Robert F. Wisch II

“Here’s what you’ve got to do.” If you heard that phrase, you were probably getting an important life lesson from Bob Wisch. Bob was born Robert F. Wisch (Wischnewski) II in Lansing, Michigan on June 20, 1948 to Robert Sr. and Helen (Mazurek-Wisch) Fitzgerald. Bob was a charming only child who was doted upon by his entire family. He graduated from Lansing Eastern High School in 1966 where he was an all-city catcher for the baseball team and offensive tackle in football. From there, Bob attended Michigan State University where he learned to “bleed green” as he often said. On a lovely fall night, he met the love of his life, Celia Cook, and never left her side. Bob and Celia had two daughters, Jennifer and Rebecca, to complete their family. From there, the adventure began with several moves, including a three-year stint living in Reno, Nevada where Bob made sure that they got to experience all the fun opportunities that area provided, especially Lake Tahoe. Moving back to Michigan was always on his mind and, in 1983, the opportunity arrived, so they settled in Holt. Bob worked for General Motors for 35 years, working up the ranks from a clerk to supervisor and finally ending his career as a packaging engineer, where his skills shone. Not only did he use those design and building skills at work, but also as a masterful builder. Bob built everything from garages to sleeping lofts, decks to doll beds, and sets of wooden play kitchen appliances. His talents did not end with “making sawdust,” as he described it. Bob could bake! Anyone who visited the Wisch household was familiar with Bob’s Famous Pizza. He and Celia continued the pizza-making tradition with the “secret crust recipe,” giving many to family and friends and keeping a healthy supply in the freezer. But it didn’t stop at pizza. Bob was known for his homemade coffee cakes at Christmas and a fruit-nut bread that he regularly gave away to friends. In 2005, Bob and Celia took on their last moving adventure by settling at the Wisch family cottage (built by his grandparents in the early 1930s) on the lake, remodeling every square inch over the years (including a work room to make sawdust). The past decade included a number of health problems but that didn’t stop Bob from giving advice and developing improvement plans. In fact, his final days included reciting a list of things we should make sure to get done around the cottage (which is very true to form for Bob!). Bob passed away on April 25, 2024 at Corewell Health Meijer Heart Hospital in Grand Rapids Michigan surrounded by loved ones and listening to his favorite band, The Rolling Stones. To say that his wife Celia, daughters Jennifer (Vince) Schmizzi, Rebecca (Andrew Cowall), and grandchildren Cameron (Cassie) Bongard, Bryce (Sydney) Bongard, Heather Bongard, Kathryn Cowall, and Meghan Cowall will miss him is an understatement. Bob also leaves behind three great-grandchildren (Cullen and Malia Bongard and Maryella Bongard) who will learn of his talents and adventures in stories by the campfire. He will also be missed by his favorite lap companion, his cat Inky. Bob was a no-fuss sort of man who did not want a big funeral so a small family gathering will occur when the weather is warm and the sun is shining over the lake. For those wishing to send flowers or cards, please consider making a donation in his memory to your local cat rescue or animal shelter. That would mean the world to this amazing man. Arrangements by the Holihan-Atkin-Barclay Funeral Home, Grand Ledge. Share your memories and condolences online at www.holihanatkin.com

Robert F. Wisch II

June 20, 1948 - April 25, 2024