HERKIMER-Robert E. VanValkenburgh age 94 formerly of Lansing Street passed away on Thursday afternoon April 30, 2015 in VanDuyn Nursing Home, Syracuse. He was born on February 19, 1921 in Herkimer, son of the late Floyd B. and Bessie M. Springer VanValkenburgh. A lifelong area resident he was raised in Herkimer and graduated from Herkimer High School. A veteran of World War II, he entered the US Army on September 3, 1942. He was a clerk and had operated a mimeograph machine making out special orders and bulletins. He also served in the Southwest Pacific earning two Battle Stars. He was honorably discharged on December 26, 1945 attaining the rank of Corporal. On August 7, 1948 he was united in marriage with the former Esther Avery in the Little Falls Methodist Church. They shared a loving and devoted union of fifty-five until her passing on September 1, 2003. For thirty-two years Mr. VanValkenburgh worked as a Milling Machine Operator for the Remington Arms Company. He retired in 1979. Bob was an active member of his community. He was a member and past Commander of the American Legion Post #38 in Herkimer, a life member of Michael S. Pleisick Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #4915, Herkimer and a current member of Olive Branch Lodge #40 Free and Accepted Masons in Ilion. As a member of the Herkimer Lodge he was active with the bowling committee. For many years he and his wife Esther also enjoyed their annual trips to the VanValkenburg Reunions. To all who knew Bob he will always be remembered as a kind and gentle man who was always willing to help someone in need. He will be sadly missed. Surviving are his brother in-law, Leland Avery a wife and his wife Olive of Cazenovia along with several nieces and nephews. Besides his parents and wife Esther he was preceded in death by his son, Larry Dean VanValkenburgh in 1963, a brother George VanValkenburg, two sisters, Joan Clark and Elizabeth Noffer, two brother-in-laws, Kenneth and Everett Avery. Calling hours for Mr. VanValkenburgh will be on Tuesday from 9:00 until 11:00 am in Fenner Funeral Home, Inc., 115 Court Street; Herkimer. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 am in the funeral home with the Reverend Janet Gleason, pastor of the First United Methodist Church Herkimer/Little Falls officiating. Interment with military honors will take place in Mountain View Memorials Gardens, town of Little Falls. Expressions of sympathy may be made with memorial donations to the Parkinson's Support Group or the Shriners Hospital. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Members of Olive Branch Lodge # 40 FA&M are asked to meet at the funeral home at 10:30 am for ritualistic services. Calling Hours Fenner Funeral Home Tuesday, May 5, 2015 09:00 AM - 11:00 AM 115 Court Street Herkimer, NY 13350 Masonic Funeral Service Fenner Funeral Home Tuesday, May 5, 2015 10:30 AM 115 Court Street Herkimer, NY 13350 Funeral Service Fenner Funeral Home Tuesday, May 5, 2015 11:00 AM 115 Court Street Herkimer, NY 13350