Robert S. "Indiana Bob" Balitewicz

ROBERT S. BALITEWICZ WESTVILLE, IN
Robert S. "Indiana Bob" Balitewicz, age 77 of Westville, passed away at his home surrounded by his loving family on January 27, 2014 after a courageous battle with cancer. He is survived by daughter, Catherine (Dennis) Floyd; daughter, Nancy; and son, Stanley Balitewicz; four grandchildren: Adam and Anna Floyd, Jim and Frank Balitewicz; brother, John (Karen) Balitewicz; sister, Connie Wrzalinski; along with many other family members and friends. Preceded in death by his parents: Stanley and Lottie (nee Kraus) Balitewicz; brother and sister-in-law, Gerald (Barbara) Balitewicz; and brother-in-law, Richard Wrzalinski. Bob was born on July 8, 1936 and raised in East Chicago, IN. He was a 1954 graduate of Roosevelt High School. Bob served his country in the U.S. Navy from October 1956 through September 1960 as a yeoman aboard the U.S.S. Venture. He retired in the capacity of District Chief from the East Chicago Fire Department after 20 years of dedicated service. Bob also was a retired member of the Plumbers Local 210 working as a plumber for the School City of East Chicago for 15 yeas. He was a long standing member of the East Chicago Goodfellows and Club Ki-Yoga. Bob was an intelligent and hard working man. He loved spending time at his cottage in Allegan, MI. He was a jack of all trades and a master of many, constantly dabbling in a new self-taught craft. Some of his favorite hobbies included stained glass, woodworking, cooking, fishing, and bamboo fly rod making. Bob was also a certified Master Gardener and a plant enthusiast. He was an avid hosta hybridizer with his most accomplished hybridization being H. Yankee Blue. Private cremation services were held. At Bob's request, there will be no further services. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the VNA of Porter County, 2401 Valley Dr., Valparaiso, IN 46383. Condolences may be sent through nwi.com/obituaries. For further information, you may contact OLESKA-PASTRICK Funeral Home of East Chicago at (219) 398-0938.