Robert R. Platt

Resided in Gladstone, MI
Died July 15, 2017

Robert R. Platt, age 69, passed away Saturday morning, July 15, 2017, at his home in Gladstone, surrounded by his loving family, following a courageous battle with cancer. Bob was a man of Faith and is in God’s loving arms.

Bob was born September 2, 1947, in Lansing, MI, the son of Harold Platt and Arlene (Welsh) Ward. He was raised in Mason, MI and was a 1965 graduate of Holt High School. While in high school, Bob excelled in basketball, winning the district championship and football where his team was all state conference champs.
Following high school, Bob was drafted into the United States Army and proudly served his country in the Vietnam War. While in service, Bob received medals of commendation which included, the Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the Distinguished Purple Heart for injuries sustained in battle. He was honorably discharged in July of 1969.
On June 12, 1971, Bob was united in marriage to the former Gloria Bartosic, at St. Stan’s Church in Shamokin, PA and together the couple resided in Detroit before relocating to Gladstone where they made their home and raised their three children, Christopher, Heather and Jennifer. Bob and his wife Gloria, whom he loved dearly, were happily married for 46 years
Bob knew the value of hard work and exemplified that value every single day, working tirelessly throughout his entire life. At the young age of fifteen, Bob took a passionate interest in the restaurant business. This passion followed him throughout his working career and eventually allowed him to own and operate his own restaurant for many years. He was a wonderful, caring business man and friend to his employees. Bob was extremely kindhearted and selfless. Whether it was making sure his employees were fed or feeding those in need, Bob made sure nobody went hungry and he enjoyed providing to all. He was saddened to retire due to his declining health.
Bob’s children were his pride and joy. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren grow and loved to spend time watching their sporting events, school programs and having a good time swimming with them in the family pool. He loved spending every minute with his family.
Bob was a member of Grace Church in Gladstone. He was a faithful man who read the Bible everyday and loved to read the Bible to those who would listen. He enjoyed sharing the Lord with his caretakers and would always say “God Bless You and Thank You” when they would leave. He will be deeply missed.

In addition to his wife Gloria, Bob is survived by:
Son: Chris Platt of Escanaba, MI
Daughters: Heather (Shane) Wallin of Danforth, MI
Jennifer Platt of Gladstone, MI
Grandchildren: Marissa, Christopher Jr., Jacob, Shane Jr., Jenessa, Jada, and Emmie
Brothers: Gary Platt of Mason, MI
Jon (Eileen) Platt of Lansing, MI
Doug (Linda) Platt of Kalkaska, MI Also surviving are several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Bob’s Parents, Harold Platt and Arlene (John) Ward and his Brothers, Gale Platt and Donald Platt preceded him in death.

Bob’s family will receive friends on Wednesday, from 2:00PM to 4:00PM, at the Grace Church in Gladstone. Funeral services, to celebrate the life of Robert R. Platt, will follow visiting hours, at 4:00PM, at the Grace Church in Gladstone, with Pastor Jason Kent officiating. Luncheon will follow in the Grace Church Fellowship Hall. Military honors and committal prayers will be conducted on Thursday, at 10:00AM, at the Gardens of Rest Cemetery in Wells.

16 Tributes for “Robert R. Platt”

    I didn’t know Robert on a personal level just enough to say hi and have a good day however the first time I met him was years ago when he filed in for my son baseball team when their regular coach didn’t. I don’t remember if they won or not but it was the best game the kids played cause Robert made it fun. It’s one of the best memories of little league my son has, he still talks about it today and he is 36 years old now. Rest with the angels Robert. To his family my thoughts and prayers are with you. He was a wonderful person. May God comfort you during this difficult time.

