Robert "Bob" Vollmer

Robert "Bob" Vollmer, 84 of Ellsworth passed away Saturday, January 20, 2024 at Meadow Brook Medical Care Facility.  He was born August 22, 1939 in Detroit the son of Robert Vollmer and Violet Gentz.

Family, friends, smiles, jokes, candy, and cars are just a few words that may come to mind when you hear Bob Vollmer’s name.  Bob was so much to so many people.  

Bob made Ellsworth his home for 67 years.  He started working and eventually owned the local full service gas station while selling cars on the opposite corner to those near and far. Generations of families and friends have purchased their first cars from Bob. He made it his mission to find exactly what they wanted. All you had to do was tell him the year, model and make - “There is an ass for every seat.” 

Bob loved and cherished his family. He was so very proud of his four boys!  The men they grew into and the lives they lived.  Bob spent 60 years with his wife, Judie, growing the Vollmer family into what it is today. If you knew Bob, you knew he couldn’t get enough of his five grandchildren. Bob was the papa who took them for moped rides, who got them their first sweet treat, who traveled to see his grandkids participate in the sports they loved, even if it meant traveling across the country. Family was so important to Bob that during his last week of life while looking at photos he told us he would talk about his family until his last breath. 

 Most mornings Bob could be found at his favorite place, Front Porch Cafe, in Ellsworth having a sweet roll or cookie and a Sprite.  He knew most of the people who walked in and greeted them with that warm gentle smile of his.  In years past, Bob was often seen clearing tables and having conversations with community members he had known for a lifetime.  The Front Porch was his happy place; his place to give back to the community - Ellsworth the place he called home. 

Bob was also known as the “candy man.” It didn’t matter if you were five or 85, he always had a sweet treat to offer at Vollmer Auto Sales, and he insisted you always take more than one! 

Left to cherish his memories are his wife Judie, his sons Jeff (Renea) of South Lyon and their children Emma and Julia, Bryan (Jen) of Charlevoix and their children Olivia and Hudson, Scott (Lynn) of Charlevoix and their son Parker Skeel, and Doug of Charlevoix.  

Bob/Papa has touched the lives of many and will continue to live on in the memories shared. 

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 24th, at 12 Noon at Belltower Reformed Church in Ellsworth with the family receiving friends from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service.  Pastors Jim Heneveld and Cobus Manders will officiate.  In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be given to the Front Porch, PO BOX 37, Ellsworth, MI 49729.  Spring interment will take place in Atwood Cemetery, Banks Township. 

Arrangements are in the care of the Ellsworth Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.  Please sign his online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.