Robert B. Braamse

Robert “Bob” Braamse, 75, of Benton Harbor, passed away Saturday, September 19, 2009 at his home. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 A.M. Friday at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, 555 E. Delaware Ave., Benton Harbor with Fr. William Jacobs, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery in St. Joseph. Friends may call from 5:00 until 8:00 P.M. Thursday, with Liturgical Prayers recited at 7:00 P.M. at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Memorials may be made to Blossomtime Festival or St. John-St. Bernard Parish. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Bob was born December 25, 1933 in Birmingham, Michigan to Cornelius & Florence (McVea) Braamse. He graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1951 and from Western Michigan University in 1955. He joined his father in the family business, Merchant’s Credit Bureau in Benton Harbor, shortly afterwards, retiring as president in 2003. On January 12, 1957, he married the former Helen Taiclet in Benton Harbor. Bob was a member of St. John-St. Bernard Parish, Benton Harbor Elks Lodge #544 and Benton Harbor Exchange Club. Bob served in many capacities with Blossomtime over the last 52 years, where he was currently the Treasurer of the Executive Board and Parade Chairman. He was an honorary member of the Indianapolis Motorcycle Drill Team and served on the Benton Township Civil Service Board. In his spare time, Bob enjoyed golfing, nature and being out of doors while tending to his farm. He cherished the time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren, and attended all their activities. He was always willing to help someone in need whenever possible. Bob will be remembered most for his love of people. He treated everyone he met with respect, regardless of the situation. Bob is survived by his wife Helen; his son Michael (Elisabeth) Braamse of Benton Harbor; three grandchildren-Jessica, Matthew & Michaella Braamse; his brother-in-law Bruce (Betty) Taiclet of Lakeland, FL; his nephew Steven Taiclet, his great-niece Lauren Taiclet, both of Haywood, CA; and friends too numerous to mention.