Posted on 11/30/2018
Robert James Jermstad, Jr. (September 8, 1931 - November 27, 2018)
Born in Florence, South Carolina September 8th, 1931. Entered eternal life on November 27th, 2018.
Loving Husband, Dad, Papa, and Hero.
Beloved husband of Barbara (“Bird”) for more than 63 years. Passed into eternal life peacefully on Tuesday, November 27th, 2018 in his home surrounded by loved ones.
Robert was born in South Carolina on September 8th, 1931 to the late Dr. Robert James and Lorene Jermstad. Mr. Jermstad attended the University of Michigan at the age of 16 before ultimately graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD in 1954. After graduation he was set up on a blind date with Barbara Ross from Flint, Michigan. That night he decided he had met the love of his life. Shortly after, the two were married in 1955.
Mr. Jermstad was a Korean war veteran and carrier based Naval Aviator and flight instructor. In later years, his love of flying led to a career as a private pilot in the metro Detroit area. He also enjoyed work in the transportation and real estate industries.
Papa Jermstad has a deep love for family, flying, sailing, and Higgins Lake, Michigan.
There he and his father built a family cottage that was enjoyed for many years.
He was a charter member of St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Troy, Michigan for 55 years where he once served as president of the parish council and was an active member of the community.
His life long deep faith was an example to many.
He is preceded in death by his parents Dr. Robert and Lorene Jermstad, his brother Glen Lynch Jermstad (Kitty) and his nephew Glen Jermstad Jr.
He is survived by his beloved wife Barbara and his seven children; Robert III (Elizabeth), Michael, David (Sharon), Catharine (Greg), John (Carrie), Deborah (James) and Suzanne.
Nephews George (Maggie) and Curtis (Susan).
He was proud to be called PAPA by his 14 grand children; Michael Ross Jr, Matthew William, Daniel Robert (Mary Elizabeth), Emerson Hayes, Grace Anne, Jacob David, James Davis Jr (Nikki), Megan Davis, Michael Davis, Daniel Davis, Mary Hervey Burns (Bobby), Joseph Hervey (Chelsea), Macaulay John Glen (Lauren), Hayden Hayes and his 2 great grandchildren; Charlotte Rae, and Maxine Olivia.
Visitation will be at A.J. Desmond & Sons Funeral Home, 2600 Crooks Road (btw Maple and Big Beaver), 248-362-2500 on Thursday November 29, 2018 from 3-8pm.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday November 30, 2018 at 11 a.m. at St Thomas More Catholic Church, 4580 N. Adams Road Troy. Visitation at the church begins Friday at 10:30 a.m.
Burial will be at the Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan.
A.J. Desmond and Sons
2600 Crooks Road
Troy, MI 48084
248-362-2500
https://www.desmondfuneralhome.com/obituary/Robert-James-Jermstad-Jr./Bloomfield-Hills-Michigan/1824429