Traverse City-Robert E. "Bob" Nottke, age 88, a much-loved person, passed away peacefully at his cottage on Lake Leelanau on August 30, 2013. Bob was born July 10, 1925 to Fred and Mamie (Wheelock) Nottke in Chicago, IL. and moved to the Traverse City area shortly thereafter.

Bob started his own trucking company in T.C. in 1954 and he retired in 1978 after operating his fleet of semi-tractors as the private fleet for the original Chef Pierre Pie Company for 21 years.

Bob was also a member of the Eagles for 44 years, a longtime member of the Cedar Chamber of Commerce, and was a founding member of The Suttons Bay Conservation League.

Bob and Phyllis enjoyed twenty-two winters in sunny Florida before returning in 2008 as year round residents of Traverse City.

Bob is survived by his loving wife of 67 years Phyllis (Gersh) Nottke, son; Rick Nottke and his wife Loan of Traverse City, daughter; Sharon Rudy and her husband Doug of Scottsdale, AZ., brother Don Nottke of Traverse City, six grandchildren and 3 great- grandchildren.

Bob enjoyed being outside, especially in the woods on his tractor. Some of his best times were spent with his family, his brother Don, and his friends. Bob was known as an honest, hardworking guy. He had many lifelong friends. Caring deeply for others, Bob was always ready to give a person a chance to succeed. He always looked out for the next guy—was the first one there to help out and the last to leave when the job was done.


Visitation for Bob will take place on Wednesday September 4, 2013 from 10:00AM until 11:00AM at The Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home with a Funeral service conducted by Father Ken to follow at 11:00 AM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers remembrances in Bob's name may be made to Hospice of Michigan and/or the Cedar Fire Department.
Please go to www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your memories of Bob and sign his guest book.