Robert Blumka Sr., 75
Born: Feb. 28, 1937
Died: Sept. 30, 2012

Robert B Blumka, Sr., 75, of Dowagiac, died Sunday, Sept. 30, 2012, at his home.

He was born Feb. 28, 1937, in Chicago, to Bernard and Lillian (Lesny) Blumka.

He began his career as an electrician at U.S. Steel, then moved to Buchanan in 1973 to work for Clark Equipment. He retired from Carborundum, New Carlisle, Ind. He was a past member of the choirs at St. Anthony’s Church in Buchanan and Holy Maternity of Mary Church in Dowagiac. After retiring, he enjoyed volunteering for the Boy and Girl scouts in Buchanan, at Buchanan’s District Library and was a past member of the Skyraiders remote control airplane club. Throughout his life, fishing, bird watching, woodworking, reading and building miniature plane models were just a few of his many interests.

On June 7, 1958, he married Barbara M. Mertes in Chicago. She survives with children, Peg (Reg) Alexander of Indianapolis, Brenda (John) Bultema of Kalamazoo, Robert (Nikki) Blumka, Mary (Dan) Ward and Ben (Tina) Blumka, all from Buchanan, Bill (Judy) Blumka of Niles and Chris (Randy) Begeman of Portage; 22 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and sister, Barbara J. Blumka of Buchanan.

His parents and son, Paul, preceded him in death.

Visitation is from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 5, at Swem Chapel, Buchanan. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Anthony’s Church at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 6. Interment to follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery.

Memorials should be made to Hospice of Southwest Michigan, 801 Hazen St., Suite A, Paw Paw, MI 49079, and St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105.

To leave a condolence message or sign his guest book, please visit our website, www.swemchapel.com.