Robert "Bob" Siegrist, 78, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, pastor, and faithful servant of Jesus Christ, went home to be with his Savior at 3:55 p.m. on Friday, July 24, 2026, from Peabody Retirement Community, North Manchester, after a lifetime spent loving God and loving people. His life was marked by joyful service, unwavering faith, contagious humor, and a heart that never met a stranger.

Bob was born to Paul and Wilma Siegrist, whose love and guidance helped shape the man of faith he would become. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Sociology from Western Michigan University before continuing his studies at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, preparing for the calling that would define his life.

On June 15, 1974, Bob married the love of his life, Sandra Wiese, in Bridgeport, Michigan. Together they shared a beautiful marriage built on faith, love, and partnership in ministry. They were blessed with four children: Jonathan, Anna, David, and Deborah. Bob delighted in being "Grandpa"  to his eight grandchildren. His family was one of God's greatest gifts to him, and he faithfully supported them in every season of life.

In 1978, Bob and Sandy moved to Auburn, Indiana, where he served as Associate Pastor at Bible Baptist Church while teaching fifth grade at Faith Christian Academy. It was in Auburn that all four of their children were born. During those years Bob became known as "PB", short for Pastor Bob, and drove the church bus to pick up neighborhood children for church, faithfully investing in young lives with the same enthusiasm he brought to every ministry opportunity.

In 1986, the family moved to Argos, Indiana, where Bob answered God's call to pastor First Baptist Church. Six years later, in 1992, he accepted the pastorate of Tri-Lakes Baptist Church in Columbia City, where he faithfully shepherded the congregation for thirteen years. Bob continued his service at Believer's Bible Fellowship in Churubusco until he retired in 2016.  Throughout his ministry, Bob's greatest passion was sharing the hope of Jesus Christ. He loved preaching God's Word, especially at summer camps, where his messages and larger-than-life personality impacted countless lives. He also served on the IFRBC Camp Board and as a member of the Council of Twelve, investing in churches and fellow pastors for many years.

To know Bob was to laugh. He possessed an ever-ready collection of dad jokes and could find humor in almost any situation. His wit was constant, his smile contagious, and his personality unforgettable. Even routine trips to the grocery store became opportunities to strike up conversations with strangers who often left as friends. Bob simply loved people, and people loved Bob.

He was a man who lived out his favorite Scripture, Romans 12:1-2, offering his life as a living sacrifice in service to Christ and encouraging others to be transformed by the renewing of their minds. His faith found expression not only from the pulpit but in everyday acts of kindness, encouragement, and generosity. His favorite hymns, "Blessed Assurance" and "Amazing Grace," reflected the confidence and gratitude that shaped his walk with God.

Bob loved his family deeply. He rarely missed his children's soccer games and became well known for enthusiastically cheering from the sidelines. His passion for youth sports extended beyond his own family as he helped establish the YMCA youth soccer program in Columbia City, creating opportunities for countless children to play and grow.

Outside of ministry, Bob enjoyed cheering on the Michigan Wolverines and the Detroit Tigers. He treasured his faithful dog, Princess. His kids will always remember him with certs and a handkerchief tucked into his pocket.

More than anything, Bob loved Jesus. His life was one of humble service, faithful preaching, joyful laughter, and genuine compassion. He reminded those around him that following Christ was both a serious calling and a joyful journey. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the churches he faithfully served, his beloved family, and all who experienced his kindness, encouragement, and unmistakable sense of humor.

While his family grieves his passing, they rejoice in the promise that sustained Bob throughout his life—that because of God's amazing grace and the saving work of Jesus Christ, they will see him again.

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship."

Surviving are his beloved wife of 52 years, Sandra; children, Jon (Alyson Hartung) Siegrist of Columbus OH, Anna Copp of Columbia City, David (Laura) Siegrist of Valparaiso, and Deborah (Kyle) Hilligoss of Columbia City; grandchildren, Jeffrey, Arianna, Christopher, Seth, Marisen, Blake, Benton, and Max; and a sister Karen (Krist) Wenzel of Hemlock, MI.

He was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Josh Copp.

The funeral service is at 10 a.m. Monday (August 3rd) at the Tri-Lakes Baptist Church, 5679 N Center St, Columbia City, IN 46725.  Visitation is 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday (August 2nd) at the church and 1 hour before the service on Monday.

Memorials in Bob's honor are to the Tri-Lakes Baptist Church.