Robert Loren Van Ausdall, Jr

63, of Shelby, Mich., and formerly of Van Wert, died Friday, March 27, 2009, at his residence.

He was born January 7, 1946, in Washington, D.C., the son of Robert and Marilyn (Thum) Van Ausdall, who both survive. He was married to Connie (Klausing) Van Ausdall, who survives in Shelby.

Robert was a 1964 graduate of Van Wert High School and a 1969 graduate of the University of Cincinnati, where he earned a bachelor's degree in business and was a member of Phi Kappa Alpha. During his college years, Robert began working for Aeroquip Corporation (now Eaton) ad was employed there as a buyer for more than 30 years. He retired from Eaton in 2001. He was a devoted husband and father who enjoyed spending his time with his family and attending his children's sporting events. He was passionate about genealogy, devoting a great deal of his time to researching his family's history. He was a member of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Van Wert.

In addition to his parents and wife, survivors include a daughter, Erika Van Ausdall (Michael) Policastro; two sons, Robert (Joi) Van Ausdall and Nicholas (Patricia) Van Ausdall; two sisters, Linda (Dave Amado) Van Ausdall and Karen Van Ausdall; a brother, Dirk Van Ausdall; and one grandson, Andrew Policastro.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 3, at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, with Father Mike Zacharias officiating. Burial will be in Woodland Cemetery in Van Wert.

There will be no public visitation.

Memorial contributions: Spondylitis Association of America, P.O. Box 5872, Sherman Oaks, CA 91413.