Robert Louis Adams

Robert “Bob” Louis Adams, age 89, of St. Ignace, Michigan, walked on to his heavenly resting place on June 11, 2024, with family by his side. He was born to Earl Wesley and Olive Rose (Latondress) Adams on October 15, 1934 at the family home in St Ignace. Bob grew up in St. Ignace and graduated from LaSalle High School in 1952. He held many jobs, especially after the passing of his father in 1947. He loved to tell stories about working in the ice business and delivering papers in town as well as on the car ferries. Beginning in 1955, he sailed the Great Lakes on the iron ore carrier E.B. Greene while serving with the Merchant Marine. A story of interest is that Bob sailed under the Mackinac Bridge on November 1, 1957, the night the bridge opened. Bob served in the United States Army from 1958-1964; his highest rank being E6. He proudly served in three armored tank divisions and was a tank commander. Some of his favorite times in the army were spent in Germany, Bob married Eileen Eleanor Konopka on June 10, 1967 in Cassopolis, Michigan. They resided in Niles, Michigan, throughout their marriage. Bob actively served St. Mark Catholic Church in Niles, Michigan. He worked with Bishop Paul Donovan when Pope Paul VI established the Diocese of Kalamazoo in 1971. Bob served numerous roles in all aspects of the Catholic Church. He earned 4th Degree status with Knights of Columbus. He was a devout Catholic his entire life, praying the rosary daily and loving others. Well known as “The Cobra”, Bob worked for AM General in South Bend, Indiana, for 27 years. He was responsible for large military contracts for trucks and Humvees as a Supply and Logistics Operations Manager. Bob loved Detroit Tigers baseball and Notre Dame Women’s basketball. He ushered at Notre Dame for 25+ years. He saw every sport and event imaginable and even escorted author John Grisham. Bob truly loved the friendships he made with Notre Dame fans and athletes. Bob is survived by his daughters, Theresa Rose (Matthew) Miller of Nashville, Michigan, and Rebecca Lynn (Douglas) Strong of South Bend, Indiana; grandchildren, Becky (Cory) Iggens, Noah Neuerburg, Elizabeth Neuerburg, Jake Miller, Katie Miller, Toby Miller; great grandchildren, Reagan Neuerburg, Johnathan Ward, Jr., Nolan Iggens; brother, Gary (Roberta) Adams of St. Ignace; and sisters, Marian King of St. Ignace, and Earlene (Randall) Carlisle of Madison Heights, Michigan. Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Eileen; brothers, Thomas Keith Adams, Earl Gordon Adams, and Donald Edward Adams; and sisters, Anne Marie Adams and Norma Lorraine O’Connell. Final resting place will be at Calvary Cemetery, 700 Block of W Chicago Road, Niles, Michigan. Family Life Funeral Homes assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left to the family at www.familylifefh.com. Obituary as written by family.

Tributes

Robert Louis Adams

October 15, 1934 - June 11, 2024