Memories & Candles

“Monica, I was doing a classmate search for several classmates that left a lasting impression on my life, you being one of them. I wrote to Darcy ...Read More »
1 of 13 | Posted by: Gregory Romeu - Presidio County, TX

“Dear Monica I was saddened to hear of the loss your your father. I get updates from the tribute page and try to keep up with the news of st. joseph...Read More »
2 of 13 | Posted by: susan patzer-hicks - fair oaks, , CA

“Nancy and Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. We fondly remember Bill. Vic knew him over 50 years, working with him at...Read More »
3 of 13 | Posted by: Vic & Lenora Cuthbert - FL

“I originally got to know Bill when he would drive his "beautiful" Ford Bronco down to West Basin Marina to pick up boating supplies. And when he...Read More »
4 of 13 | Posted by: Mike Genovese - St. Joseph, MI

“Dear Nancy and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We have fond memories of our evenings at Hilde and Tom. Bill was...Read More »
5 of 13 | Posted by: Bruno ad Edith Nickel - MI

“To Nancy and Family, We have so many fond memories of Bill and Nancy, with our sailing days in St. Joe.I will never forget our trip to South Haven in...Read More »
6 of 13 | Posted by: Teddi and Bob Price - Elkhart, IN

“I worked very closely with Bill for many years at Whirlpool and then when he retired I saw him at the West Basin Marina almost every day. He was a...Read More »
7 of 13 | Posted by: Ken Zimmerman - St. Joe, MI

“Bill -- I treasured you and Nancy as friends for a very long time. I will never forget how good and helpful you two have been to me when I was...Read More »
8 of 13 | Posted by: Hildle Boozer - St. Joseph, MI

“Nancy & Family, "A life well-lived is a precious gift". May you and your family find comfort in remembering someone so special. Sincerely, Edward...Read More »
9 of 13 | Posted by: Greg Hettig - Eau Claire, MI

“My condolences to the family of Bill Robandt. I was a designer and inventor with Whirlpool for 28 years and knew Bill very well. We worked together...Read More »
10 of 13 | Posted by: Bill Kennedy - Meridian, ID

“Monica and family, On behalf of SJHS Class of '73 I would like to express our deepest condolences on the recent loss of your father. Please know...Read More »
11 of 13 | Posted by: Darcy Stuck - St. Joseph, MI

“My prayers our with his family. ”
12 of 13 | Posted by: Dan Lake - St Joseph, MI

“Nancy, Monnie, and family, I was so sad to see that Bill had passed away. I guess you could say I've known him for most of my life, starting on...Read More »
13 of 13 | Posted by: Kathy Geipel (Randall) - MI


Navy Emblem

William F. "Bill" Robandt, 80, of St. Joseph, passed away Thursday, December 8, 2011 at Lakeland Regional Medical Center, St. Joseph.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held 11:30 A.M. Tuesday at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, with Rev. William Bertsch officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Humane Society of Southwest Michigan. Those wishing to sign Bill's Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.

Bill was born July 21, 1931 in Benton Harbor to William Sr. & Irmgard (Frost) Robandt. He graduated from Benton Harbor High School and attended Lake Michigan College & the University of Michigan. Bill served four years in the US Navy, stationed in Barcelona, Spain, where the crew of his ship served as good will ambassadors between the US & Spain. On November 7, 1953, he married the former Nancy Odell in St. Joseph. Bill gained employment in 1956 as a designer in the advance development department for Whirlpool Corp., where he held many patents. He retired in 1993 after thirty-seven years. Upon retirement, Bill enjoyed being grandpa or "Papa" to his grandchildren, being Captain of his ship "Inspiration" as he sailed Lake Michigan with his family & friends, and chauffeuring for his son-in-law at Magnum Classic Limousine. He also enjoyed fishing & tying flies, and building & remodeling homes. He was very proud of his home he designed & built in St. Joseph.

Bill is survived by his wife Nancy; his daughter Monica (J.W.) Magner of St. Joseph; his son Mark (Theresa) Robandt of Darlington, SC; four grandchildren-Lissa (Jeremy) DeFord, Cory Magner, Kasi Heppler & Mazi Heppler; one great-grandchild on the way; his sister Betty (Bob) Brenner of North Port, MI; and his feline companion Katy. He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Lisa Heppler on September 5, 1994, and a grandson Cody Wesner on February 14, 1988.