Roberta “Bobbi” Guertel
March 28th, 1938 - April 16th, 2025
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Bobbi's Obituary
“It's an end of an era”. Roberta “Bobbi” Guertel, 87, of St. Joseph, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on Friday, April 25, at 11AM at First Congregational Church, 2001 Niles Ave., with Pastor Jeffrey Hubers officiating. Burial will be at New Troy Cemetery, next to her parents. Friends may visit with the family on Thursday, April 24, from 5 PM until 7 PM at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Memorial contributions may be made to First Congregational Church Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Bobbi was born on March 28, 1938, in St. Joseph, to Robert & Doris (Gross) Knight. She attended Dowagiac High School from freshman year until junior year. She changed schools her senior year and would graduate from Watervliet High School in 1956. On May 14, 1960, Bobbi married the love of her life, Ron Guertel, in St. Joseph. In 1970, Ron and Bobbi bought Walter’s Paint and Wallpaper in downtown St. Joseph, changing the name to Guertel’s Home Decorating in 1984.
As the owner of the paint store, Bobbi built strong connections within the community, earning the respect and friendship of both professional painters and loyal customers. Later in life, she followed her passion and opened Bloomies Etc., where she continued to thrive through the meaningful relationships she cultivated with her valued clients.
Bobbi’s most treasured possession was her family, with whom she cherished spending time above all else. She especially loved being a “Nana” to all of her grandchildren. She had a love for boating and found great joy in relaxing at the beach and soaking up the sunshine. A passionate MSU fan, Bobbi never missed a chance to tailgate at a Spartan football game and cheer them on.
With her warm, charismatic personality, Bobbi had a natural gift for entertaining. Whether out on the town or hosting gatherings at home, she thrived in the company of loved ones and made every occasion special. She also had a deep appreciation for flowers, tending to her garden with care and creating beautiful floral arrangements—both for her business and as heartfelt gifts for friends and family.
Bobbi was a truly remarkable woman with a heart of gold, and she will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Bobbi is survived by daughters, Kristi (Mike) Vasta and Beth (Gregg) Beaudette; grandchildren, Ty Vasta, Shelby (Kevin) Weber, Blayne (Kelsie Vogel) Beaudette, Griffin (Sydney Keller) Beaudette and Brielle Beaudette; great-grandchildren, Rhett & Baylor Weber and Ellie & Scarlett Beaudette; and siblings, Barbara Richcreek & David (Kathy) Knight. Bobbi was preceded in death by her parents, Robert & Doris; husband, Ron; sister, Bonnie Williamson Booth
Bobbi was born on March 28, 1938, in St. Joseph, to Robert & Doris (Gross) Knight. She attended Dowagiac High School from freshman year until junior year. She changed schools her senior year and would graduate from Watervliet High School in 1956. On May 14, 1960, Bobbi married the love of her life, Ron Guertel, in St. Joseph. In 1970, Ron and Bobbi bought Walter’s Paint and Wallpaper in downtown St. Joseph, changing the name to Guertel’s Home Decorating in 1984.
As the owner of the paint store, Bobbi built strong connections within the community, earning the respect and friendship of both professional painters and loyal customers. Later in life, she followed her passion and opened Bloomies Etc., where she continued to thrive through the meaningful relationships she cultivated with her valued clients.
Bobbi’s most treasured possession was her family, with whom she cherished spending time above all else. She especially loved being a “Nana” to all of her grandchildren. She had a love for boating and found great joy in relaxing at the beach and soaking up the sunshine. A passionate MSU fan, Bobbi never missed a chance to tailgate at a Spartan football game and cheer them on.
With her warm, charismatic personality, Bobbi had a natural gift for entertaining. Whether out on the town or hosting gatherings at home, she thrived in the company of loved ones and made every occasion special. She also had a deep appreciation for flowers, tending to her garden with care and creating beautiful floral arrangements—both for her business and as heartfelt gifts for friends and family.
Bobbi was a truly remarkable woman with a heart of gold, and she will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Bobbi is survived by daughters, Kristi (Mike) Vasta and Beth (Gregg) Beaudette; grandchildren, Ty Vasta, Shelby (Kevin) Weber, Blayne (Kelsie Vogel) Beaudette, Griffin (Sydney Keller) Beaudette and Brielle Beaudette; great-grandchildren, Rhett & Baylor Weber and Ellie & Scarlett Beaudette; and siblings, Barbara Richcreek & David (Kathy) Knight. Bobbi was preceded in death by her parents, Robert & Doris; husband, Ron; sister, Bonnie Williamson Booth
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