Robert (Bob) Rudy Lommerse, 69, of Monroe passed away peacefully in his home on the morning of March 20th, 2025 from a long, valiant struggle with Multiple Systems Atrophy C-Type.
Bob was born on September 6th, 1955 in Monroe to Rutgerus "Rudy" and Matilda "Dolly" (Leonard) Lommerse. Bob graduated from Monroe High School in 1973. After graduation, he elected to serve in the United States Air Force. He trained as a medical technician and received an Associate Degree in ophthalmic dispensing from the Metro Technical Community College Ophthalmic Dispensing program. While in the Air Force, he managed the PX Eyeglass Dispensary. He was honorably discharged from the Air Force in 1977. Upon arriving home in Monroe, he began employment with Dr. M. Hanif Peracha and managed Optical Studio. He then became Plant Manager of Toledo Optical Laboratory, thrice winning Transitions Lab of the Year under his management. He then fulfilled his dream of becoming co-owner and manager of Visionary Eyecare in Monroe. Bob was an active member of the Optician's Association of Michigan, where he served two years as Secretary, and several years on the OAM Board of Directors.
Bob married Elizabeth McMullen-Orick on January 7th, 1994 at St. Mary Catholic Church. Their blended family brought him so much love, laughter, and joy.
Bob was a lifetime member of St. Mary Catholic Church, where he served many years as a Lector and Eucharistic Minister. He previously served on the Parish Council. He also served as Chairman of the Monroe Vicariate.
In 2008, Bob found his new passion, sailing. He bought his first sailboat, a 36' Catalina, named "Chances Are." He was a long-time member of the North Cape Yacht Club. Bob also enjoyed cruising in his 1965 Mustang and taking road trips on his Triumph motorcycle with his son, Jason. He had a green thumb and enjoyed working in the yard. He learned carpentry from his father and loved to build things, like the family gazebo.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, brother Donald Lommerse, father and mother-in-law Edward D. (Bud) and Germaine McMullen, and brother-in-law Douglas D. McMullen, Sr.
Bob is survived by his devoted wife, Elizabeth; three children: Jason Lommerse of Ypsilanti, Michigan, Amy (Charles) Waldron of San Antonio, Texas, and Jill (John) Carmichael of Sturgis, Michigan; eight grandchildren: Ethan and Owen Lommerse; Jared (Emma), Connor, and Nolan Waldron; Annabel, Duncan, and Betsy Carmichael; sister, Denise (Rick) Antosik of Adrian, Michigan, sister-in-law Debby McMullen of Roanoke, Virginia, brother-in-law Robert J. McMullen, Sr. of Monroe, Michigan, and several nieces and nephews.
Family and friends may visit from 2pm to 8pm Tuesday, March 25th at Bacarella Funeral Home, with a scripture service at 7pm. Bob will lie in state Wednesday, March 26th at 9:30am at St. Mary Catholic Church until a Mass of the Resurrection at 10:30am, followed by a private burial.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church in Monroe.
Bob's legacy was best summarized by his daughter, Amy, "Our Daddy Bob died today. He wasn't our biological father but treated my sister, Jill, and I like we were always his. Doesn't make it sting any less. He never met a stranger! He was in our lives for over 32 years…walked both of us down the aisle, was there for the birth of all three of my boys…I'm not an outward emotional person, don't share much, but this one is hard. Maybe because we moved away when he was first sick, maybe because I felt like I didn't visit enough, maybe because I always wondered when 'this' time would be the last time…hold your people close…there will always be a this time, and it will be hard, and you will have regrets, but, 'Our lives, are better left to chance, I could have missed the pain, but I'd of had to miss, the dance.' "
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com .