Robert Tebo Obituary
Bob will be laid to rest with full military honors in a graveside service at Ft. Custer National Cemetery, on Friday, August 4, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. Those wishing to attend should gather in the cortege assembly area at 12:45 p.m. Contributions in Bob's memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, in c/o the funeral home.
Late in the evening of Jul 15, 2023 Robert (Bob) Ben Tebo passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by close family. He can finally join his beloved wife, Shirley after 16 years. Bob and Shirley married in 1964, and lived in Otsego, MI before moving to Parchment in 1974.
Bob loved solving problems, he was known to always be tinkering with something around the house, whether it was fixing a tractor, or guiding a child (or grandchild) through one of life's many difficulties, Bob was great at problem solving, using reason, logic, and also empathy with equal prowess. When there were no problems demanding his attention, he was constantly expanding his knowledge by reading every book he could get his hands on; from history, to world culture, to a classic whodunnit, Bob was never without a (stack of) books at his disposal. Even later in life, when he had long since given up his truck (making sure to keep it in the family, solving yet another problem for us) he was known to drive his lawnmower down to the library for more books.
Bob was born in Marinette, WI in December 1935, to Benjamin and Lucile Tebo. He is survived by his daughters Denise Murray and Stephenie Klingler (Regis), his sister Elizabeth Tebo, his grandchildren Richard Gretsky, Carter Hatfield (Jessica), and Mackenzie Hatfield, Bud Simkins, Frank Goodale, and Jennie Finney-Romine, along with numerous great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Shirley Tebo, brother Michael Tebo, sister Shirley Brendemihl, son Franklin Goodale, and lifelong friend Larry Provancher.
His legendary work ethic was evident from a young age. He told stories of his first job, which was setting up pins at the bowling alley – at 10 years old. This work ethic would come to define him throughout his life. It served him well in his tour with the Army in post-WW2 Germany, and after his return to KVP (later Brown Company/James River) – where he started out breaking up frozen piles of coal and digging ditches. He rose to superintendent of the power house and was employed there for 44 years. All those who worked for Bob truly enjoyed his presence, and it was not uncommon to hear him described as "the best boss I've ever had" or to see a company holiday ham on his doorstep long after he retired.
More important to Bob than work, though, was always family. He worked very hard (up to three jobs at a time!) to support his family in the early days. Later in his career he still made time to take his grandchildren on vacations across the country (Rock City in Tennessee being a favorite!). He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, boxing, gardening and Dixieland jazz music and deep conversations about life in general.
Bob also made several trips to Central America with his life-long friend Larry Provancher to help provide the residents with clean water and dental care. Bob very much enjoyed the company of close neighbors Greg, Stephanie and Jan.
He retired in 1993 to care for his dear wife Shirley, and he cared for her until her death in 2007.
Bob was known to family and friends not just as a hard worker, a devoted caregiver, and dedicated family man, but was also many other things: kind, intellegent, generous, open-minded, down to earth, humorous, an avid curser, extremely hospitable, and genuine. To those who knew him well, he was simply the finest man we ever knew and a fine role model for all of us.
