We celebrate a life well lived - an unselfish soul without measure, a passion for life with a persevering spirit and unbridled compassion. Bob possessed keen intellect spiced with his early life experiences that blessed him with undeniable street smarts. If you needed something done, just call Uncle Bob.
He was born in Grand Rapids on Nov 11, 1934, with life spent there with his mother Gertrude, and all his brothers and sisters, as well as Elk Rapids with his dad, Isaac (Ike) Kievit and stepmother, Charlotte (Reeva) , who together owned the Elk Rapids Coffee Shop (TJ Charlies). Lying about his age, he joined the Navy in 1950 at 16 and four years later he returned to Detroit and lived with his sister and brother in law, Anna and Norm Windsor and all the kids. Smitten by a City of Livonia personnel secretary, he joined the Fire Department in 1956 and in 1958 married Sylvia (who had also been smitten with Bob's great sense of humor and, of course, his zippy little green MGTD convertible).
Having only a GED he completed high school credits to enter Henry Ford Community College in 1960 (on probation) and completed his degree at the University of Michigan, ultimately teaching the social sciences at Livonia Bryant Jr High School under the principalship of Vern Oxender. Night school from 1964-1968 earned him a Juris Doctorate from Detroit College of Law. Northern Michigan life beckoned the family to Elk Rapids in 1968 where he joined Zerafa & Zerafa, moving on to a partnership with Bob Stephan and then a sole practice in 2000.
It was a happy time with all his loves surrounding him. He saw both Melanie and Christian grow up to be loving and very capable adults. He was highly respected in his profession and achieved admittance to both the State of Michigan and US Supreme Courts. He brought some new looks and ideas to Elk Rapids which included the Professional Building, George Crow building, the Town Meeting, and brought pizza to town at the Salty Dog (Pearl's). Other ventures included Land Consultants in Kalkaska and Corporate Title's first office which eventually moved from Kalkaska to Traverse City. He was an active Rotarian for many years, serving as president for a year, and truly enjoyed being a host father to seven Rotary exchange students.
His other love, of course, was our beautiful water wonderland and his 43 ft sloop, the Bangalore. With a certified Captain's license in hand he guided this stately lady on many voyages that provided him with true joy and many eventful experiences that included sailing the Chicago to Mackinac race in 1980. She had been a winner in 1939 and 1940 and he felt it was a great way to celebrate her 50th birthday. He talked about it in the Jul 25, 1980 issue of the Town Meeting as well as writing in the Aug 13 edition about his grand experience and his true self came shining through, "this is a nation where every person is equal to take the hand of opportunity and to join into life. We are a people who give everyone the right to try - a land that denies no one his dream or his chance to state his own case... we encourage the underdog at even a 300 to 1 fat chance... thank you America and thank you, Elk Rapids."
Bob knew that anything was possible. He proved it with his own life and forever championed his beliefs with everyone around him. He was a friend to anyone in need and stories about of his sincere kindness.
His constant sense of humor was with him to the end- actually singing a line of song, literally on key, and coming from a man who was trying to just regain his voice and the ability to swallow. This was on May 11... one day after his 49th wedding anniversary celebrated with Sylvia at a nice lunch, with a corsage, boutonniere and floral arrangement included, as provided at the healthcare facility. It was just five days prior to his passing.
He leaves his much loved Melanie (Bear), Christian (Boomer) and bride, Slvia, grandsons, Shaemus, Nicholas, and Forrest Kreider and the dad, Shawn; his brother, Stanley (Sonnie) Stempleski, and sister, Stella Reid, brothers in law, Norman Windsor, and Jim Brotherton, as well as 35 nieces and nephews and their children. Joining the Bennett family in 1958, he has truly enjoyed the families of Bill, Betty, Greg, Elizabeth, and Stella Bennet; Mary Doran, Susie and Jeff Foster, Ethan and Jordan; Kay, John, Noah, and Josiah Doyle. He was predeceased by 7 siblings, his father, Ike, mother, Gertrude and stepmother Reeva.
There's not a better example of a husband, father, and friend who has walked this earth. God placed this man among us to show us the way.
Funeral arrangements are: Sat, Jun 23, 2007 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
