Robert "Bob" Sawitzke

Robert Edward Sawitzke, 86, passed away on Tuesday, April 8th, 2025, surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Joan Lee Sawizke (nee Dorko); children Robert J. (Janet) Sawitzke, Laura M. (Bill) Kress, Cheryl A. (Geoffrey) Halsey, Tracy L. (Bill) Scully; grandchildren; Robert (Sara), Meghan, Morgan, Taylor, McKenzie (fiance Lucas), Luke, Michael, and Lauren. He also leaves behind his siblings Kenneth Sawitzke and Diane (Bill) Straka. He was a beloved uncle to numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Herman and Estelle Sawitzke.
Bob was raised in Lakewood, Ohio. He graduated from Lakewood High School in 1956. He proudly served in the U.S. Army and married his wife Joan on October 29, 1966. He and Joan raised their four children in Avon Lake, Ohio. He retired from Webb-Stiles ending his successful sales career. Bob was a long-time parishioner at St. Joseph Catholic Church.
In his early years, Bob enjoyed ice skating at Winterhurst and hanging out with his neighbors on Sharon Drive. Both groups became cherished lifelong friends. He was a member of the Avon Lake Community Police Academy.
One of Bob's favorite places to be was his big backyard with his family and friends. Whether it was spending time on the skating rink he created, gathering around bonfires, participating in neighborhood water fights, hosting numerous parties, and Easter egg hunts; there was no place he would rather be. Bob always enjoyed a good time!
In his retirement, Bob loved fishing, enjoying a ride in his convertible on a beautiful day, working in the yard, carpentry, and spending time on his front porch. Often you would find Bob at Panera's in Avon hanging out with friends. He also enjoyed attending his grandchildren's events, always being their biggest fan. Providing life lessons to his grandchildren was one of his favorite past times including: educating about the stock market, working hard, and having fun.
Bob will always be remembered as a loving husband, dad, and grandpa. Perhaps he will most be remembered for his boisterous laugh and never wavering sense of humor.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or www.stjude.org.
Visitation will be held on Monday, April 14th, 2025, from 5:00 pm until 8:00pm at Busch Funeral Home, 163 Avon-Belden Road, Avon Lake, Ohio 44012. A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, April 15th, 2025, at 10:00 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 32929 Lake Road, Avon Lake, Ohio 44012. www.buschcares.com 440-933-3202