Dr. Robert R. Brubaker, affectionately known as "Bob," 92, passed away from illness at his home in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He passed into the Lord's loving care surrounded by his family.

Bob was a multifaceted man. He was an internationally honored scientist, a man of nature, and a mentor and teacher to those who sought his knowledge.

As a young boy and well into his 80's, he would walk the woods, fields, and mountains usually with a dog or two beside him. His avid curiosity of the natural world allowed him to share knowledge of birds, fish, butterflies, moths, plants, and trees with his beloved family and friends.

He also worked the land - most years planting a 120 ft. garden of vegetables including flowers for pollinators and butterflies. Each growing season he would experiment with his vegetables to determine which would provide the best yield and pest resistance. Then peruse garden catalogs for weeks ordering those seeds. Gardening was one of the greatest joys of his life.

His childhood education began at the Quaker Friends School in Wilmington, Delaware. Bob received his undergraduate degree at the University of Delaware. After his time in the military, he attended George Washington University for a Master's degree. His Doctor of Philosophy degree was bestowed March 1966 by the University of Chicago.

His years as a professor and researcher were spent at Michigan State University. He was an avid "Spartan.” His patient and caring mentoring of students, and post-doctoral scientists brought bright minds from around the world to East Lansing, Michigan to study in the lab of Dr. Bob.

Bob with all of his interests and pursuits also found time to be an athlete. He played football and swam competitively in both high school and college.

Those who knew him well revered him most for his desire to spend time listening to our perspective on things. Sometimes agreeing and sometimes disagreeing but always willing to take the time to be your Father, Husband, Grandfather, or Friend.

Bob is survived by his spouse, Judith Brubaker of Ann Arbor; son, Jeff Brubaker of Greensboro; stepdaughters, Jamie Hill of Toms River and Lisa Fout (husband, Arkin) of Ypsilanti; granddaughters, Lauren Brubaker of Atlanta, Leia Wilson (husband Allen) of Atlanta, and Madelyn Alexis Brubaker of Atlanta; grandsons, Nick Brubaker (wife, Melissa) of Atlanta, Jaxon Terrell of Jersey City, Austen Terrell of Ypsilanti, and Landon Terrell of Middletown; great-granddaughter Victoria Scot; and great-grandsons, William Watson, Zack, and Parker. He was preceded in death by his father, Merlin Brubaker, mother, Clara Ellen Brubaker; daughter, Bonnie Brubaker, his former wife, Nancy Brubaker; sister, Betsy Jacobs.

Cremation services have been entrusted to Nie Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Ann Arbor, Michigan. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held for family and friends on June 7, 2025 at Nie Funeral Home, 2400 Carpenter Road, Ann Arbor, Michigan from 1:00pm-3:00pm with visitation to start before at 12:30pm.