    Bob was a great man and a great boss. Sorry for your loss. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

    He was the best grandpa a little girl could’ve had. I have so many good memories with him like when I first learned to drive no one would get behind the wheel with me and he said “oh alright lets go I will come with you” and we went and got my cousin Chris and when we went over the bridge my cousin was scared and my grandpa just laughed. He had a huge heart and he was such a good example for me when my family lived there for a short time I would wake up and go get a drink of water to see him reading the Bible or watching one of his shows he watched called Joyce Meyer and I would sit in and talk to him for awhile. He was one of my biggest fans for basketball he would come and watch me and cheer me on when he was sick he came to one of my games and watched me and after every game he would always call me after and tell me how good I did. That always made me feel better if it was a rough game. His favorite things to call me where missy, Mary-Issa , chucky(when I was a baby I would smile really hard and he called me that) and just plain Marissa. There is no way to explain how I’m gonna miss him on earth but I’m gonna see him again. Now he’s up making rolls with the angels;) love you papa you will be missed

    I was an employee of Bob’s for MANY years at the Ponderosa and Ranch restaurant chains. He always had a smile on his face, and a warm hello. I really enjoyed working for Bob. I remember many years later, coming in to his restaurant as a customer, he ALWAYS would make such a big fuss over me, & introduce me to all his current employees as & an old employee of his. Funny thing is, he ALWAYS introduced me as Julie, & I had to remind him my name was Lisa! Think that after a while, it just became a running joke every time he saw me! Bob will be greatly missed! Lisa Martin

    Gloria, I am so very sorry for your loss. Bob was a wonderful man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
    May God bless you,
    Nanette Naser (Parsons)

    Bob transferred to Holt schools when we were in 7th grade. I volunteered to show him around to his classes and introduce him to other kids. His extroverted personality made it very easy for him to make new friends. Aside from basketball which he excelled at he was an offensive tackle on the Holt, Rams 1965 undefeated football team. Coach Briggs called Bob and I the pygmies because Bob weighed in at 135 lbs as a offensive tackle and I at 128 as offensive guard.

    I recall many of the crazy things we did as teenagers and young adults.

    Bob and I became everlasting friends from those days until now. Gloria you were the best thing that could have happened to Bob.
    He loved you and your kids dearly.

    Gloria and Kids,
    I’m so sorry to hear about Bob’s passing. I worked for him for many, many years in Marquette, and one thing that always stuck out to me was how much he loved you and how proud he was of his family. He was a good man. My thoughts are with you all.

    I knew bob for many years I worked for him at the Ranch and he was a great boss always understanding and helped with whatever you needed. Later in life I was blessed to work with him again at the Terrace Bay Inn in the Resturant and he was always so happy and always complimented you on any thing he could because he wanted to always see a smile on our face! He helped us with whatever we needed even if it wasn’t part of his job! I am blessed to have known him and blessed to have worked with him for as long as we could. Towards the end we could tell he wasn’t feeling as well as before but he always tried to play it off and ask us how we were doing and didn’t want us to worry about him that’s how much of a great man he was. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and I know he is up in heaven looking down at everyone and praying that we are doing good. I will miss you Bob so glad for the time we had together 🙂 your spirit is amazing and I will miss it 🙂

    Other than my father, Bob was the most influential man in my life. He would drive me crazy at times, but he always challenged me every day, when I had the pleasure to work with him at Ponderosa and Ranch. His passion for the restaurant, food (especially food!), our customers, and his family was amazing. I was very disappointed when the Marquette store closed and I had to leave the restaurant business. But Bob taught me so much that I still apply today. From supervising, cooking, being a good dad, a good husband, and being passionate about something. My heart goes out to Gloria and the Platt family. For over twelve years you made me and my family feel like we were a part of your family, and I thank you. Rest in peace Bob.

    I worked for Bob at Ranch many years ago and he was always friendly and full of smiles. He really did care about his employees and making sure no one went hungry. I remember he had us set up the whole buffet for all the restaurant employees and contractors to eat dinner one late night when the restaurant was closed for remodel. He was very thoughtful and caring.
    My deepest condolences to his family.

    Bob was such a nice man. Always smiling & baking cookies at the Ranch. He also was a very generous person in his life.
    The family is going to miss such an icon. His son Chris & my son were great friends, like brothers. They hunted together & always enjoyed each others company until my son went off to the Air Force. Jamie my son is always asking about him when we talk. Bob & Gloria’s children will always be special to us. He will not have to suffer any more because now he is cured. Jerry & I will be keeping the family in our thoughts & prayers for healing.

    Came across Bob’s obit while looking up former Keg employees for a reunion. We were so sorry to learn that he had passed away. We have lots of good memories of Bob and Gloria during their time in Fort Worth. Sounds like they enjoyed a happy life with the children they always wanted.

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