Robert Lee Sootsman

SOOTSMAN, Robert L.
Of Parchment Passed away peacefully at Bronson Hospital on Friday, April 16, 2010 with his loving family by his side. Bob was born in Kalamazoo on February 16, 1933, a son of Floyd and Frances Sootsman and was a lifelong Kalamazoo resident. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He worked for Allied Paper for 34 years until his retirement. Bob was a Detroit Tiger fan. He played for many years on the Allied Paper Team in the Fast Pitch City Softball League and was a member of the Allied Paper Bowling Team. Bob was preceded in death by a son Ricky Sootsman in 1981 and by his parents and 2 brothers, Floyd Jr. and Jack Sootsman. Surviving are his loving wife of 58 years, Barbara Branch Sootsman to whom he was married on November 8, 1952. Also surviving are 3 children, Vicki Harold Garnaat of Parchment, Deb Mike Story of Scotts and Robert Sootsman II of Parchment; 9 grandchildren and their spouses; a great-grandson; 4 sisters-in-law and 2 brothers-in-law; several nieces and nephews. Services will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, April 20 at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick St. with Pastor John Vick officiating. Friends may meet the family on Monday evening from 6-8 pm at the funeral home. The family would like to thank Bronson Hospital and staff and Pride Care Ambulance for the wonderful care given to Bob during his illness. Memorial contributions in Bob's memory may be made to the American Heart Association or to the family to help with final expenses. Please visit www.langelands.com to sign the online register book, view the video tribute and leave a condolence to the family.