Groff Funeral Homes
1607 East Perkins Avenue
Sandusky, OH 44870
Phone: 419-626-3632
Fax: 419-626-2445
Email: info@grofffuneralhomes.com
Website: http://www.grofffuneralhomes.com
View All Obituaries from Groff Funeral Homes
Robert Arthur Bretz, Sr. completed his journey on earth on December 16, 2013 after two years of declining health.
He was born in Sandusky, Ohio, on November 16, 1925, and lived in this area most of his life.
Meeting him in Heaven is his wife, Louise (Laramie) Bretz, who passed away on May 22, 1994. They had been married for over 46 years.
Robert, better known as "Bob" or by his nick name "Yogi", was a long time member of the Resurrection Lutheran Church. He was involved in the Boy Scouts of America as Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 10 during the 1960s and 70s, as he enjoyed camping and other outdoor activities. He was also a life-long fishing enthusiast.
An honorably discharged U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, he saw service in the European Theatre as part of the crew of USS LCG (L) Gunfire Support Craft, earning Theatre Service and Good Conduct Citations. His ship provided covering fire to troops landing at Utah Beach on D Day, June 6, 1944. It was on this day he acquired a treasured family heirloom - a British Union Jack snatched from a nearby landing craft that was abandoned and sinking.
His service to his community and country continued after his return to the United States, where he served for several years in the Ohio State Highway Patrol Auxiliary, riding with patrolmen to provide backup and support.
Bob worked for Apex Manufacturing in the late 1940s. He started at OE Meyer in January 1950 as a welder, and then progressed through various delivery truck routes delivering welding supplies in north central Ohio. Later in his employment he was the Branch Manager of the Fremont location for several years, and was eventually appointed purchasing manager for the company, the position from which he retired in 1992.
Later in life, Bob grew interested in photography, and could often be seen out and about snapping pictures of local points of interest. He especially enjoyed spending time at Cedar Point with his camera. His work won several ribbons at the Erie County Fair, and the July 4th Stars and Stripes celebrations.
Bob especially loved celebrating Christmas, one of his favorite times of the year, and was always his happiest during the Christmas season. His home was the neighborhood holiday gathering place for friends and relatives for many years.
Bob is survived by his four children; Marie (Gary) Hoch of Sandusky, Robert (Donna) Bretz of Sandusky,
Timothy (Karen) Bretz of Westerville and Randy (Lesley) Bretz of Sandusky; seven grandchildren; Joshua Hoch, Sarah Hoch, Jennifer Frazier, Katherine Bretz, Calista Bretz, Alex Brennan, and Olivia Bretz; eight great grandchildren; Zack, Regan, Tyler, Alexis, Robbie, Emily, Jaelyn, Joel; brother, George (Joyce) Bretz of Huron and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.
In addition to his wife, Louise, he was preceded in death by his parents, August George Bretz and Elizabeth Ruth (Link) Bretz and one brother, William J. Bretz.
Friends may call on Thursday, December 19, 2013 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm in Groff Funeral Homes and Crematory, 1607 E. Perkins Ave. Sandusky, Ohio 44870. Funeral services will be held in the funeral home Friday, December 20, 2013 at 11:00 am with Pastor Kathy Schuck and Pastor Daryl Gant presiding. Burial will follow at Oakland Cemetery Sandusky, Ohio.
Those wishing to contribute to Bob's memory may do so to Stein Hospice Services 1200 Sycamore Line, Sandusky, Ohio 44870 or Back to the Wild 4504 Bardshar Rd., Castalia, Ohio 44824.
Online condolences may be shared at www.grofffuneralhomes.com
