March 19, 1951 — Feb. 3, 2019

Robert Emmett Ickes, 67, of Dowagiac, passed away Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, at home with his wife Barb at his side.

Bob was born March 19, 1951, in Paw Paw, to Lytle and Jane (Rohl) Ickes.

He was a 1969 graduate of Decatur High School and earned an associate’s degree from Southwestern Michigan College. Bob proudly served his country in the Michigan National Guard.

On July 10, 1971, Bob married the love of his life Barbara Brosnan at Sacred Heart of Mary in Dowagiac. He worked at Ameriwood Industries for 45 years prior to retirement. Bob was a 10-year member of Dowagiac City Council, past President of the Dowagiac Optimist club and a member of the Dowagiac Conservation Club and Dowagiac Moose Lodge. He was the 1992 World Cherry Pit Spitting Champion. Bob was an avid hunter, fisherman and loved the outdoors.

Above all else, Family was most important to Bob. Barb was his best friend and love for 47 years. Bob was so proud of his sons and all their accomplishments. He was known as “Papa” to his beloved grandchildren whom he loved spending time with.

Bob is survived by his wife Barbara, his sons, Rob Ickes, Dave (Jennifer) Ickes, Adam (Lynsey) Ickes, and Josh (Rachael) Ickes. Sisters, Carolyn Sue Ickes, Glenna Kietzerow, Tammy Ickes. Grandchildren, Nathan, Abby, Jake, Drew, Matt, Makenna, Reid, Madelynn, Ava, Anna and Cayden Cook. Uncle Glen Rohl, many extended family members and his Dear Mother in Law Donna Brosnan. He was proceeded in death by his parents and brother John Smith.

A Celebration of Life Service will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 8 2019 at Clark Chapel, 405 Center St, Dowagiac with Father Mike Rejent officiating. Burial will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Dowagiac. Friends may visit with the family from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7, at Clark Chapel. Memorial contributions in Bob’s name may be made to SouthernCare Hospice or Dowagiac Conservation Club. Those wishing to leave a message of condolence for the family may do so at clarkch.com.