Robert W. Lockwitz

Robert W. "Bob" Lockwitz, 99, formerly of St. Joseph went to meet his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, on Monday, Dec. 9, 2025, in Deland, Fla.

Private burial will take place in North Shore Memory Gardens in Coloma. A celebration of life eternal gathering will be held on his 100th birthday, July 11, 2026. Memorial donations in Bob's name may be made to Crossings Community Church of God, Sanford, Fla. Those wishing to sign Bob's memory book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.

Bob was born July 11, 1926, in Kenosha, Wis., to Robert Sr. and Janna Lockwitz. He graduated from St. Joseph High School, Class of 1946. He served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II, stationed in the Philippines. On June 1, 1947, he married the former Ruth Wetkowski in St. Joseph. Bob was a tool and die engineer all of his life until his retirement in 1991.

Bob devoted his life to loving his Lord spending time with his family. He was a long-time member of the First Church of God in St. Joseph before moving to Florida where he was a member of Crossings Community Church of God in Sanford. He and Ruth enjoyed boating and spending time with their friends at West Basin Marina in St. Joseph. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Bob is survived by his sons: Gary (Faith) Lockwitz of Mesa, Ariz., Kevin Lockwitz of Deltona, Fla.; his son-in-law, Anthony Bartalone of East Lansing; six grandchildren: Amber (Christopher) Horton, Janna (Shaun) Bitterle, Melissa Pajot, Chuck (Carol) Lockwitz, Jim (Heidi) Lockwitz and Zenaitta Lockwitz (Daniel Jones), Lockwitz; 13 great-grandchildren: Nathan and Marisa Horton, Andrew, Jacob and Matthew Bitterle, Rosemary and Anthony Pajot, Riley Gloe, Aliyah, Luke and Aubrey Lockwitz, Sophia and Penelope Lockwitz; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth, on Dec. 10, 2021; and his daughter, Valerie Bartalone, on June 26, 2025.