Judge Robert H. Bell Passed Away: What Happened to Judge Robert H. Bell?
Updated Jun 23, 2023
Judge Robert H. Bell Passed Away
Judge Robert H. Bell, a distinguished figure in the legal field, has sadly passed away. At the age of 79, he peacefully departed on Thursday, June 8, 2023, in East Grand Rapids. Born in Lansing, Michigan, Judge Bell was the son of Preston C. and Eileen (Holmes) Bell.
He pursued his education with dedication, graduating from Okemos High School, Wheaton College in Illinois, and Wayne State University Law School. His professional journey began in 1969 when he embarked on a role as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for Ingham County. Recognizing his talent and commitment, the people of Michigan elected him as a Michigan 55th District Court Judge in 1972.
Continuing his upward trajectory, he earned another election victory in 1978, this time as a Michigan 30th Circuit Judge. However, his expertise and character reached a national platform when President Ronald Reagan appointed him as a United States District Judge for the Western District of Michigan.
On August 6, 1987, he proudly assumed the responsibilities of this esteemed position. Over the course of his illustrious 30-year tenure as a Federal Judge, Judge Bell also served as Chief Judge from 2001 to 2008. Additionally, he undertook regular assignments from the 6th and 9th Circuit Courts of Appeals, displaying his exceptional capabilities.
His dedication to the legal profession was further demonstrated by his six-year service on the Criminal Law Committee for the United States Judicial Conference, including a notable three-year appointment as Chair by Chief Justice John Roberts, beginning in 2010.
Beyond his professional achievements, Judge Bell held deep-rooted values centered on family and faith. His devotion extended to teaching Sunday School, actively participating on nonprofit boards, and finding solace in the family cottage in the serene Upper Peninsula. While pursuing his education at Wheaton College, he met the love of his life, Helen Ruth Mortensen, with whom he shared a beautiful journey.
Together, they nurtured a loving family, raising three children: Rob Jr. (Kristen), Ruth Bell Olsson (Jeffrey Olsson), and Jonathan (Lyndi). The Bell family expanded with the arrival of six cherished grandchildren: Robert III (Trace), Preston, and Violet Bell, as well as Zinnia, Oskar, and Kagiso Olsson.
The grieving process for Judge Bell's family and friends will be facilitated at the Metcalf & Jonkhoff Funeral Service. Visitation hours are scheduled from 2:00 to 4:00 pm and 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Thursday, June 15. The subsequent funeral services will take place at 11:00 am on Friday, June 16, at Mayflower Congregational Church, situated at 2345 Robinson Rd. SE. Finally, the interment will be held at Summit Cemetery in Williamston, Michigan, at 11:30 am on Saturday, June 17.
In honor of Judge Bell's memory and his contributions to society, memorial contributions can be made to The Potter's House School in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. These donations will continue his legacy of supporting education and nurturing future generations.
What Happened to Judge Robert H. Bell?
Judge Robert H. Bell, a prominent figure in the legal field, passed away at the age of 79 in East Grand Rapids, Michigan. The news of his peaceful departure on June 8 was confirmed by Metcalf & Jonkhoff Funeral Service. Judge Bell's career was marked by significant achievements and contributions. He initially served as the assistant prosecuting attorney for Ingham County, Michigan, starting in 1969. Three years later, he was appointed as the 55th District Court judge, showcasing his dedication to the pursuit of justice.
In recognition of his exceptional legal acumen and integrity, Judge Bell was chosen by former President Ronald Reagan to serve as a U.S. district judge for West Michigan. He took on this esteemed role and presided over various cases that came before him. Notably, he oversaw the trial of Marvin Gabrion, a case that garnered significant attention. Gabrion was convicted and sentenced to death in the early 2000s for the murder of Rachel Timmerman in Newaygo County.
Following his passing, Judge Bell was laid to rest in Williamston, Michigan, on June 17. This marked the end of an era for the legal community, as well as a loss for the community at large. His contributions to the field of law and his impact on those he served will be remembered and cherished by those who knew him.
Who was Judge Robert H. Bell?
Judge Robert H. Bell was an accomplished American lawyer and jurist who made significant contributions to the legal field. Born on April 19, 1944, in Lansing, Michigan, to parents Preston and Eileen Bell, he grew up in Williamston and graduated from Okemos High School in 1962. Bell's father passed away when he was eight years old, and this loss had a profound impact on his life.
He pursued higher education at Wheaton College, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1966. While at Wheaton, Bell excelled in track and field, showcasing his determination and discipline. He furthered his legal studies at Wayne State University Law School, where he obtained his Juris Doctor degree in 1969.
Bell's legal career began as an assistant county prosecuting attorney for Ingham County, Michigan, from 1969 to 1973. His passion for justice and his aptitude for the law led him to the bench. He served as a judge on the Ingham District Court in Mason, Michigan, from 1973 to 1979, and later on the Ingham County Circuit Court in Lansing from 1979 to 1987.
