Dr. Robert Lewis Church, age 82 of Wayland, Michigan, walked on with the Lord on Sunday, July 28. He was preceded in death by his parents Rev. Lewis “White Eagle” and Gladys (Mamagona) Church and siblings William Church and Francis Church-Pratt.
Robert is survived by his wife of 44 years, Liane (Krieglemann) Church; sons Michael and Thomas (Marcy) Church; stepdaughter, Marie (William) Sears; four grandchildren; brother, Richard (Mary) Church; sister-in-law, Cheryl G. Church; brother-in-law, Thomas Pratt.
Robert was a caring man, father, husband, avid golfer, and lifelong member of the Salem Indian Mission Church. He was born in Hopkins, Michigan, and graduated from Hopkins Public School. Bob excelled in his academics and in his favorite sport, football. During his young adult life, he traveled across the United States in pursuit of his education. Robert was the eldest member of the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians at the time of his passing.
Always a helper and healer, Robert was the first Native American graduate in 1969 from the University of Michigan College of Pharmacy with a Doctor of Pharmacy. Robert retired from Spectrum Medical Center (also known as Corewell Health) in Grand Rapids.
Visitation with Robert’s family and friends will be held from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 31, 2024 at Luella Collins Community Center, 419 126th Ave., Shelbyville, Michigan 49344. A celebration of Robert’s life will be held 10 a.m. Thursday, August 1, 2024 at Luella Collins Community Center, 419 126th Ave., Shelbyville, Michigan 49344.
In honor of Robert and in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or Salvation Army. The family welcomes memories and messages at www.kubiakcookdorr.com in their guest book online.
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