Robert B. Jackson

Robert Bruce “Bob” Jackson, age 84, passed into the presence of his Lord and Savior on Saturday, March 14, 2026. Born in Green Bay, WI on March 22, 1941, he was the second son of Lawrence K. and Dorothy J. (Biel) Jackson who preceded him in death, along with his first wife of 42 years, Kathleen (Walsma) Jackson; his sister, Margaret McDonald; and brother, Larry Jackson. 

Bob graduated from Needham High School in Needham, MA in 1959 and went on to serve in the U.S. Army Medical Corp for three years. Upon his discharge he attended Hope College in Holland, MI until transferring in his Junior year to the Worsham College of Mortuary Service. Bob worked professionally as a funeral director in the Grand Rapids area for 60 years prior to retiring. 

On November 28, 2009, Bob was united in marriage to Marlene (Heyboer) Wozniak who brought new life and love into his life. Also surviving are his three daughters, Laura (Peter) Klein of Wilson, NC, Julie (Tim) Zahm of Grand Rapids, and Karen (Lucas) Pershing of Brooklyn, NY; grandchildren, Daniel (Shannon) Klein, Eric (Catherine) Klein, Jessica (Payton) Purnell, Jacob (Drew) Zahm, Nathan Zahm, and Samuel Pershing; great-grandchildren, Easton, Kennedy, and Lillian; stepchildren, Theodore (Kim) Wozniak and Todd (Cheryl) Wozniak; step-grandchildren, Madison (Raul) Ubinas, Morgan Alexis (Fabian) Rodriguez, and Michael (Caitria) Elliott; great-step-granddaughter, Elowyn June; brothers, Stuart (Debbie) Jackson, Raymond Jackson; sister-in-law, Becky Jackson; brother-in-law, Martin Heyboer; special nieces, nephews, and wonderful longtime friends and colleagues. Special thanks to dear friends Bob and Phyllis Myers and Tim Klemp. 

Bob Jackson was a man of utmost integrity and kindness.  He exemplified the meaning of gentleman and with quiet faith and humility helped others through professionalism and strength. A loving husband, father, grandfather and dedicated friend, he will be deeply missed. 

Family and friends will meet on Thursday, March 19, 2026, 4-8 PM at the Metcalf & Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 4291 Cascade Rd. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 and again on Friday, March 20, 2026, 10-11 AM prior to the service at Central Reformed Church, 10 College Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 where the service will begin at 11:00 AM. For those who wish, memorials in Bob’s memory may be made to The Wounded Warrior Project or to Emmanuel Hospice. 

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