Robert A. “Bob” VanAntwerp
Age 79 of Dimondale, passed away on January 30, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born on January 9, 1947, in Lansing, Michigan to the late Arthur and Gloria (Johnson) VanAntwerp.
Bob had a very full life, starting with his very early years in the Port Huron area, then around the age of 7, he and his family moved back to Lansing, where he would later graduate from Everett High School. Following school in 1965, he enlisted in the United States Army where he proudly served his country as a TRP 2nd Squadron 4th Armored Division, stationed in Schwabach, Germany until 1967. Bob’s first job was at Johnson’s Speed Shop in Lansing, a passion for speed would stay with him throughout his life. He then went to John Bean as a draftsman, then worked for Melling Corporation Lansing. In 1970 Bob began a career at General Motors, where he worked as an engineer in technical trades, one of his projects was development and testing of the Quad 4 family of engines. With 36 years of service at General Motors, his last 10 years was completed through GM job banks at the VFW Home for Children, then retiring in 2006. In his pastime he had many passions such as amateur radio where his call sign was N8boe, loved to travel, was a proud member of the NRA, and was a MSU Hockey fan for 18 years strong. As a young child starting out in the Port Huron area, Bob developed a love for Great Lake freighter ships, and collected many pictures from professional photographers, a passion that lasted throughout his life. He also loved building things, and anything mechanical. Another passion that has lasted throughout his life was auto racing, most importantly NHRA Drag Racing, and building cars with his son Jason.
Surviving to cherish his memory is his wife of 58 years Linda VanAntwerp, their children Stacy (John) Mills, and Jason (Karmin) VanAntwerp; grandchildren Ryan (Annette) Mills, Sean (Mallorie) Mills, Kori VanAntwerp, Taylor VanAntwerp, and Lucas VanAntwerp; great grandchildren Sawyer Mills and Frankie Mills; sister-in-law Sharon Kloeckner, the Granger Family in Whitehall, MI, nephews, extended family in the Algonac/Port Huron area and his beloved German Shepherd dog Axel.
Bob was preceded by his parents, and a brother Marshall VanAntwerp.
There will be a celebration of Bob’s life to be held in the summer of 2026, with details to be announced. Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Holt/Delhi chapel
16 Messages to “Robert A. “Bob” VanAntwerp”
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Gerald Utterback
February 1, 2026 at 10:33 amBob and I served together in the Army with the 2 SQDN 4th CAV in Schwabach, Germany. We became great friends. Bob was a great soldier smart and dedicated to serving his country. I will always cherish our time in Germany..
Linda Vanantwerp
February 1, 2026 at 11:37 amThank you for your kind words.Your friendship was so important to him. He enjoyed serving with you.
Jerry Green
February 1, 2026 at 11:12 amI met Bob at 6 years old in my Dad (Ray Green) garage. Both gearheads. Swapping parts and stories over a cold PBR with Doug Mull. For years while competing at Onondaga, TriCity, US131, Milan and other drag strips, we were all family. Foes on the track and friends off. He will be greatly missed.
Carl Cheryl Billeter
February 2, 2026 at 1:31 pmBob was a great person I was more than happy to meet him he loved a lot of thangs his family was his pride he will be missed
Stacy Mills
February 7, 2026 at 10:08 pmThanks, Carl. We appreciate your kinds words. He enjoyed knowing you as well; we all did.
Susan sasse
February 1, 2026 at 12:52 pmSo sorry Linda
Tom Hedin
February 1, 2026 at 2:20 pmI had the privilege of having Bob build several drag race motors for me , but my best memories are of working with Bob side by side painting race cars at the Paint Booth in Okemos Mi. Bob you will never be forgotten!
Sherree Zea
February 1, 2026 at 9:41 pmI’m so very sorry Linda. Prayers to you and your whole family.
Lesley wsldron
February 2, 2026 at 6:01 amI’m so sorry for your loss. Lesley Waldron
Joy and Steve Ketchum Eaton Rapids
February 2, 2026 at 12:29 pmWe meet Bob and his family while eating breakfast on Sunday’s at T & D Coney in Eaton Rapids. His 2 great grandchildren caught our attention because they are so well behaved and polite. We have grown our friendship through conversation, sharing our hobbies and our life’s ups and down. His memories will be carried on by his wonderful family who have the care and compassion that he had for other. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. God’s blessings.
Stacy Mills
February 7, 2026 at 10:03 pmJoy and Steve, thank you for your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. We appreciate your friendship and support. See you at breakfast.
RuthAnn Bennett
February 3, 2026 at 6:50 pmI remember Bob starting at North School through Everett High School. He was always a gentle soul. RIP.
David Cleeves
February 4, 2026 at 2:32 pmBob will be sadly missed by all especially the Breakfast Club. He was a great guy and I was blessed to say he was my friend . We enjoyed telling tales of our drag racing days etc.
Michael Howell
February 5, 2026 at 6:50 pmI first met Bob when we were serving in Germany. We both had a great love of fast, cars and would talk about them at length. He had an emergency at home and we didn’t get to say goodbye at that time. now with social media, I got to hook up with him again and I did get to call him a few times and talk. I always wanted to come up and visit him and his family and I wish I would have I think about him often, he was an easy guy to like, rest in peace, my friend
Michael (Nightingale) Robinson
February 10, 2026 at 5:36 amBob was a dearly loved man that mentored me in my younger years. He helped me through good times, and bad times, but he was always there for me. Bob was so well loved on the Ham radio, as well as on the CB radio. Farewell “Cookie Duster”, you voice will travel the air waves forever.
Steve
February 10, 2026 at 4:47 pmStacy , sorry for the passing of your dad. May god bless you, John and family.