Robert J. Ware

Robert James “Bob” Ware, age 84, of Belding, passed away unexpectedly, Sunday evening, February 18, 2024, at Corewell Health – Butterworth Hospital. Bob was born in Detroit, Michigan, on September 23, 1939, son of James and Bertha (Krentz) Ware, both of whom preceded him in death.  He and his parents moved to California in 1957 where he worked for Autonetics in California for a number of years.  During that time, a friend of his set him up on a “blind date” at which he met Karen Jean Barkley, who he quickly realized was the love of his life. They exchanged vows on May 13, 1961, in Glendale, California, and have enjoyed 62 years of marriage. They eventually relocated to Michigan and Bob joined with his father to form the accounting services firm, Ware & Ware Accounting.  It was at that time he attended Davenport University where he earned an associate degree.  Eventually, Karen joined Bob in the business, and they ran it together until their retirement in 2005.  He was active in the community serving on the Library Board, Jaycees and supported many other worthwhile causes and was a long-time member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church. He enjoyed fishing, manicuring the lawn, loved to play euchre and penny-ante poker with family and friends, and could tell a great story, especially of days gone by.    

Bob will be remembered by his dear wife, Karen; his daughters, Jodi ( Tom) O’Connor of Belding and Sandi (Scott) Ebenstein of Grand Rapids; grandchildren Jacob (Phylicia) O’Connor of Cedar Springs, Lucas (Hannah) O’Connor of Cedar Springs, Corey Hebert of Walker and Mark (Brittany) Hebert of Hudsonville; and one recently added great grandchild, Kennedy Joy; brothers-in-law, Thomas Trooien, Dennis (Winnie) Barkley and Rick (Matty) Barkley all of California; nephew Thomas (Anna) Trooien of California, and niece Debbie (Ron) Pettit of Ionia; and several other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Irene Skoog and Barb Trooien; a brother-in-law, William Skoog; and a niece, Linda Williams.

Visitation will take place on Thursday evening, February 22, 2024, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Verdun Family Funeral Home, 303 S. Bridge Street, Belding, Michigan 48809.  A memorial Service will take place on Friday. February 23, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 422 W. High Street, Belding, Michigan 48809, with Pastor Robert Wagner officiating.  The family will also greet visitors prior to the service at the church beginning at 10:00 a.m.  Those wishing to express their sympathy are welcome to consider a donation in Bob’s memory to Holy Cross Lutheran Church or Alvah N. Belding Memorial Library. For additional information please contact Verdun Family Funeral Home in Belding at (616) 794-1300 or at www.verdunfh.com.