Robert John Newman

Robert “Bob” made countless strangers his friends, and leaves behind many imparted values with those who knew him, including the usefulness of wit in life. Bob knew that what is most important in life is how you make people feel in your presence. His roots begin in Pontiac, MI where he was born to father and mother, Donald O. Newman and Elnora (Peg) M. Snover who were high school sweethearts. His parents came of age in the great depression and struggled to raise their three boys as Don found work as a printer at the Pontiac Press and Peg dedicated herself to raising a family. The protestant work ethic was perhaps Bob’s greatest inheritance from his father. His utmost enjoyments came in working to make the lives of those he touched better. Bob had a motivation for excellence in his passionate pursuit of life.

Nobody knows Bob’s nature better than his wife, Barbara Steckling who married him immediately after they both graduated from Michigan State University in 1965. Bob’s strong work ethic and consciousness for service to others has been passed on to a son, Bradley Newman of Lake Forest, IL and a daughter, Sarah Knapp of East Lansing, MI. Though Bob would always give credit to Barb for raising their two accomplished kids, one could not have asked for a better family patriarch.

Bob leaves behind four grandchildren. Brad and wife Michelle with Molly and Tommy Newman, and additionally Sarah and husband Scott Knapp with William and Holden Knapp. Grandchildren Molly and William now attend the University of Michigan. Tommy will attend Indiana University next year. Holden is headed to a university of his choice upon high school graduation in 2023. Bob’s two brothers, Ronald R. (Barbara) Newman of Clarkston, MI (81) and Richard D. Newman (68) of Mercer Island, WA, profoundly feel the loss of their beloved friend and brother in life.

Bob’s battle with prostate cancer and a heart condition have been a struggle in recent years, though he kept it mostly to himself. In Bob’s terms, “Your health determines your true wealth.” He inspired many around him to aim high in life and to lead by example, which brought Bob his life’s true joys. He was a master at human connections and networking, accomplished in all aspects of the funeral industry for 30 years, and then later in the real estate industry, utilizing his natural boundless talents for working with people. Bob’s curiosity and empathy for others was always infused with his interminable knack to bring humor to most conversations.

As Bob worked with passion he also played with passion, accomplished at yachting and sailing, and profoundly drawn to the lure of nature. He was briefly a farmer with the purchase of a farm in the thumb of Michigan, experiencing the challenge and effort required to farm soybeans. Waterfront living at Watkins Lake in his early life and later Maceday Lake (both in Waterford, MI) and a small northern home in Frankfort on Lake Michigan have been integral to Bob’s connection to water, nature, and community. For a time, he and Barb lived and raised their children on acreage in Ortonville, MI, expanding family appreciation for rural living. Bob and Barb made many sailing, fishing, and ski vacations throughout the USA and Canada, often with their children and their families. What Bob cherished most in life was his family.

Bob’s spiritual path in life was blessed with faith-based guidance from clergy of several denominations. He knew that faith was an important part of life and community. Raised in the First Presbyterian Church of Pontiac, Bob and Barb would later be part of many protestant church communities wherever they made a home. Before passing Bob wrote, “I could not be more grateful for the life I was fortunate to have lived, and the time that I lived it. My hope is that each and every one of you enjoy the rest of your days. Never take anything for granted."

Bob was a man with no regrets in life. Please join his family to honor a life lived well on Friday April 1, 2022 from 4:00PM to 7:00PM at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home, 1730 East Grand River Avenue, East Lansing, MI. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday April 2, 2022 at Alumni Memorial Chapel of Michigan State University, 636 Auditorium Rd., East Lansing, MI at 1:00PM. The Rev. Jack Harnish of Frankfort, MI will preside. Attendees will be directed to Parking Lot #9 on the MSU Campus.

For those unable to attend, the Memorial Service will be live streamed and recorded. Log into: https://youtu.be/l95hlC6NCeg

Those desiring may make donations in Bob’s memory to Benzie Area Christian Neighbors, 2804 Benzie Hwy, Benzonia, MI 49616 or The Greater Lansing Food Bank, 5600 Food Ct., Bath Township, MI 48808 or to the charity of their choice. Online condolences may be made at www.greastlansing.com.

For those seeking lodging, rooms have been reserved at The Graduate Hotel of East Lansing, GROUP CODE IS 010422ROBE; also consider the Kellogg Center or the Marriott of East Lansing.

Michigan Flyer is regular direct scheduled transportation from Detroit Metro (DTW) airport.to East Lansing Marriott. https://www.michiganflyer.com/