Bob Haveman November 3, 1952 - August 19, 2026

Bob Haveman

November 3, 1952 – August 19, 2026

 Bob Haveman, 73, of Turlock, CA, beloved husband, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully at home on August 19, 2026, following a brave and determined second battle with cancer. He was born on his mother’s birthday on November 3, 1952, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and was the cherished son of Jasper and Agnes (Van Beek) Haveman.

Bob grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and had fond memories of family summer vacations spent camping at Silver Lake near Hart, Michigan. He attended Sylvan Christian School and created memories exploring the U.S. on a cross-country trip with friends before he pursued further education at Grand Valley State College. At Grand Valley he earned his associate degree and then joined the U.S. Air Force where he was trained and assigned in Air Traffic Control. After leaving the Air Force, he continued to work as an Air Traffic Controller, working in several California towers until his retirement in 2002. As an adult he made California his chosen home.

Known for his quiet nature and a preference for privacy, Bob was a man of few words but a keen mind. His slow-growing warm smile and gentle demeanor left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing him. In his personal life, Bob found immense joy and companionship with his beloved wife, Mary VanWormer, whose humor, light and joy enriched his life for over three decades. Bob and Mary married in 1993 and together, they delighted in the antics and friendship of several dogs and neighborhood cats. Bob spent a lot of time after retirement in front of a computer screen, but he enjoyed simple pleasures, such as golfing while he was still able, eating mashed potatoes, and taking walks through the almond orchard accompanied by Mary and the dogs.

Bob was preceded in death by his father, who died while Bob was still a teenager, and his mother who died in 2001, as well as his niece, Gwen. He is survived by his devoted wife, Mary, and members of her extended family. He is also survived by his loving sisters, Carol (Gerry) Erffmeyer and Donna (Ron) Berkhof, as well as his nephew, Keith (Alissa) Erffmeyer; nieces, Laura (Tim) Schnyders, Bobbi Berkhof, Julie Erffmeyer, and Becky (Steve) Klein; and several grand nieces and nephews. Family remembers fondly the warmth and recollections they shared during treasured trips to Montana and family visits, especially when Bob and Mary attended a party and sort of family reunion in Grand Rapids celebrating his mom’s 80th birthday and several visits to Montana. He and his sisters especially enjoyed their last time together in 2022 when they all met in Great Falls, MT and went to a Beach Boys concert.

Mary and the family wish to express their heartfelt gratitude to Covenant Care Hospice, Turlock CA, for their compassionate care and support during Bob’s final days. In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no services. Bob will be dearly missed and forever loved by those whose lives he touched.