In Memory
Robert Morrison Wilcox
Aug 18, 1932 - Aug 16, 2009
SOUTH BEND - Robert M. Wilcox, 76, of North Fort Myers, FL, and a former longtime resident of South Bend, IN, went home to be with his Lord on Sunday, August 16th, surrounded by his adoring family.
Left to cherish his memory is his beloved wife of 57 years, Marianne Wilcox. They were united in marriage on February 16, 1952. He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Bernice Wilcox, twin brothers who died at birth, and his daughter, Denise Wilcox in 1989, as well as a nephew, Scott Gunder. He leaves behind seven children, Debbie Sudrovech, Beaufort, SC, Robert (Lisa) Wilcox, Mishawaka, IN, Diane (Danny) Eichorst of North Fort Myers, FL, Richard (Linda) Wilcox, Colorado Springs, CO, Lori (Frank) DeMike of Mishawaka, IN, Kevin Wilcox, Mishawaka, IN, and Ken (Wanda) Wilcox of Mishawaka, IN.
He was also blessed with 13 grandchildren who have admired his courage, strength and integrity as well as his wonderful sense of humor. They are Jennifer Sudrovech, Michael (Erin) Sudrovech III, Kerrin (Scott) Hetland, Robyn (Scott) Robinett, Lea Wilcox, Mitch Wilcox, Chad (Randi) Hamlett, Chris (Dee) Wilcox, David Wilcox, Matthew Wilcox, Adam (Cora) DeMike, Aaron DeMike and Caysie Wilcox. Great-Grampa, aka Gumpa, aka Papa Bob and Gramps were some of the names given by his adoring great-grandkids. He loved them all no matter the miles between. They include Kelsey and Jacob Hasbrook, Aubrey and Jackson Hetland, Isaac Shrum, Payton Robinett, Brennan and Adalee DeMike, and Bob was looking forward to the newest addition due in September, Wyatt Hamlett. Your grandpa loves you and is watching from Heaven, and the joy you brought him will never fade. Bob also leaves behind his dear brother-in-law, Bob, and his wife, Marlene Gunder. Their children, Greg, Rhonda, Brenda, Wendy and Bradley will miss him as well. As we have experienced the pain of losing him, we have also experienced the joy of hearing the stories and tributes to this one man, whom we were blessed to call our own. Bob Wilcox had an impact on the world he lived in no matter where that took him.
He served in the U.S. Army Reserve with an honorable discharge. He served selflessly in the Knights of Columbus Ave Maria Council 5521 for decades, also holding office there of Past Grand Knight. Bob was a Past State Deputy for the State of Indiana, and he held an honorary membership in the Father Nieuwland Assembly Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus. He worked tirelessly for Gibault School and was a board member for years. He was also a member of Michiami Kiwanis and the Loyal Order of the Moose. Bob left a legacy of commitment to servanthood, that those who knew him should strive to model. His life reflected a love of Christ and the sincere desire to serve his fellow man, no matter what it cost him. He set an unwavering example of humble strength and for that we will be forever grateful that we were blessed to call him husband, dad, grandpa, Papa, brother, uncle and friend.
A memorial service will take place in North Fort Myers today, August 20th. Cremation will take place in Florida and he will return to his home in South Bend and the church he was baptized and married in for a funeral Mass on Friday, August 28th. Mass will be held at St. Matthew's Cathedral, 1721 Miami, South Bend, IN, at 10 AM, with a one hour visitation prior to the service in the church.
A private interment will take place at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Joseph County Special Olympics, PO Box 643, Mishawaka, IN 46546-0463; to the American Kidney Fund, 6110 Executive Blvd. Suite 1010, Rockville, MD 20852, or to www.kidneyfund.org.
09/10/2022 DEC
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