Robert Theodore "Bob" Fess, age 85 of Mendon, died Friday March 9, 2012 at his home following a long illness. He was born in Toledo, Ohio on Feb. 4, 1927 the son of Theodore E. and Agnes L. (Jones) Fess. As a teenager, Bob sailed the Great Lakes for 2 years before joining the Navy, where he was assigned to the Merchant Marines from 1944-46. He also served in the U.S. Army, and was discharged in December of 1956. While in the service, he earned his G.E.D.

Bob was a 30 year employee of Ronningen-Petter in Kalamazoo where he retired as the shop maintenance foreman. He was a certified Horologist, building and repairing clocks. He also enjoyed bowling and fishing in his spare time. Bob was a member of the West Mendon United Methodist Church, Free and Accepted Masons Lodge #137, and American Legion Post #213.

Bob was married to Jeannette "Jan" Edge on Oct. 28, 1967. She survives along with 3 children, Jeannine Ann (Deon) Brown of Portage, Robert T. (Robin) Fess of Three Rivers, and Theodore "Ted" (Kimberly Nott) Fess of Mendon; 6 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; 1 brother, James "Jim" (Diane) Fess of Vicksburg; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and by 2 sisters, Roberta Steward and Anna Gutierrez.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Eickhoff Funeral Home in Mendon. Masonic rites by F & AM Lodge #137 will take place at 5 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral home. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Monday March 12, 2012 at the West Mendon United Methodist Church with Pastor Ward Pierce officiating, followed by military rites from the U.S. Army Reserve Honor Guard. A private interment of ashes will take place later in Scott-Doane Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to either the West Mendon United Methodist Church, or to the Three Rivers Health Hospice. An online register is available at www.eickhofffuneralhome.com