Robert “Bob” Van Guilder

Robert “Bob” Van Guilder, 75, of Summit Twp., passed away peacefully on Friday April 21, 2023 after a two-year courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Bob was born in Titusville, PA on August 30, 1947 a son of the late Willliam Birchard, Sr. and Marian (Haehn) Birchard.

Bob grew up in Grand Valley, PA and retired from GE after more than 30 years. He was an avid hunter and passionate “motor head”. He enjoyed restoring classic vehicles, loved rebuilding high performance engines and had been an enthusiastic drag racer. He loved animals, especially his dog Koda, his best buddy.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by four sisters, Barbara Van Guilder, Lucille Birchard-Lewis, Bonnie Birchard-Kridler, and Beverly Birchard; and one brother, William Birchard, Jr.

Survivors include his wife of 27 years, Mary Dickerman Knobloch Van Guilder; three daughters, Bobbie (Don) Cherry, Tammie Van Guilder, and Stacey (Bill) Baker ; 6 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren; his siblings, Geneva (Mike) Baker, Bernie (Janet) Birchard, Brenda (Pete) Savitz, Virgil Birchard, Barbara (Larry) Johnson, Bridget Birchard, and Beth Birchard (Mike) and a beloved step daughter Jennifer Humphries; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services and burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. Funeral arrangements were made by the Russell C. Schmidt & Son Funeral Home Inc., 5000 Wattsburg Rd., Erie, 16504.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Anna Shelter, 1555 E 10th St, Erie, PA 16511 or the Erie Humane Society, 2407 Zimmerly Rd, Erie, PA 16506

Please visit www.SchmidtFuneralHomeErie.com to sign the Book of Memories.