Robert Neil Mast, age 101, of Dexter, MI, passed away on Saturday, November 26, 2022 at his home.
Bob was born on March 9, 1921 on his family's Centennial Farm in Webster Twp., the first born child of Carl and Emma (Berner) Mast.
A life long resident of Dexter, Bob began his education at the Peatt School on Gregory Rd. until the eighth grade, then to Dexter Schools for high school, graduating in 1938. In his youth, he showed Delaine-Merino sheep at the County Fair, State Fair, and Michigan 4-H Fair. Bob was recognized as the Outstanding County Club Member in 1938, and in 1940, he attended Michigan State College for the Ag Short Course. Beginning in 1941, Bob became a 4-H leader and continued this role for more than 30 years.
Bob was active in a variety of organizations. He was a 75 year member of the Masonic Lodge, a lifetime member of St. Andrew's Church of Christ in Dexter, a Farm Bureau member since 1949, a board member of the USDA FSA, a member of the Webster Township Planning Commission, the Michigan Milk Producers, and the Washtenaw Ag Council.
In 1945, Bob married Selma Herter, and they were married for 66 years until her passing in 2011. Bob is survived by his daughters, Carol Jones and Janet (Richard) Stanfield, and son, Ronald (Marilyn) Mast; five grandchildren, Michelle (Kirk) Hedding, Kyle Jones, Courtney (Nick) Thompson, Jason (Debbie) Mast, and Dylan Stanfield; eight great-grandchildren, Emma, Isabelle, Madeline, Lilyan, Ben, Jacob, Liam, and Charlotte. Bob is also survived by two sisters, Mary Ann (Gary) Hansen, and Linda (Ron) Kociba, brother-in-law, Stanley Toney, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Selma, his parents, and step-mother, Anne Mast, sisters, Kathryn (Wayne) Waggoner, Jean (John) Reardan, Joan Toney, and granddaughter, Lauren Stanfield.
A special thanks to Danny Trinkle and Mike Koch, who kept the farm operating, and care aides, Tanya Yamnot and Cary Ketzner, who lovingly cared for and comforted Bob and the family for the last year and a half.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 2, 2022, 11:00 a.m., at St. Andrew's United Church of Christ in Dexter, MI, with Rev. Charles Bigelow officiating. A luncheon will follow the service. Burial will be private.
Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Thursday, December 1, 2022, from 2-6 p.m., as well as at the church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Andrew's United Church of Christ or the Dexter Alumni Association.
Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.
