Obituary of Robert Carl Eastman

Robert Carl Eastman was born on May 21, 1971, in Monroe, Michigan to Willis and Ruth (Geiman) Eastman. He was proud of his Native American lineage inherited from his paternal grandmother. Rob often credited his love of music and animals to his Cherokee blood as well as the fighting spirit he maintained during his fifteen-year battle with cancer. As a young boy, Rob was baptized, confirmed, and attended day school at Trinity Lutheran Church in Monroe. The strong Christian faith rooted in his childhood continued throughout his life. Rob later graduated from Monroe High School with the Class of 1990. He was employed at various factories including Crescive Die and Tool, Delta U.S.A., and most recently, Milan Metal Systems before medically retiring in 2008.

Thirty-four years ago, while working at a Wendy’s restaurant in 1989, Rob crossed paths with the love of his life, the former Elizabeth Stein. After more than a decade of courtship and an initial proposal from Rob, his future bride placed a newspaper ad in 2001 asking him to finally seal the deal. On May 18, 2002, the couple wed at Trinity Lutheran Church. They were blessed with twenty-one years of marriage.

Rob had a passion for cars that started with visits to his grandparents’ AMC car dealership in Monroe. He began building model cars at a young age and was always on the hunt for die-cast cars to add to his collection, especially difficult to find miniature AMC Gremlins, Javelins, and Pacers. Rob was a huge sports fan and avid supporter of all University of Michigan teams including softball, swimming, and lacrosse. He attended his first of many games at “The Big House” at the young age of eight. Rob also cheered on the Pittsburgh Steelers football team. He enjoyed watching NASCAR races on television and was lucky enough to have once won an all-expenses paid trip to the NASCAR race at Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama. Rob was a music lover and collector with eclectic taste. He listened to everything from his favorite band, Metallica, to orchestral classics. Rob and his wife often hung around after concerts to meet the famous musicians they admired. He played guitar himself and had joined a band during high school.

Rob was proud to have walked the five-mile span of the mighty Mackinac Bridge, which his father helped build, while simultaneously fighting cancer. He also enjoyed walking through the woods near his home with his wife and dog. Rob learned to bake and cook from his grandmother and surprised his wife with home baked cakes for dessert. Growing up, Rob had pet ducks, geese, rabbits, chickens, and a goat named “Fred” which led him to joining 4-H as a child. A huge animal lover and advocate, he had many rescued pets over the years. Rob’s latest companion, a Pitbull mix named “Cassidy”, survives him. Rob had a tender heart and always greeted everyone with a hug and a smile.  

Robert Carl Eastman, age 52, of Lasalle, Michigan gained his angel wings on Friday; June 2, 2023, at home surrounded by his family. His passing was preceded by his parents; an infant twin son and daughter; grandparents: Carl and Cordelia Geiman; sister in-law: Beverly Snodgrass; and canine companion: “Shelby”, a rescued Pitbull who was his constant companion throughout his cancer treatment.

To cherish his memory, he leaves his loving wife: Elizabeth (Stein) Eastman; father-in-law: Michael Stein Sr.; mother in-law: Susan Keck; brothers-in-law: Michael (Beth) Stein Jr., Robert Keck, and George Walters; Godson: Hunter (Jessica) Snodgrass; nephews: Noah Stein, Christopher Stein, and Caleb Merritt; many beloved cousins, and many close friends.

Friends may gather on Friday; June 16, 2023, from 2:00pm until 6:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of Rob’s Life officiated by Pastor Daniel Potts will begin at 6:00pm also at Merkle’s. Cremation has taken place through the on-site crematory, Covenant Cremation of Erie, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family to assist with funeral arrangements or Save Monroe Strays. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.