, Savannah Mann of Wisconsin and two step grand-daughters Lauren (Jason) Perry of Florida, and Ashley Pace of Georgia. In addition, there are five beloved great-grandchildren: Julia, Luka, Rory, Braden and Madelyn.

For over 20 years Robert was an Engineering Professor at Kellogg Community College (KCC) in the Engineering and Technology Department. He was a member of state and national industrial education organizations. He was the KCC Engineering Technology (Tech Club) faculty advisor and coordinated numerous education technology trips to Toronto, Canada. He was part of an envoy to Russia in 1976 with Phi Delta Kappa Technology Educators. After retirement from education, he worked part time at Sears Craftsman Tools Department and taught contracted technical training courses for the KCC Regional Manufacturing Technology Center at various area industries.

Beginning in 1989, Robert and Gerry traveled to San Benito, Texas for winter. After spending 23 winters in the Texas Rio-Grand Valley, they moved to Tallahassee then Lakeland, Florida for the winter.

Robert was very active in the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). His activity extended over 50 years including years as a Cub Scout and Boy Scout Leader, Assistant Scoutmaster, Merit Badge Counselor and a member of the Council Executive and Advisory Board. He was a member of APO in college and completed the Brotherhood requirements in the Order of the Arrow. In 1982, Robert was awarded the Silver Beaver, one of the highest honors in Scouting. He worked with the BSA National Jamboree five times, including three attended by his grandsons, Jeremy and Jeffrey and son Douglas, all who earned Eagle Scout.

Robert was a Charter Member and Treasurer for the Walter P. Chrysler Club founded during the mid-1970’s. He enjoyed restoring his 1931 Chrysler CM6 (fondly known by the family as “Chrissy”). He also enjoyed bowling and served as Treasurer for 10 years for the Schoolmaster League. Robert has been a member since 1969 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church (LCMS) in Battle Creek. He participated in the ACCORD softball league and assisted on many church events and outings.

Robert was an active member of the Pennfield Optimist Club, twice receiving the “Optimist of the Year” award. He chaired several projects and especially enjoyed recycling activities. He also enjoyed participating in activities with the National Wild Turkey Federation. His hobbies included walleye fishing in Canada, stamp collecting, gardening, attending NASCAR events and traveling. Travels he enjoyed were through Europe, Mexico, and cruises to Alaska, Panama Canal and many Caribbean islands.

Robert was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 65 years, Geraldine, his parents, William A. Mann and Ruth O. Mann, his brother David O. Mann, his sister Suzanne Mann Urban, stepmother, Opal Mann, his stepbrother Steve Flood, brother-in-law Lex Maier, parents-in-law Joe W. and Frieda Maier and daughter-in-law, Anne Misner Mann.

Memorial services to celebrate Robert’s life will be held Saturday, August 1st, from 4:00- 7:00 p.m. at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home, 105 Capital Avenue, NE Battle Creek, MI 49017. A memorial service will be held  at 10:30 a.m. the following day, Sunday, August 2nd at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 349 Capital Ave NE, Battle Creek, MI 49017. A graveside service will be conducted Monday, August 3rd at 11:00 a.m. at Fort Custer National Cemetery. 

Memorial donations can be made to the Robert W. and Geraldine M. Mann Family Scholarship through the Kellogg Community College Foundation: kellogg.edu/foundation/donate.  Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com