Robert "Bob" Asa Hand

Bob Hand, 86, of Mt. Pleasant passed away on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at home surrounded by his family. Bob was born on April 29, 1937, son of Millard and Alta (Bailey) Hand. He graduated from Petoskey High School in 1956. That same year he enlisted in the Army serving his country as an MP in the 101 st Airborne Paratroopers. He married Myra Croff on January 3, 1958 in Petoskey. Their marriage of 55 years was blessed with four boys, Tracy, Terry, Tony and Ted. After his military service Bob attended MSU for a short period before returning to Petoskey to work for Hyde Equipment. In 1962 he purchased the family dairy farm in Bay Shore. In 1973 he bought a larger farm in Afton. Bob worked part time for the soil conservation office and Gimop Sales and finished his career managing the Lee Grande Bison Ranch. He retired in 1999 and moved to Indian River. Over the years he served on many  different boards; Cheboygan Co-op, Michigan Milk Producers Association, and Northern Beef and Breeders Association. He was a Farm Bureau member and past president for both Emmet and Cheboygan Counties.

He was a long-time member of the Burt Lake Christian Church and the Burt Lake Community Club. More recently he was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Mt. Pleasant. Bob enjoyed carpentry and made many bird houses for Myra to paint and decorate. After Myra's passing in January 2013, Bob found love again in Mt. Pleasant and married Suzanne Brittain September 20, 2014. They shared almost 10 wonderful years together. Bob enjoyed gardening and care of the house and yard.

Bob will be greatly missed by so many people. He is survived by his wife, Suzanne; children, Tracy (Tricia) Hand of Afton, Terry (Beth) Hand of Princeton, WI, Tony (Denise) Hand of Indian River, and Ted (Anderia) Hand of Afton; 12 grandchildren; 28 great grandchildren; and siblings, Carmen Waite, Jeremy Hand and John Hand. He was preceded in death by both parents; first wife, Myra; and siblings, Betty, Vera, Kathlyn, Gail, Garth, Jean, Merle, Millard, Cliff, Louis, and Edith. Per Bob's wishes cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be celebrated on Friday, April 12, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the Burt Lake Christian Church in Burt Lake. (10989 M-68 Hwy, Burt Lake MI 49717) A lunch will follow the service with interment at 3:00 p.m. at Greenwood Cemetery in Petoskey. To sign the online guest book or leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.CharlesRLux.com.