Born: April 15, 1938

Died: October 23, 2012

Robert Lee Yoder, 74, of Cassopolis, passed away at 11:15 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2012 at his home.
He was born on April 15, 1938 to the late Gabriel and Ida (Weirich) Yoder in Elkhart, Ind.
Robert is survived by: his wife Katherine Yoder, four daughters, Kimberly (John) Baker of Cassopolis, Dawn Williams of Cassopolis, M. Kelly of Rutland, Vt. and Megan (Daniel Nyhoff) Yoder of Kalamazoo. One son, Timothy (Stephanie) Yoder of Bristol, Ind. and one step-son Sean Datema of Kansas City, Mo. Also surviving one grandchildren: Jennifer, Jeremy, Ben, Adam, Ashley and Christian as well as seven great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by: his parents Gabriel and Ida Yoder, a daughter Teri, four brothers: Richard, Roland, Raymond and Roy along with three sisters: Ruth, Rachel and Ruby.
For many years Robert worked in sales and property management, alongside driving a school bus. He served on the Cassopolis Village Council, was involved in leadership at his church, along with his wife, they ran “Celebrate” a recovery group for addictions. He was a member of the LaGrange Township review board, Helping Hands of Cass County and also served on the Cass County Economic Development Committee.
Robert was a very civic minded person, very active in his church. He was an avid Notre Dame, Chicago Cubs and Green Bay Packers fan. He enjoyed woodworking, finishing, antiques, gardening, spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was a devoted father and grandfather and to many children he was affectionately known as Papa Yoder.
A memorial service has been planned for Nov. 17, 2012 at 2 p.m., at Penn Friends Community Church, 19107 Quaker St., Cassopolis, MI 49103. Pastor Steve Witzki will be officiating.
Memorial contributions may be given to Penn Friends Community Church.
Elkhart Cremation Services is entrusted with arrangements.