Obituary of Robert Peterek

Robert E. Peterek, 77, of Niles passed away after a courageous battle with cancer at his home with his family by his side. He was born to the late Theadore and Helen (Carlene) Peterek on July 5, 1938 in Harbert, Michigan, where he spent most of his life, moving to Niles in 2005. After graduating from New Troy High School, Robert continued his education at Lake Michigan College and then began working for Clark Equipment as a Procurement Engineer; retiring after giving Clark Equipment thirty-one years of service. He was a past member of the Chikaming Township Zoning Board as well as the Three Oaks Masonic Lodge #239. Upon meeting Patricia Waaso, having stolen his heart, they wed five months later on July 26, 1958 at a ceremony in Three Oaks. Some of Bob's pastimes included hunting, fishing, camping, golfing and traveling with family and friends. However, his passion was family. He could always be found cheering and coaching his children and then his grandchildren at any of their sporting or school events. He was a devoted husband, a dedicated father, and a doting grandfather. His family above all else filled his life with pure happiness and joy. Bob is preceded by his parents, Pat's parents Royal and Bess Waaso, a brother-in-law Charles Waaso and a son-in-law James Craig. He is survived by his wife, Pat Peterek of Niles, his two sons, Michael (Paula Bongiovanni) Peterek of Edwardsburg, Jeffery Peterek of Niles, and his daughter Roberta Craig of Niles. He will also be missed by his grandchildren; Madalynn Peterek, Lindsay Craig, Mitchell Peterek, Dustan Craig, Maureen Craig, Tyler Peterek and Sean Craig, his brother Gordon (Lore) Peterek of Harbert, Michigan, his brother-in-law James (Carol) Waaso of Concord, North Carolina and his sister-in-law, Susan (Dennis) Armstrong of Highland, Michigan as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. Those wishing to make memorial donations in memory of Bob may do so to the American Cancer Society or to the James Craig Memorial Scholarship, envelopes will be available at Brown Funeral Home. Services for Bob will be Saturday, July 18, 2015 at 1 p.m. with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. at Brown Funeral Home, 521 East Main Street, Niles. A private interment will be held at Pine Grove Cemetery in New Buffalo. Condolences, photos, and memories for Robert may be left at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com or www.Facebook.com/BrownFuneralHome. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home.