Robert E. Champagne

Robert Elois Champagne of Hickory Corners, Michigan died unexpectedly the morning of July 1, 2024. He was born on March 18, 1966, to Arthur M. Champagne Jr. and Jeanette Louise (Pultorak) Champagne in Battle Creek, Michigan. Bob (or “Bobby” as his elder sisters insisted on calling him) graduated from Battle Creel Central High School in 1984. He later received a Business degree from Miller College. In 1985 he joined the United States Marine Corps, fulfilling his lifelong ambition. His family teased him that boot camp was going to be a breeze for him because he was already used to taking orders after growing up with three older sisters. He proudly served his country in the Persian Gulf War. After his career in the Marines, Bob and his dad bought the general store in Hickory Corners, Michigan where he made many friends. When they sold the store, Bob began his career with Stryker Corporation where he worked until his death. Bob had a knack for making friends, mostly due to his wacky sense of humor. As a child, during family games of Aggravation, Bobby always chose white marbles, because the one was slightly discolored. He nicknamed it Killer, and whenever Killer was in play, winning became secondary to gleefully knocking anyone else’s marbles that he could catch back to start accompanied by a macabre laugh. Bob loved the Detroit Red Wings, the Detroit Tigers, and Michigan football; he had a love/hate relationship with the Lions. Bob was a voracious reader, loved old movies, a variety of music genres, and playing trivia, especially playing in trivia contests with his nephew Kevin. If he is in heaven playing Euchre right now, we advise his partner to never, under any circumstances, play the trump nine on his off suit ace. You WILL hear about it. Bob was preceded in death by his father, Arthur Champagne, Jr. He is survived by his mother, Jeanette Champagne, sisters Mary Hough and Carol Champagne of Battle Creek, and Ellen Champagne of Ypsilanti, Michigan. He is also survived by his nephews, Stephen (Jaime) Champagne, Derek (Katie) Millier, Kevin (Marissa) Miller, and nieces, Acadia Champagne, Georgia Bella (Osvaldo) Hough, Remy Darnell, 6 great nieces and nephews, and one great-great nephew. He is also survived by uncles, Stan (Connie) Pultorak, Ed (Peggy) Pultorak, and special cousin Theresa (Gene) Price along with several other cousins. A private funeral service will be held at Richard A. Henry Funeral Home & Cremation Services, with interment at Fort Custer National Cemetery with military honors. Semper Fi dear Bobby, we miss you very much already. Memories and condolences my be left for the family at www.henryfuneralhome.org