Robert Charles "Bob" Petrof

1937 - 2023

Dr. Robert C. Petrof, son of Charles and Agnes Petrof, grew up in Beloit and often described it as the perfect American small town. In his childhood, he was city marbles champion, sports photographer for Beloit Memorial High School, and fan of Al's Snack Shop. Robert's passion for creating and fostering innovations began early and included helping build a greenhouse with recycled farm equipment, and modifying cars to assist the disabled. He was valedictorian of BMHS Class of 1955. He continued his intellectual pursuits at Northwestern University, where he obtained his BS, MS, and PhD. While a student, he was part of the Co-op program at Beloit Iron Works. He worked at Ford Motor Company after graduation until retirement. A long-time Principal Research Engineer, he is the recipient of the Ford Innovator Award. At Ford, he developed technology to better detect machine tool failure, established patents, and made improvements to safety equipment. His contributions would go on to save countless lives.

Robert is survived by his wife, Kathryn; children: Charles, Margaret, and Jane; sister, Mary Ellen Thomas; grandchildren: Sophia, Gwendolyn, Anna, Rebecca; and many loving relatives and friends.

To honor his memory, please read your car's owner's manual. As he would say, it is one of the only detailed instruction guides you get in life.