TRAVERSE CITY — Robert J. "Bob" Bellaw, a Traverse City native, died Tuesday evening, March 15, 2011, at Munson Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family. Born January 27, 1931, in Traverse City, he was the son of the late Gerald L. and Leona D. (Garwick) Bellaw. Bob proudly served his country with the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War. After completing his service, he participated in the family business. Bob's grandparents had established Bellaw's Log Cabin, which today is known as Boones Long Lake Inn. On January 21, 1956, he married the former Marita A. Brakel, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Traverse City. He then worked at the Traverse City State Hospital as a cook, advancing to food service management. He retired after more than 25 dedicated years. After retiring, Bob and Marita spent many winters in St. Petersburg, Fla.Bob enjoyed being with his family the most. He always loved entertaining the grandchildren during weekend sleep overs and playing card games late into the evenings. He also enjoyed fishing, boating, baking, cooking, mushroom hunting and gardening. As a faithful Roman Catholic, Bob was a founding member of St. Patrick Catholic Church, where he enjoyed participating in various activities, including cooking for the Buckley Old Engine Show. Bob and Marita also cooked for numerous community events.The most important thing to Bob was his family. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Marita A. Bellaw, of Traverse City; children, Carole L. Bull, of Traverse City, Anne M. (Edward) Dechow, of Carmel, Ind., and Michael R. (Julie) Bellaw, of Traverse City; eight grandchildren, Kristina (Jesse) Baker, Nicholas (Caitlin) Bull, Allison (Nicholas) Carpenter, Whitney (Joel Ravitz) Bull, E.J. Dechow, Krista Dechow, Eric Dechow and Rebecka Bellaw; and a great-grandson, Kole Baker.In addition to his parents, Bob was also preceded in death by a son-in-law, Terry Bull.Visitation will be held this evening, March 18, 2011, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, from 6 to 8 p.m., where a rosary will be prayed at 8 p.m. A funeral Mass will be offered at the church on Saturday, March 19, 2011, at 11 a.m., with visitation one hour prior to the service. The Rev. Donald Geyman will preside. Entombment will take place at Oakwood Catholic Diocesan Cemetery.In remembrance of Bob, memorials may be directed to the Food Pantry at St. Patrick Catholic Church or to the Father Fred Foundation. Memorial envelopes may be obtained at the church.The family would like to extend a thank you to the wonderful staff of A3, Dr. Jaffe, Dr. Varner, Dr. Clayton, Dr. Auer, Dr. Straight and Dr.Warbasse at Munson Medical Center for the exceptional care and support given to Bob during his final days.Kindly share your memories with the family on their online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com . Arrangements were made with the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.