Robert (Bob) Kent Sherer, 81, passed away at his home in Middleville, MI on July 3, 2023 surrounded by his family.

Bob faced his battle with serious medical issues in recent years with the strong work ethic he upheld his whole life. Born to Richard and Margaret Sherer on August 10, 1941 in Mt. Clemens, MI. As a small boy, he along with his 2 brothers lived on a ranch in Montana for several years. After returning to Michigan and moving a few times, they settled on a farm in the Freeport area. Bob attended Woodland Community School, graduating in 1959. That work ethic started early, doing chores on the family farm, and then getting a job setting pins at the local bowling alley for $2-3 a night.

Leaving the farm at age 17, Bob did a four-year stint with the U.S. Navy as a Machinist's Mate. Stationed at Pensacola FL, he got to do a bit of travelling. After his Navy service, Bob enrolled at Ferris State College and earned a certificate of heavy machinery and diesel mechanics.

A '57 Chevy played a key role in his meeting Joan Bailey in East Lansing MI. They would marry on October 30, 1964 and go on to raise two sons who carry on the classic car legacy. Ronald born in 1967 and Michael born in 1970, raising them in the house Bob and Joan built on Whitneyville Rd. They would remain in this house full of many good memories for 34 years.

Bob worked his way up in construction equipment business starting with a job as a diesel mechanic working at AIS in Lansing. After transferring to AlS in Grand Rapids, he and Joan eventually built a house in the Caledonia area. He was promoted to service manager and then again to sales/sales manager. From there he moved on to Michigan CAT in 1991 and advanced in the company, finally retiring as Branch Manager in 2001.

Retirement for Bob did not look like everyone else's. He went and started his own company, RMB Equipment, shortly after leaving Michigan CAT. He grew this business into a successful enterprise employing a few family members along the way. He made many friends and contacts in the industry. Known for his fairness, hard work, and his ability to talk with ease to just about everybody he met.

Bob was a straight shooter, whether in business or on a hunting adventure out west. Hunting was one of his pastimes after leaving MI CAT. Golf (A highlight of his golf career came with a hole in one at The Links at Bowen Lake during regular league play.) and travelling with Joan would become a big part of their lives. Sometimes the two were combined as on their many trips to Florida. Their favorite trips were the ones they took out West. They visited many national parks and enjoyed exploring the western states. His other hobby was work, of course. He just could not sit idle. There was always another deal to be made or project to be tackled.

Bob and Joan would go on to build another house on beautiful acreage in Middleville. He liked to mow, rake, and bale hay from the fields and take walks around the property with Joan and a beloved German Shepherd. This house would see the family expand to welcome 4 grandchildren. Bob was a doting grandpa who enjoyed giving tractor rides and watching them grow.

Anyone who was in Bob's orbit might've benefitted from his generosity. He was giving of his time and assistance in any way he could. He knew what needed to happen and how to get it done. His kind nature will be missed by many. Simply put, he was a good guy.

Surviving are his wife of 58 years, Joan, and their children Ron (Ginny) of Plainwell and Mike (Karen) of Middleville. Proud grandfather of Ted, Rachel, and Jack Sherer, and Tommy Sherer. Siblings Richard (Barb) Sherer, John (Lila) Sherer, Betty Denhof, Mary (Carl) Klein, Rita (Joe) Klein, and Faith Umlor; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Margaret Sherer; brother Eric Sherer; brothers-in-law Bernard Denhof, Robert Umlor, Dale Bailey, and Ed Bailey; and nephew Phillip Sherer.

Bob’s family will receive friends on Sunday, July 9, 2023 1:00 to 3:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Beeler-Gores Funeral Home, where his funeral service will be conducted on Monday, July 10, 2023 at 11:00 AM. Private burial will take place at Mt. Hope Cemetery. Please visit www.beelergoresfuneral.com to share a memory or to leave a condolence message for Bob’s family.