Robert “Bob” Gerald Friend

Robert Gerald Friend, of Marion, passed away on Thursday, March 13, 2025 at his home with family by his side. He was 92.

Bob was born on July 11, 1932 to Sylvan and Jessie (Valade) Friend in Marion, Michigan. After graduating Marion High School, Bob proudly served his country by joining the Marine Corps in 1951 serving actively in the Korean War. He married his high school sweetheart, Norma Cutler, May 30, 1952. Together they had 4 children. Once returning back to civilian life, Bob went to work as an iron worker and in the early 60’s. He and Norma started their own steel business, Friend Re-Steel Inc. and resided in Grand Rapids. Bob owned multiple restaurants including Maria's Pizza Works in Saugatuck and Stoney’s Inn in Grand Rapids. Bob coached Little League, even bringing the Grand Rapids team to play Marion. He even was in an Advanced Computer Technology business in the 1980s. Bob moved to Saugatuck toward the beginning of his retirement and enjoyed the boating life with many friends. He entered into blueberry and peach farming business in Florida before completely retiring back to Marion in 2000. He was actively involved in the Marion VFW Post 6015, along with the Marion Honor Guard, participating in countless events for the Village of Marion. In his spare time, he liked to go cheer on the Marion sports teams, attending all sorts of games over the years. He was actively involved in volunteering for the sporting events where he continued to enjoy a special friendship with Jerry England after retiring from his many hours of community service. Above all, Bob cherished the time spent with his family, especially his children and grandchildren.

Robert is survived by his loving children; daughters, Bobette Friend of Gaylord, and Lori Friend (Tom Moody) of Marion; sons, Douglas (Shelly) Friend of Grand Rapids, and John (Cathy) Friend of Eustus, FL; grandchildren, Maria Friend (Josh), Dayton Friend, Jeffrey (Sarah) Friend, Samantha Friend Barton(Tanner); Kristopher Boyette (Geronima) step-grandchildren, Jerilee (Ted) Dwyer, Shannon (Jeff) Moorman; great-grandchildren, Heaven, Owen, Ella, Maisie, Jackson, Jameson, Cayden, Deliya, Aiyana, Melissa, and Kris Jr. along with numerous nieces and nephews; and many other loving family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Sylvan and Jessie Friend; brothers, Cleo Sylvan Friend, Sr., William Friend, and Dayton Friend; and a sister, Ilene Friend and Bobette’s loving significant other, Daniel Kidder.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday March 22, 2025 at 2 p.m. with visitation held one hour prior at Fosnaught-Holdship Funeral Home in Marion with a shared meal time at the Marion VFW to follow.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Marion VFW Post 6015.

Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.Fosnaught-Holdship.com.

The family is being served by Fosnaught-Holdship Funeral Home

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