Robert Litzan

LITZAN - Robert John Litzan age 86 went to his heavenly home, Monday, April 8, 2019. He was preceded in death by his father, John Litzan and his mother, Lucille Kula; brothers, Gerald Litzan and Kenneth Litzan; sister, Beverly D'Amico; brothers-in-law, Edward Hook and James D'Amico, Andrew Shaw; sister-in-law, Marjorie Shaw, great great uncle, Venerable Brother, James Wirth F.F.S.C., the founder of the Franciscan Brothers of the Holy Cross, Germany. Robert is survived by his wife of 63 years, Olga (nee Yaremy) Litzan; children, Karen (Chuck Richards) Sutton, Donna (Bryan) Hull, Steven Litzan, Janet (Todd) Reinke, Elizabeth Litzan; grandchildren, Angela (Matt) Keltner, Adam (fiancé Katie Cool) Martinez, Anthony (Trisha) Martinez, Elissa (fiancé, Nathaniel Adkins) Martinez, Kellen Litzan, Rilee Litzan, Lane Litzan, Drew (Meghan) Reinke, Cody Reinke; great grandchildren, Amber Frieberg, Andrew Frieberg, Eliott Martinez, Brody Martinez; great great grandchildren, Avalynn Mackey and Alianna Mackey; brother, Dennis (Nancy) Kula; sisters, Joanne Hook, Sandra (William) Helsom; sisters and brother-in-law, Joan Yaremy and Barbara (John) Kurnik. Upon graduation from St. Anthony High School in Detroit, Bob was employed at Western Electric. He was then drafted and proudly served in the US Army Military Police during the Korean War. Following his honorable discharge, he continued his employment with Western Electric in Detroit. There, he met the love of his life, Olga. They married in 1956 and proudly raised 5 children. While living in Dearborn Heights, he helped organize youth hockey securing funding for the first ice skating rink. Bob continued his career with Michigan Bell Telephone Company and was promoted to Staff Manager. His career path brought him to Grand Rapids where he relocated his family. After taking an early retirement, he pursued several avenues of self- employment with the last being the owner of Mr. T's Screen Printing. Bob was a faithful member of St. Jude Catholic Church for 45 years. He was an active member of the Northview Public School community where he served as an athletic booster and founded the high school hockey program. Bob enjoyed his time with friends as a member of the Mr. Burger breakfast gang and spending time with family and friends at his cottage. The family would like to thank the staff at Faith Hospice, especially his nurse Kathy Babcock RN and his aide, Rachael, as well as Dr. Mark Spoelstra and Dr. Bryan Hull for their care and support during Bob's illness. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 AM, Friday, April 12 at Saint Jude Catholic Church, 1120 4 Mile Road NE, Grand Rapids. Bob's family will greet relatives and friends 5:00 to 7:00 PM Thursday at Stegenga Funeral Chapel, 1601 Post Drive NE, Belmont with a Vigil Service at 7:00 PM and one hour prior to mass on Friday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Faith Hospice. To share a photo, memory and sign the family's online guestbook please visit www.stegengafuneralchapel.com To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Robert John Litzan please visit our Sympathy Store.