The community of St. Joseph and Michigan State University have lost one of their most ardent and enthusiastic supporters. Robert ‘Bob’ Gerbel passed away unexpectedly Sunday morning. He was a few weeks short of his 88th birthday. Gerbel’s family posted on social media that he had been recovering well at a local care center from some recent medical issues, and that his passing came as a shock.
Professionally, Gerbel was a CPA—a certified public accountant. He started his own accounting firm, Gerbel & Company in the 1970’s and operated it for 49 years until merging it into Hungerford Nichols, a Grand Rapids firm five years ago. Still, Bob maintained an office in downtown St. Joseph and could be seen almost daily checking in—and checking on—the projects and ‘good works’ that he cared about and continued to support both personally and financially. He loved his hometown of St. Joseph.
Bob Gerbel was a driving force—but almost always in the background—of community projects and improvements for 50 years in St. Joseph. It’s been said that while Gerbel spoke quietly, his vision, exceptional judgement and strong passion came shining through, for the benefit of the Community.
Gerbel was especially active for many years in the St. Joseph Improvement Association, a group of business leaders who privately raised funds for community improvements like parks or parking lots that were not funded from official city or taxpayer sources. He was also instrumental in the growth and development of the St. Joseph Public Schools Foundation, which has funded numerous educational projects in the schools.
Gerbel was a trusted advisor and longtime fund raiser for Congressman Fred Upton in the earlier stages of Upton’s long Congressional service of 36 years. And he was involved for several decades with Point of Woods Country Club and the Western Amateur Golf Championship, which raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for college scholarships for students who served as golf caddies at ‘The Point’ and all over the Midwest. In that role, he served as a national board member of the Western Golf Association in Chicago.
Amid all of those areas of interest and support from Bob Gerbel, one cause stood out above all: Michigan State University. “Go Green, Go White!” Bob Gerbel was a Spartan!
He was the first in his family to graduate from college and he felt all hard-working and deserving students should have an opportunity for a good education. And the BEST students should go to MSU! It’s said that for many years, Bob sought to meet personally with local high school graduates, often buying them dinner and ‘selling’ Michigan State University as their best choice to continue their education. Bob also was an enthusiastic and tireless fund raiser for Michigan State, and could be found on Saturdays in the Fall in his VIP Box at Spartan Stadium, watching his beloved team do battle with Big Ten opponents.
At MoodyOnTheMarket.com, we frequently heard from Bob, with ideas, suggestions, news tips—and sometimes a critique—always offered in the best interest of ‘his’ community. He will be truly missed!
Bob Gerbel was married to his wife, Carol, for 63 years. She preceded him in death last August. Bob and Carol had three children, Nancy, Karen and Steve. Seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Funeral arrangements will be announced.
