Robert W. Rumsey

Robert W. Rumsey entered eternal life peacefully on September 10, 2022 surrounded by the family he loved so deeply. He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 70 years Lois Leona Rumsey (Miller). Bob was born August 29, 1925 in Goshen, Indiana, to William and Bessie (Fravey) Rumsey, who also preceded him in death, as did his brother William Rumsey Jr. in 1987. Surviving are his daughter Meredith Rumsey, of Michigan City, Indiana, and his son David Rumsey (Lisa) of Minooka, Illinois.  Grandchildren include Jennifer Ryan (Sean Ryan) of Columbus, Ohio and Laura Nickell (Brian Johnson) of Indianapolis, Indiana; Erin Rumsey, Minooka, Illinois and Patrick Rumsey, Chicago, Illinois.  Great grandchildren include Jay Johnson, Jesse Johnson and Finn Johnson, Columbus, Ohio.

Bob began a life-long career in Education at Chandler Elementary School in Goshen, Indiana.  He was a High School Principal in Middlebury for 2 years.  In 1964 he moved to Michigan City to coach football and teach Business.  He helped to open Rogers High School where he was its first Athletic Director. He progressed to Guidance Counselor and eventually to Assistant Principal at Elston High School.  In total, Bob served the Michigan City Area Schools for 23 years.

Bob served for 2 years as a Radarman in the US Navy in WWII on the Destroyer Escort U.S.S. Scroggins. He was an active member of St. John’s UCC of Michigan City where he enjoyed delivering talks on Stewardship. He taught church school, served as a Consistory member and actively supported the life of his church. In addition, Bob served on the local American Red Cross Board where he was an organizer of many blood drives and a proud member of the 25-gallon club. In retirement, he and Lois delivered Meals On Wheels and waited patiently for another year to pass to take the annual fishing trip to Land O’ Lakes, Wisconsin. Bob could always tell you the number of days until his beloved Notre Dame Fighting Irish football season commenced and proudly wore “The Shirt” from the Notre Dame bookstore on game days.  Of course, his phone ring tone was the Notre Dame fight song.  He was a 2022 inductee into the Michigan City Football Hall of Fame, an honor which he received in his final days and moved him greatly.

A memorial service will be held on October 29, 2022, at Yoder Culp Funeral Home.  Friends will be received from 10 – 12, with a service officiated by Fr. Larry Biller immediately following.  A reception in Michigan City will be announced later.

Memorials may be made to United Church of Christ Foundation, Unity Foundation of LaPorte County, Michigan City Chapter of the American Red Cross and VNA Hospice, NWI.