DECATUR — Robert G. Abshagen, 88, of Decatur, passed away Saturday, July 30, 2011, at home.

Bob was born July 10, 1923, in Decatur, the son of Otto and Johanna (Houseman) Abshagen.

He married Annajune Bucher in 1944 at her parents’ home in Hamilton Township.

His wife survives, along with: a son, Bruce (Janet) Abshagen of Decatur; a daughter, Leslie Heckman of Lawton; two grandsons, Brett Abshagen of Elkhart, Ind., and Todd (Casey) Abshagen of Cassopolis; three great-grandchildren, Shayla, SueAnn and Gabriel of Indiana; a brother, Charles (Eunice) Abshagen of Onaway, Mich.; many nephews and nieces and their families and Achim (Barbara) Lange, his foreign exchange son of Germany.

He was preceded in death by: his parents; sister, Christine Waaso; and three brothers, Hank, Richard and Harold Abshagen.

Bob was born and raised on a farm in Decatur, which gave him the beginning of his love of gardening.

He enjoyed sharing the produce he gew with family, friends and neighbors.

Later, he began baking bread and cinnamon rolls and was very proficient at this.

He lived his entire life in Decatur, working for several Dowagiac companies: Woodmaster, Dowagiac Steel Furnace, Master Cabinet and Ameriwood (Jessco).

Bob’s wishes are being followed and there will be no visitation or funeral. Cremation has taken place.

Private graveside services will take place in Lakeside Cemtery, Decatur, at a later date with his nephew, James Abshagen, providing the family with memories and comforting words at that time.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Southwest Michigan or Decatur Quick Response for all the support they have provided for Bob and his family.

Arrangements by Newell Funeral Home of Decatur.