Robert David Petsch

March 25, 1935 - April 16, 2020

Robert “Bob” David Petsch, 85, of Traverse City passed away peacefully on April 16, 2020 at his home with his family at his side. Bob was born in Mauston, Wisconsin. He married Phyllis (Ulrich) Bowen on June 22, 1991 in Traverse City. He honorably served our country in the United States Air Force as a cargo plane mechanic. His service took him overseas to Japan and Guam for the period between the Korean and Vietnam Wars. After his time in the service he came to Traverse City and worked as a refrigeration mechanic at the State Hospital for many years. After the State Hospital closed, he drove school bus for the Traverse City School system until he retired. Bob was a lifetime member and past Post Commander of the VFW #2780 and a member of Eagles #383. In his spare time Bob enjoyed spending time in his yard, wood working, creating windchimes, reading, and knife sharpening. He even ran a small knife and saw sharpening business during his retirement years. Bob loved people and enjoyed the social aspect of working and friendships. He accepted everyone as a friend. Fondly, Bob will be remembered as a proud American, his warm, loving and easy going personality. He will be missed by many. Surviving Bob is his wife Phyllis of Traverse City; sons, Scott (Chiaki) Petsch of Valley Center, CA, James Petsch of Traverse City, Bobby (Lynn) Petsch of El Cajon, CA; step-children, Joel Bowen, Sonjia (Kevin) Chouinard, Kevin (Kathy) Bowen, all of Traverse City; 13 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and many other loving family members and friends. Bob is preceded in death by his parents Otto and Victoria (Zimmerman) Petsch, his first wife Judith Irene Petsch and great grandson Tyler Petsch. A memorial service will be held at 11am on Saturday, June 13, 2020 at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held at the Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens. Kindly share thoughts and memories with Bob’s family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.