Robert Van Wynen

Robert L. Van Wynen, 79, of South Haven died Friday, June 18 at home.

He was born to Adrian and Frieda (Schatz) Van Wynen on January 8, 1931 in South Haven where he lived his entire life. Robert served his country in the Army National Guard working his way up through the rank of Captain and was the last Captain Commander of the South Haven Post before retiring from Battalion Headquarters in Dowagiac. He also retired from Bohn Aluminum after working 41 years as a machinist and continued machining at home as a hobby and for friends.

Robert belonged to many organizations including the: American Legion, Masonic Temple, VFW and the River Bend Boat Club. He was an avid golfer who could make his own clubs and enjoyed bowling during the cold months, many of his younger friend’s called him “Big Daddy.”

He is preceded in death along with his parents by his brother – Richard Van Wynen.

Robert is survived by his wife Kay whom he married 57 years ago and by three children – Wendy (Douglas) Meyer, Robert (Wanda) Van Wynen Jr., and Randy (Nancy) Van Wynen all of South Haven.

He is grandfather to – Caleb, Courtney, Jason, Garrett Meyer, - Robert, Jocelyn, Russell, Ryan (Heather) Van Wynen, Amy (Reuben) McSpadden.

Great grandfather to his much loved Natasha, Janessa Meyer and Ronin Van Wynen. Numerous nieces, nephews and a special brother and sister in-law June and Chuck also survives.


Visitation will be Monday, June 21 from 5 - 7 at the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home. A memorial service will be Tuesday at 11:00 A.M. at the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home with Chaplain Tim McGee officiating. Memorial can be made to Greg Smith Memorial Fund thru South Haven Area Emergency Services or South Haven’s Hospice at Home. Kindly share your thoughts and memories on the family’s online guest book at www.FilbrandtFFH.com.

The family is being helped by the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home of South Haven 637-0333.