In 1987, Bell received a prestigious nomination from President Ronald Reagan to serve as a United States district judge for the Western District of Michigan. Following confirmation by the United States Senate, he assumed the role on July 2, 1987. Bell's commitment to justice, his impartiality, and his profound legal knowledge earned him the position of Chief Judge of the Western District of Michigan from 2001 to 2008.
During his tenure as a federal judge, Bell made significant contributions both within his district and beyond. Chief Justice John Roberts appointed him as the chairman of the criminal law committee of the Judicial Conference of the United States, recognizing his expertise and dedication. Bell used this platform to advocate against mandatory minimum sentences, highlighting the inherent injustices and inefficiencies associated with them.
One of the notable cases presided over by Judge Bell was the 2002 trial of Marvin Gabrion, where he imposed a death sentence based on the recommendations of prosecutors and the jurors. Bell also played a crucial role in environmental protection, overseeing the preservation of Lake Michigan sand dunes, supervising the cleanup of the Kalamazoo River, and combating street gang activities in Holland, Michigan, particularly the Latin Kings gang.
Beyond his legal career, Robert H. Bell cherished his family and faith. He met his wife, Helen, during their time at Wheaton College, and together they raised three children. Their son, Rob Bell, went on to become a renowned pastor and the founder of the Mars Hill Bible Church.
Judge Robert H. Bell passed away on June 8, 2023, in East Grand Rapids, Michigan, at the age of 79. His dedication to justice, his impactful rulings, and his unwavering commitment to his community and family leave a lasting legacy.
Judge Robert H. Bell Obituary
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of the Honorable Robert Holmes Bell, Sr., at the age of 79. Judge Bell peacefully departed on Thursday, June 8, 2023, in East Grand Rapids, leaving behind a remarkable legacy.
Born in Lansing, MI, Judge Bell was the son of Preston C. and Eileen (Holmes) Bell. He pursued his education with great diligence, graduating from Okemos High School, Wheaton College in Illinois, and Wayne State University Law School.
His professional journey began in 1969 when he joined the Ingham County Prosecutor's Office as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney. After demonstrating his legal prowess and dedication to justice, he was elected as a Michigan 55th District Court Judge in 1972. Recognizing his exceptional capabilities, the citizens of Michigan elected him as a Michigan 30th Circuit Judge in 1978.
Judge Bell's passion for upholding the law and his unwavering commitment to justice did not go unnoticed. In 1987, he received a prestigious appointment from President Ronald Reagan to serve as a United States District Judge for the Western District of Michigan.
Taking the oath of office on August 6, 1987, he embarked on a distinguished career on the federal bench. Over the course of his 30 years as a Federal Judge, he demonstrated exemplary leadership and expertise, serving as the Chief Judge from 2001 to 2008.
His contributions extended beyond his own district, as he regularly undertook assignments from the 6th and 9th Circuit Courts of Appeals by designation. Recognized for his profound legal knowledge and insight, Judge Bell was appointed to the Criminal Law Committee for the United States Judicial Conference.
His valuable service on the committee spanned six years, including a notable three-year appointment as Chair by Chief Justice John Roberts, starting in 2010. Judge Bell's dedication to the principles of justice and his commitment to upholding the law made a lasting impact on the legal community.
While Judge Bell devoted his life to his distinguished legal career, he found tremendous joy in his family and faith. He was a loving husband to Helen Ruth Mortensen, whom he met at Wheaton College and cherished as the love of his life.
Beyond his professional and family commitments, Judge Bell was an active member of his community. He derived great fulfillment from teaching Sunday School, serving on nonprofit boards, and enjoying peaceful vacations at the family cottage in the Upper Peninsula. His warm-hearted nature and genuine care for others left an indelible impression on those fortunate enough to know him.
To honor the memory of Judge Robert H. Bell, the family will receive friends at the Metcalf & Jonkhoff Funeral Service on Thursday, June 15, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm and 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, June 16, at Mayflower Congregational Church, located at 2345 Robinson Rd. SE.
The interment will take place on Saturday, June 17, at 11:30 am, at Summit Cemetery in Williamston, MI. In remembrance of Judge Bell's life and his unwavering commitment to education, memorial contributions may be made to The Potter's House School in Grand Rapids, MI, and Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA.
Judge Robert H. Bell Passed Away - FAQs
Judge Robert H. Bell passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 8, 2023, in East Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Judge Bell graduated from Okemos High School, Wheaton College in Illinois, and Wayne State University Law School.
Judge Bell was committed to his family and faith. He enjoyed teaching Sunday School, serving on nonprofit boards, and spending time at the family cottage in the Upper Peninsula.
Judge Bell's wife was Helen Ruth Mortensen. They had three children together: Rob Jr. (Kristen), Ruth Bell Olsson (Jeffrey Olsson), and Jonathan (Lyndi).
Memorial contributions can be made to The Potter's House School in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California.