Robert Mathias Fehlen Sr.

Robert Mathias Fehlen Sr., passed away Friday, March 24, 2006, at the age of 82, surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren. Born in Fremont, Ohio, to Mathias and Edith Fehlen on September 27, 1923, he spent both his childhood and adult life in Toledo.
Upon graduating from Central Catholic High School in 1941, he worked briefly for Pepsi-Co. In 1943, he answered his country's call for service. After basic training, he attended Lake Forest College in Chicago prior to his service in the Pacific Theater. As part of the Army's 96th "Dead Eye" Division, 38th Infantry, Mine Detecting Corps, he was involved in the invasion of Okinawa. For his distinguished service, he was awarded the Bronze Star. After his discharge, he joined Ohio Bell and remained with the company for 36 years, finishing his career as an Account Executive. He married his wife, Mary Kay on his birthday in 1947, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church. Together they raised 4 children and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 1997, surrounded by more than 100 friends and family members.
Service was a cornerstone of Bob's life: President of the Parent Council at OLPH, Junior Achievement Advisor, President of the Audit Committee for the Toledo Telephone Employees Credit Union, President in both the Active and the Life Member Pioneer Clubs. He participated actively in the Knights of Columbus and volunteered for the Pioneer Partners Program for 9 years in the "very special arts" T.O.R.C.H. program. In addition, he was a founding member of the Ohio Bell Ski Club and belonged to the Ohio Bell Golf League. His favorite hobbies included gardening, growing roses and making leaded glass lamps. During the year, Bob could be found on annual vacations to Florida and Miley's Resort in Michigan or popping a batch of popcorn and watching family movies.
Bob once said, "I enjoyed my career at Ohio Bell and my volunteer work with the Telephone Pioneers of America. We have made many good and true friends. I thank God for the guidance He gave me and the help and encouragement I received from my wife Mary Kay."
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Mathias and Edith Fehlen; his sister, Vivian Miller; brother-in law, John Miller; nephews, Jeffrey Miller and John Miller; and brother-in-law, Andrew Good. Bob is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Mary Kay; his four children and their spouses, Marcia (Ken) Slivka, Bob (Mary Ann) Fehlen Jr., Tom (Cheryl) Fehlen, and Jim (Jeanne) Fehlen; his sisters, Norma (Tom) Kanary, Ruth Good, and his many nieces and nephews; his grandchildren, Steven and Eric Slivka, Kristi (Brian) Cyre, Kevin (Susan) Fehlen, and Katie Fehlen, Taylor, Cole, and Kyle Fehlen, Sarah and Michelle Fehlen and his great-grandson, Ryder Cyre.
Friends may call at Coyle Funeral Home, 1770 S. Reynolds Road on Monday, March 27, 2006, from 2-8 p.m. The rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Funeral services will begin in the mortuary at 9:15 a.m. on Tuesday, March 28, 2006, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery.
The family would like to thank the staff at Parkcliffe for all of their care and compassion. The family suggests tributes to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Hospice of Heartland, or the Alzheimer's Association in lieu of flowers.