William Robandt

William F. “Bill” Robandt, 80, of St. Joseph, passed away Thursday, December 8, 2011 at Lakeland Regional Medical Center, St. Joseph. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held 11:30 A.M. Tuesday at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, with Rev. William Bertsch officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Humane Society of Southwest Michigan. Those wishing to sign Bill’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Bill was born July 21, 1931 in Benton Harbor to William Sr. & Irmgard (Frost) Robandt. He graduated from Benton Harbor High School and attended Lake Michigan College & the University of Michigan. Bill served four years in the US Navy, stationed in Barcelona, Spain, where the crew of his ship served as good will ambassadors between the US & Spain. On November 7, 1953, he married the former Nancy Odell in St. Joseph. Bill gained employment in 1956 as a designer in the advance development department for Whirlpool Corp., where he held many patents. He retired in 1993 after thirty-seven years. Upon retirement, Bill enjoyed being grandpa or “Papa” to his grandchildren, being Captain of his ship “Inspiration” as he sailed Lake Michigan with his family & friends, and chauffeuring for his son-in-law at Magnum Classic Limousine. He also enjoyed fishing & tying flies, and building & remodeling homes. He was very proud of his home he designed & built in St. Joseph. Bill is survived by his wife Nancy; his daughter Monica (J.W.) Magner of St. Joseph; his son Mark (Theresa) Robandt of Darlington, SC; four grandchildren-Lissa (Jeremy) DeFord, Cory Magner, Kasi Heppler & Mazi Heppler; one great-grandchild on the way; his sister Betty (Bob) Brenner of North Port, MI; and his feline companion Katy. He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Lisa Heppler on September 5, 1994, and a grandson Cody Wesner on February 14, 1988.