L.R. Wolbrink

WOLBRINK - L. R. "Bob" Wolbrink, aged 77 of Zeeland, went to be with the Lord Wednesday, December 14, 2011. Surviving are his children, Grace Wolbrink, Stephen (Ann) Wolbrink; grandchildren, Andrea, Stephanie Ann, Courtney Lynn; one great grandson; sister, Gladys Wiseman; and several nieces and nephews. During his teen years, Bob obtained the rank of Lieutenant in the Civil Air Patrol and earned a pilot's license while being active in many civil defense units. He proudly served his country in the Korean Conflict with the U.S. Air Force. He helped with the formation of the Washo County, NV Fire Dept. and was a former fireman for the city of Sparks, NV, also co-founder of the Nevada Ambulance Service. While in California he graduated from the Oakland Co. Police and Fire Academies. Bob was the founder and owner of the Valley City Casket Co. which he operated for many years, also aided in the manufacturing of ambulance and emergency equipment. He served as a Reserve Deputy in the Kent County Sheriff Dept. under Arnold Peghurst, also was a Cadet in Civil Air Patrol and helped build a state wide ground reserve unit. Bob was the founder of the Fire Dept. Canteen 800 Unit for Western Michigan and served as 1st Sergeant for MEV - Michigan Emergency Volunteer Militia. Funeral Services will be held 1:00 PM Friday, December 16 at the Ronan-Vanderpool-Stegenga Funeral Chapel, 3131 S. Division Ave. The family will greet relatives and friends Thursday 6 to 8 PM and one hour prior to the service on Friday. Interment Allendale Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Allendale Firefighters' Association, in honor of Bob's father who helped establish the Allendale Fire Department. Memories and condolences to Bob's family may be shared at www.stegengafuneralchapel.com. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of L.R. Wolbrink please visit our Sympathy Store.