Robert Kleef

Robert (Bob) Herman Van Kleef age 74 of Caledonia headed to that hunting blind in the sky, on October 28th, 2015 after a 7 year courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Born in Java, Indonesia in 1941, he and his family formed a special bond while spending 3 years in the Japanese prison camps. Following WWII, he resided in the Netherlands until his family ventured to the US in 1959. Robert's passion for the outdoors and hard work ethic made him the perfect candidate to start his own landscape business, which he made a living at well into retirement. He was preceded in death by his father Herman C. van Kleef and mother Jeanne van Kleef. Robert is survived by his loving wife and best friend Teresa (Boorsma) Van Kleef; daughters Michelle (Bob) Van Epps of Mason and Robin (Tim) Kelley of Middleville; three step-daughters, Margaret (Maggie), Grace and Susan Baker; three grandsons, Michael Hayes, Scotty Hayes and Jake Casper; siblings Charlotte (Wouter) van de Poll, Peter (Janneka) van Kleef, Dory (Henk) de Groot; several nieces, nephews and cousins; and special hunting buddies Gerald ("Jake") Bajema and Jeff Bajema. Robert was an avid hunter, fisherman and loving father, who was often teased for having too much "junk", but was never left unprepared for any situation and was always ready to help. He made "Every Day a Masterpiece" and truly got more joy from witnessing other's accomplishments and happiness than his own. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses and support staff at the Lemmon Holton Cancer Pavilion for providing expert healthcare and genuine love and affection to Bob during the past 7 years. He deeply cared about and loved his Lemmon Holton "family". In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Hospice. Cremation has taken place. The family will be holding a memorial to celebrate his life at a later date. To share a memory or sign the family's guest book please visit www.stegengafuneralchapel.com. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Robert Herman Van Kleef please visit our Sympathy Store.