Robert G. Pheanis

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Robert G. Pheanis, age 91, of Beverly Shores, Indiana. Robert passed away on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, at home and surrounded by his loving family.

Robert was born on Sept. 14, 1933, in Chicago Heights, Illinois, to George Pheanis and Loretta (Hansen) Pheanis. He grew up in the last years of the Great Depression and the beginning of World War II. He graduated from Bloom High School in Chicago Heights and went on to graduate from the University of Illinois Champagne with a degree in geography. While attending college, he entered ROTC. After graduation, he entered the Army as a second lieutenant. He served 4 years active duty, and then went on to serve 4 additional years in the Army Reserves. He earned the rank of captain at the time he was discharged.

Robert began a long and illustrious career at United States Steel (USS), Gary Works in 1957 as a turn foreman in the Sheet and Tin Mill and worked his way all the way up to become plant manager of the USS Gary Works Plant. After 30-plus years at USS, Robert was recruited by National Steel to immediately become the plant manager at their Midwest Plant of National Steel. He became the longest ever serving plant manager at the National Steel Midwest Plant.

Robert was known to prioritize getting the job done, but, much more importantly, he prioritized the people who were doing the job. So many people that worked with and for Robert not only respected him, but they truly loved him. To this day, his daughters encounter former steel mill employees that worked for their dad who cannot say enough how much Robert touched their lives and how they enjoyed working for him.

Robert was a long-time member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Michigan City, Indiana, where could always be seen sitting in the (almost) first row at each Sunday Service. He had a very profound faith in our Lord and Savior which he held on to very tightly all his life. He studied the Bible and was always striving to learn more and more about it. During the last days of his life, he was confident that he would soon enter Heaven and would be wrapped in the Arms of God's Love. He shared his faith with his daughters who were privileged to be by his side as he left to see the face of God.

Robert was most proud of being a father and was incredibly devoted to his three daughters. He made sure to always be there for them and see them through both their challenges and their accomplishments. He never left any doubt that he loved his girls. Robert had a lust for life and a constant curiosity about the world around him. He could always be consulted about even the most obscure subject and he would be able to tell you something about it. He loved to travel the country and the world. He loved the outdoors, loved to fish, golf, camp, hike and swim (especially in the ocean). He had an incredible sense of humor that was quick and often accompanied by a twinkle from his brilliant blue eyes. He could say more with just a wink, sometimes, than could be said by speaking volumes. He had a very unique, very easy way about him that just made people like him right away. He genuinely loved people and he loved to laugh ... no matter where he was and no matter what the circumstances – good or even very bad – even until his end.

Robert married Elizabeth Jezsik (Pheanis) with whom he had four children, George Pheanis who preceded him in death, Sharon (Goodall) Pheanis of Porter, Indiana, Lisa Pheanis of Boynton Beach, Florida, and Suzanne Pheanis of Valparaiso, Indiana; three grandchildren, Nathan Goodall who preceded him in death, Leah (Goodall) Wall of Porter, Indiana, and Nickolas Kraft of Boynton Beach, Florida; four great grandchildren, Levi, Brennon, Claira and Ezra.

Later in life, Robert married Bonnie (Brink) Pheanis who preceded him in death in 2015. Robert had a stepson, Jeff Wolfe of Chesterton, Indiana; three step grandsons, Houston Wolfe of Crown Point, Indiana, Riley Wolfe of Janesville, Wisconsin, and Cole Wolfe of Michigan City, Indiana; and two step great-grandchildren, Quinn and Haley Wolfe.

Robert was Greatly Loved by so many, especially his three daughters. He will be greatly missed.

Friends may visit with the family at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 818 Franklin St., Michigan City, Indiana, on Friday, Sept. 19, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Funeral Service at 11 a.m. with Pastor Mark Reshan, officiating.

Expressions of sympathy may be made in Robert's honor to The Salvation Army of Michigan City centralusa.salvationarmy. org/MichiganCity.

To view and sign Robert's online guestbook, please visit carlislefh.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Geisen-Carlisle Funeral Home, 613 Washington St., Michigan City, Indiana. 219-874-4214.