Robert J. "Bob" Vocke

Robert Joseph "Bob" Vocke, 83, passed away on June 30, survived by his wife of 57 years, Le Anne, his four children (Robert, Jr. (Carla), Cris (Kriste), Damon (Maria), and Laura), eight grandchildren (Lauren, Jessica, Sarah, Nick, Maddie, Elise, Claire, and Daniel), and sister Mary Lou (Stan) Dawicke.

Bob served in the U.S. Navy 1956-58, including duty onboard the U.S.S. New Jersey BB-62. He received a B.A. from the Ohio State University, and an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago night school program, which he received while working full-time and raising his four young children.

He led a successful business career and was truly a self-made man, starting his own business in food sales in the late 1970s, which he ran for over 20 years.

Above all else, Bob was a family man, treasuring the many hours he spent with his loved ones playing golf, tennis, basketball, touch football, cards, board games and any other competition one can imagine. He (with his wife) also never missed attending the multitude of sporting events, musicals, and graduations of his children and grandchildren. He was a devoted supporter of his family.

He also had a legendary sense of humor and storytelling was his trade. He had an indomitable will and spirit. He will be deeply missed.

A Celebration of Life Memorial will be held beginning 5:00 p.m. Saturday, August 1, 2015, at Cedar Creek Golf Club, 14000 Renton Rd., Battle Creek, MI 49015. Military honors and interment will be held for the family at Ft. Custer National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to the continuous fight of cancer in the Vocke family for Robert "Bob" Vocke, Jr.; may be made in 'Bob's" name; in care of the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, 105 Capital Avenue, N.E., Battle Creek, MI 49017. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.