Robert Richard "Bob" Rositch, Jr.'s Obituary
Mr. Robert R. “Bob” Rositch, age 62, of Spring Lake, passed away on the Lord’s Day, January 31, 2010, after a very short battle with cancer. He was born January 26, 1948 to Robert and Mary (Werderits) Rositch in Oak Park, Illinois, however, he lived most of his life in Muskegon and Spring Lake. He married the former Susan Grabinski on May 12, 1973. Bob graduated from Muskegon High School, and then from Michigan Technological University with a degree in Metallurgical Engineering. He served our country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Bob was employed at the Gardner-Denver Company in Grand Haven. He then held positions as Director of Quality Assurance for Hy-Lift Division of SPX Corporation in Muskegon, and Director of Quality Assurance for Perfect Circle Division of Dana Corporation in Muskegon, which later became MAHLE Engine Components USA. He was active in several professional societies. He had been Chairman of the West Michigan Chapter of the American Society for Metals (ASM), a Senior Member of the American Society for Quality (ASQ), and a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers. Bob was a man of integrity, with a quick sense of humor to the end. Faith, family, and friends were all important. Bob was an active member of St. Jean Baptiste Catholic Church in Muskegon, serving on the Finance Council and member of the Choir for many years, as well as involvement in various parish projects and events. He enjoyed many travels abroad with his wife, as well as visits to family and friends in the U.S. He also enjoyed hosting many large family gatherings. He was especially proud of his three children and their spouses. In his short retirement, along with his Church activities, Bob enjoyed volunteering for Love INC of the Tri-Cities and the American Red Cross. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 28 in Grand Haven. Bob is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Susan; 3 children: Aaron (Jill) Rositch of Oshkosh, WI, Marla (Jeff) Nagel of Appleton, WI, and Damian (Anne) Rositch of Nairobi, Kenya; 2 grandchildren: Olivia Nagel and another due in March; his mother, Mary Rositch of Roosevelt Park; 1 sister Monica (Rick) Collett of Jackson; 1 brother John Rositch of Zeeland; uncle, Don (Pat) Rositch of Raleigh, NC; 3 cousins, 21 brothers and sisters-in-law, and 31 nieces and nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his father, Robert R. Rositch, Sr. MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL will be celebrated 11:00 AM Saturday, February 6, 2010 at St. Jean Baptiste Catholic Church in Muskegon with the Rev. Fr. Matthew J. Barnum as Celebrant. Visitation will take place from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM Friday, February 5 at The Lee Chapel, Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc., 6291 S. Harvey, (231) 798-1100. A Vigil for the Deceaseed will be held at 6 PM Friday night. There will also be visitation at St. Jean’s one hour prior to the Mass, 10-11 AM Saturday. Interment will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Muskegon with full Military Rites offered by the American Legion Post 28 in Grand Haven. Memorial contributions may be made to: Love INC of the Tri-Cities or St. Jean Baptiste Catholic Church Endowment Fund.
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