Robert Streelman DDS

Robert Frank Streelman, DDS Bob went to sleep Friday, September 2, 2016 surrounded by his family and his wife, Merriam, as a result of complications related to Parkinson's Disease. Bob was born December 13, 1926 to Harold and Crystal Streelman of Grand Rapids, MI.  He was educated through 11th grade in the Grand Rapids School System.  In 1944, he graduated from Cedar Lake SDA Academy.  He attended Emmanuel Missionary College (Andrews University) until he was drafted into the Army in 1945 and he proudly served his country from 1945-1947 in Germany with the Army Security Agency Occupation.  After WWII, Bob graduated from Ball State Teachers College with a BS in Chemistry and Biology.  In 1951 he enrolled in the University of Michigan Dental School.  He graduated in 1955 with a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree and opened his own dental office in the only Professional building on 28th St. in Wyoming, MI.  He was a member of the Grand Rapids Central Seventh-Day Adventist Church and served as a board member for over 50 years.  In 1966 he served as President of the Wyoming Rotary Club.  In 1969, Bob became President of the West Michigan Dental Society.  During the 3 weeks of Christmas break of the years 1969, 1970 and 1971, he lead missionary trips to the country of Haiti involving physicians, dentists and optometrists, along with up to 75 young people.  From 1970-1981 he was chairman of The Dentpac of the Michigan Dental Association.  From 1971-1983 he served on the Board of Education of the Wyoming Public Schools, six of those years as Millage Chairman and board President from 1975-1977.  From 1973-1977, he was a dental instructor with the Grand Rapids Dental Hygiene Program at Grand Rapids Junior College.  From 1982-1990, he was Chairman of the West Michigan Dental Foundation.  From 1988-2002, he was a member of The Byron Township Recreation Committee, where he started the Whistle Stop in Byron Township. Bob developed an interest and commitment in community foundations in the early 1970’s.  He became a driving force in developing three foundations:  1) The Central Resource Fund of the Central Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 2) The West Michigan Dental Foundation, 3) The City of Wyoming Community Foundation.  These three organizations continue to thrive with assets in the millions. In lieu of flowers, the Family has requested donations be made in the name of Robert Frank Streelman to the City of Wyoming Community Foundation. He will be lovingly missed by his wife, Merriam Irma (Wiltjer), a marriage of love for 65 years.  He leaves behind five children to cherish his memory, Ric (Francesca), Robin, Jeff (Kari), Steve (Janna) and Karen; nine grand-children, Matthew, Jason, Kelli, Ryan, Andrea, Coryn, Riley, Jayden and Avalon;  six great-grandchildren, Jackson, Briella, Lydia, Ivy, Quinn and Kaiser; sister, Marjorie Phyllis Shaw (Tom) of Lenexa, Kansas; brother, Larry (Mary) of San Marcos, California. Bob was preceded in death by his parents and his 3-year old brother, Jerry. A celebration of Bob’s life is planned for Friday, September 16, 2016.  Friends may visit with the family at the Matthysse-Kuiper-DeGraaf Chapel (Kentwood), 4646 Kalamazoo Ave. SE from 11 am to 1 pm with services beginning at 1 pm.  Military service to follow at the Garfield Park Cemetery.