Obituary of Robert Etzcorn

Robert Etzcorn, 90, of Niles passed away on Saturday, September 3, 2016, at Hanson Hospice Center, in Stevensville, Michigan. He was born on December 13, 1925 to the late; George and Helen (Wallace) Etzcorn in Dowagiac, Michigan. Robert is preceded in death by his parents, George and Helen Etzcorn, wife; Janyce M. Etzcorn and brother; Lyle P. Etzcorn. He is survived by his daughters; Sally Tucker, of Niles, Suellen (Bruce) Foster, of Berrien Center, son; John (Janis) Etzcorn, of Richland, grandchildren; Joseph and Robert Tucker, Sean and Scott Heil, Nicole (Andrew) Capogreco, Ryan and Madelyn Etzcorn and six great grandchildren. Robert served his country during WWII in the Army Air Corps, training to fly B-25 bombers as part of the Japanese invasion force when the war ended. He returned to Niles, Michigan to complete high school before enrolling at Olivet College under the GI Bill, where he acquired the nickname "Cobby" and played football with Hall of Fame members Joe Funk, Johnny Ray and coach Frank Ham. After graduating from Olivet in 1951, he returned to Niles to resume working for the French Paper Company, where he served as Personnel and Purchasing Manager until retirement in 1988. After a brief engagement, he married Janyce Marie Miars of Niles in 1952 to whom he was happily married to for 62 years before preceding him in death in 2014. They built a home together at 851 Philip Road in Niles Township using nothing but a Sears & Roebuck plan and sheer determination. They resided there until 2015 when Robert moved to St. Joseph, spending the last year of his life happily wandering the bluff overlooking Lake Michigan. HIs favorite hobbies were woodworking, gardening, hunting, fishing, golfing, volleyball, cheering (loudly) for Niles High School, the Lions, the Wolverines, and any other sport or activity a grandchild was participating in. Robert and his wife, Janyce, wintered in Nokomis, Florida during retirement. Most of all he enjoyed being with friends and family and teasing anybody who would tolerate his colorful sense of humor! Robert was a faithful member of the First Presbyterian Church of Niles for most of his life, serving in a variety of capacities from choir member to vacation bible school volunteer. He is now blessed to be resurrected with his personal Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. A celebration of his amazing life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, November 5th, 2016 at the First Presbyterian Church at 13 South Fourth Street in Niles, Michigan. IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, those wishing to make a memorial contribution, may do so to the First Presbyterian Foundation of Niles.