Born May 7, 1950, to Jerrold and Sarah (Bosch) in Holland, Michigan, Robert Jay Tucker passed away August 1, 2026, in Holland at the age of 76.
Bob was the second oldest of five children. He was raised in the village of East Saugatuck in a Christian home. As a young boy, he loved the outdoors, especially deer hunting where each November brought time with family and friends spent at Deer Camp near Gould City deep in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. This was a beloved annual tradition that has been passed down to next generations.
Bob graduated from Holland Christian High School. In February 1970, he was drafted into the United States Army. He made profession of faith and left for basic and advanced training.
He married Barbara Lynn Kraker on July 8, 1970. One week later, he entered his one-year tour as an infantryman with the 101st Airborne Division in De Nang, Vietnam.
In the latter half of his tour, he transitioned into a radio operator – accompanying captains to relay communications on orders, movements, and resupplies.
He rose to Rank Sp/4. He earned several medals during his tour including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Bronze Service Stars, Combat Infantryman Badge, and Army Commendation Medal. His active time was 20 months and with his reserve time served 6 years.
Upon his return from Vietnam, Bob worked at Herman Miller and served in several roles during his 38 year service, including planer operator, hi-lo driver, supervisor and plant safety coordinator.
A life changing stroke in April 2002 forced his retirement. Suffering first a minor stroke at home, then a major stroke at the hospital, his right side was paralyzed. Bob spent seven weeks in patient rehab and two years in outpatient rehab, relearning the basics of life – talking, walking, reading and writing.
Before his stroke, he enjoyed intricate scroll saw work. The stroke did not deter him and “Stroke of Faith” was born. Learning how to use his left hand, he continued his hobby which turned into a small business and he even had an Art Prize entry.
Another one of Bob’s passions was singing. He was part of Exalt, a local group that performed over 200 times in 15 years together concentrating in Christian Gospel. Bob was a long-time member of Hamilton Reformed Church where he served as a Stephen Minister, elder and was a member of the choir.
After Barbara died in 2011 and it became more difficult to live alone, he moved into Freedom Village where he has spent the last 10+ years, continuing his scroll saw work and making several new friends. He would always be with fellow residents at the Bistro or in the lobby and always made new people feel welcome.
His pride and joy were his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren who survive him: Craig (Kerry) Tucker of Hopkins and Jason (Michelle) Tucker of Hamilton. Grandchildren Katrina, Caleb and Colby Tucker of Hopkins; Breanna (Mitch) Bouma of Wake Forest, NC; Kaitlyn (Reese) Beck of Holland; Bryce Tucker of Grand Haven. Great-grandchildren Addilyn, Ash and Alexander Bouma of Wake Forest, NC. Siblings Les (Karen) Tucker, Marc Tucker and Shirley Tucker. Several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife Barbara; daughter Tonya; brother Tom; parents Jerrold & Sarah; mother and father-in-law Robert and Betty Kraker; and sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Quest Ministries. Visit https://quest-ministries.org/ to learn more.
Visitation is scheduled for 4:00-7:00pm Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at Hamilton Reformed Church, 3554 M-40, Hamilton, MI, 49419. Burial with military honors will take place at 9:30am Thursday, August 6 at East Saugatuck Cemetery. Following the burial, a memorial service, with Pastor Cory Potter officiating, is planned for 11:00am at the church.
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