Robert E. Piester, age 74, of Gladstone formerly of Bark River, MI passed away Friday, February 2, 2007 at the Pinecrest Medical Care Facility in Powers, MI. He was born January 14, 1933 in Shenandoah, Iowa to Walter and Mildred (Swallow) Piester. Robert spent 23 years in the military. He started his military career in a naval mobile construction battalion, then worked as a jet engine mechanic in the Air Force and concluded his career teaching maintenance management courses for jet engines. He served his country proudly in the U.S. Navy from January 9, 1952 through December 15, 1955, during the Korean Conflict and also with the U.S Air Force from February 14, 1958 through January 1, 1975, part of that time during the Vietnam War. Robert retired from the military in 1975 as a Master Sergeant from the K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base in Michigan. Robert met Constance Pavao, the woman whom he would spend 50 years of his life united in marriage. They were married April 6, 1956 in Clarinda, Iowa. Robert and Constance have resided in the Bark River and Gladstone area over the last 30 years. Robert enjoyed traveling, the outdoors, hunting and fishing.
Including his wife Constance, he is survived by:
His son: Bryan E. (Jane) Piester of Columbia, Missouri
His daughter: Linda (William) Braun of Belfair, Washington
5 Grandchildren
Two sisters: Judith A. (Sal) Mercurio of Moreno Valley, California; Sandra K. Sloan of Omaha, Nebraska
His Step-Mother: Dorothy Piester of Shenandoah, Iowa
Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Mildred and Walter and his sister, Jacquelyn Dearmont.
The Piester family will receive friends on Tuesday, Febraury 6, from 4:00 to 5:00 at theSkradski Funeral Home in Escanaba. Memorial Services will be at 5:00 PM at the funeral home with Rev. