Bob was born December 11, 1943 in Sioux City, Iowa the son of Donald H. and Betty Elzinga Poortenga. Bob spent his youth in Hudsonville, MI and moved with his family to Brandon in 1955. He attended Brandon schools and graduated in 1962. After graduation he worked at Speed Queen in Ripon until he was drafted into the Army in 1965. Upon his return, he was hired as a correctional officer at Waupun Correctional Institute where he retired in 1999. All who knew him could tell you he was an avid golfer and a voracious reader. For many years he loved deer hunting and gardening.

Bob is survived by his wife of 42 years, Carolyn (Ostwald); a son, Ryan of Milwaukee; a daughter, Rhonda Roedl of Beaver Dam; two granddaughters, Cassidy and Audrey Roedl; one great-granddaughter, Kairi Mae of Beaver Dam; four brothers, Gene (Christine) of Green Lake, David (Donna) of Brandon, Douglas (Carla) of Fairwater, and Daniel of Berlin; two nephews, Jason and Jeff; and stepmother, Dixie Poortenga of Jenison, MI.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father.

Special thanks to Martin Van Ess, Jim and Nancy White, and Ken Perry for supporting Bob during his illness.