Robert B. Blumka

Robert B. Blumka, Sr., 75, died Sunday, September 30, 2012 at his home. He was born February 28, 1937 in Chicago, IL to Bernard and Lillian (Lesny) Blumka. His parents and son, Paul, preceded him in death. He began his career as an electrician at U.S. Steel, then moved to Buchanan, MI in 1973 to work for Clark Equipment. He retired from Carborundum, New Carlisle, IN. He was a past member of the choirs at St. Anthony’s church in Buchanan, MI and Holy Maternity of Mary church in Dowagiac, MI. 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, IL. She survives with children, Peg (Reg) Alexander of Indianapolis, IN, 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; 4 great-grandchildren; and sister, Barbara J. Blumka of Buchanan. Visitation is from 4 to 8 pm on Friday, October 5, 2012 at Swem Chapel, Buchanan. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Anthony’s church at 10 am, Saturday, October 6, 2012. Interment to follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery. Memorials should be made to Hospice of Southwest Michigan, 801 Hazen Street, 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 visits our web site www.swemchapel.com.