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Robert Eugene Van Auken
Born: 11/26/1935
Died: 4/12/2020
Age: 84
Community: Saginaw, MI
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Van Auken, Robert Eugene - Age 84, of Saginaw, died Sunday, April 12, 2020. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at a later date. Those desiring may make contributions to Habitat for Humanity or Adopt-A-Pet of Fenton.
Bob Van Auken was a kind, generous, and attentive father who made his daughters feel safe and loved and perfect in his eyes. He made sure they had flowers on Valentine’s Day and their favorite cake on their birthdays, and always made sure they had everything they needed. He was incredibly proud of his grandson, deeply admired his sons-in-law, and had fond memories of working side by side with his son years ago.
Bob was a respected builder and business man in Saginaw, and many of his beautiful homes and buildings can be seen all around town. People loved working with him because he was honest, straightforward, and took great pride in perfecting his craft. His family, friends, and these buildings will always stand as a testament to his achievements.
Robert was born November 26, 1935 in Holly, the son of Clayton and Donna (Graff) Van Auken. He was a 1954 graduate of Holly High School and received a Bachelor's Degree from Michigan State University, and also served in the U.S. Navy Reserves as a young man. Coming from Holly and Caseville, he then resided in Saginaw for over 55 years and owned and operated Van Auken Construction for most of his career. Bob was a proud member of the Builders Association since 1969, was their 1997 Builder of the Year, and donated his construction talents on several church mission trips to places like Belize, Vietnam, Chile, and Jamaica. Robert enjoyed golfing, traveling, playing with all of the family pets, and fishing up at his cottage in Cadillac.
Surviving are: his daughters, Julie (John) Maloney of Fenton, Angie (Jim) Dow of Grand Rapids, and Amy Van Auken of San Antonio, TX; grandson, Shane Maloney of Fenton; step daughter, Ashley Langley of Florida; stepson, Jonathan Manbeck of Indiana; and wife Jean (Mietla) of Saginaw.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Robert Van Auken, Jr.; and brother, Jack Van Auken. Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.
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4/13/2020 |
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