Robert A. Courter Sr., of Shepherd, Michigan, passed away on August 2, 2026 surrounded by his family. Robert was born in Alma, Michigan on April 4, 1950, to Glen and Frances Ruth Courter. He attended Alma Public Schools and after graduating married the love of his life, Diane (Wieferich). They were married on May 31, 1969, and just celebrated 57 years together, which one can only hope to have such a long, lasting marriage. Together they raised three sons, Rob (Julie), Ed (Amy Lynn), and Glen (Amy Sue).
Robert, known as “Two-Bits” or Bob, spent his entire career dedicated to the lumber and construction business. He spent countless hours working on estimates and projects to make sure the builders and customers had all they needed. Bob was very active in the Shepherd community. He was active in the sports boosters and was known to spread his blanket out on the 50 yard line bleacher hours before a football game. He wore his sons’ jersey numbers with pride and did not miss a game. Bob’s community did not stop at sports, he also was the Mayor of Shepherd for over a decade. He served on the Village Council, the Depot Committee, Maple Syrup Festival Committee and was an active member of St. Vincent’s DePaul Church. He also served as Vice President of the National Mayor’s Association. Bob served as a Grand Marshal of The Maple Syrup Parade, and received Citizen of the Year in 2004. Bob loved nothing more than serving and supporting his community.
Anyone who knew Bob knew that he had a fabulous sense of humor. He was always up for a laugh and loved pulling pranks. He continuously teased his friends and family and would often ask if anyone knew where his missing finger was. (Sometimes the missing “finger would be in Diane’s purse.”)
Although Bob spent countless hours dedicated to his lumber and construction career, he still remained fiercely committed to the family he loved SO BIG. Bob loved to talk shop with his boys and was proud of all their accomplishments. Despite raising and living with all boys, Bob became a great Girl Dad to his daughters-in-law, granddaughters and great-granddaughter. Bob was always the biggest fan and held many nieces and nephews close to his heart. He cherished times with his grandkids, Emily (Conrad) Buitron, Brooke (Semaj), Travis (Carley), Robby (Hannah), Allie (Brendan) Ysseldyke, Emma (Dylan). Bob also enjoyed being a Great-Papa of Amara (Brooke/Semaj). Bob and Diane took their grandchildren on yearly trips to create memories and to “spoil” them and share the love of making every moment count and enjoying their surroundings.
In retirement, Bob loved working in his workshop. Diane and Bob loved camping and going on fall color tours. They would spend time traveling, going to grandkids sporting events, visiting the family farm and working on projects at home.
Bob is survived by his wife and children, grandchildren and his great granddaughter and his brother (Ron).
In lieu of flowers we are asking for donations for the purchase of memorial trees at the Maple Syrup Festival Site.
Service will be casual attire (jeans), as Bob was not a man of suits and dressing up. Visitation will be from 4-8 PM on Wednesday August 5, 2026 at St. Vincent DePaul Church, with a Vigil service at 7:00. Funeral Service will be 11:00 AM on August 6, 2026 at St. Vincent DePaul Church in Shepherd, Michigan.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Berry Funeral Home of Shepherd.
