Robert L. Hoven, Jr. Obituary (1948 - 2023)

Robert L. Hoven, Jr, 74 died peacefully, Thursday, January 12, 2023 with his wife, RoseAnn, at his side. Bob was born March 25, 1948 in Niles, MI to the late Alma Jean and Robert L. Hoven, Sr. Bob spent part of his early childhood in Cassopolis, MI where he attended a one room schoolhouse. Upon the untimely death of his father, Bob's family moved to Buchanan. In the absence of his Father, Bob was fortunate to have been mentored by Art Burkett, Sonny Riley and Harold Howe. These were the men he looked up to. Bob graduated from Buchanan High School (class of 1968) where he played football and was on the wrestling team. Bob continued his education at Lake Michigan College where he then transferred to Ferris State College and earned a Bachelor of Science in Business (Marketing). After graduation from Ferris State College, he started his career in marketing at The Clark Equipment Company. After a short stint at Clark Equipment, he returned to school to attend The Indiana College of Mortuary Science where he earned his degree of Associate of Mortuary Science in September of 1977. In 1979, Bob opened Hoven Funeral Home which started his lifelong service to the community. Bob had a love and appreciation for farming, farm equipment, and self-reliance that he gained from spending time with his Grandpa Hoven on his Cassopolis farm. He collected tractors and grandfather clocks. Bob was for the most part frugal, however, when RoseAnn took a vacation you could count on Bob to purchase a grandfather clock or tractor. Bob and RoseAnn enjoyed eating out together and traveling country roads where Bob would swerve as he drove looking at the countryside. Bob was fortunate to have a dedicated wife who worked outside of the home and by his side at the funeral home for many years. Despite RoseAnn's best effort in policing his diet Bob maintained a large stash of Pay Day candy bars and sprite. He occasionally enjoyed a cigar. Bob had a morbid sense of humor that he employed on an unexpected basis. He was a consummate napper and often fell asleep at church. Bob is survived by his wife of 50 years, RoseAnn; son, Jeremy Hoven; sisters, Marcia Hoven, Margo Green, Marie (Jeff Johnson) Hoven; grandchildren, Jackson and Marion Hoven. He is preceded in death by his mother, Alma Jean Hesseltine, and father, Robert L. Hoven, Sr. Bob faced his mortality with acceptance and was reassured by his Christian faith. The family would like to thank The Center for Hospice Care, Mishawaka, IN for providing comfort and dignity to his final days. Donations can be made at: foundationforhospice.org Public visitation for Bob will be held from 2-6 pm followed by a funeral service at 6:00 pm on Saturday, January 21, 2023 at Portage Road General Baptist Church, 1765 Portage Rd., Niles, MI. Private burial service at Oak Ridge Cemetery, Buchanan, MI will follow. Online condolences can be made at www.hovenfunerals.com