Robert Vander Roest

Robert James “Moose” Vander Roest, 81, of Bellefontaine, passed away at 3:38 p.m. on Saturday, August 20, 2016 at St. Rita’s Medical Center in Lima. He was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan on October 23, 1934 to the late Edward and Sophia (Theal) Vander Roest. He was also preceded in death by his two sisters, Louise and Helen; three brothers, Cornelius, John and Edward Jr.

Moose is survived by his three children; Ted (Jodi) Vander Roest, Tracy (Cyndi) Vander Roest, and Teresa (Randy) Marker; eight grandchildren, Abigail Marker, Alison Marker, Kirk Marker, Craig Marker, Lindsay Rolston, Megan Vander Roest, Robert Vander Roest and Kate Vander Roest; five great grandchildren, Oliver, Milo, Sophia, Brady and Evan; his loving partner of 25 years, Mary Wells, and her sons; John (Kim) Wells, Rick (Stacey) Wells; grandchildren; and great grandchildren.

A U.S. Air Force Korean War veteran, Moose served from 1952 to 1956 in the 664th AC-W Squadron at Campbell Hill. He was a member of the Iron Workers Union #290 in Dayton, Bellefontaine Lodge #209 F&AM, and the “Breakfast Club” in Belle Center. Moose was an avid University of Michigan fan who enjoyed golfing, and most especially spending time with his family.

Visitation will be Tuesday, August 23, 2016 from 5-8 p.m. at the Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 321 N. Main Street, Bellefontaine. Pastor Bryan Meadows will officiate a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 24th at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery in Belle Center, Ohio.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Bellefontaine.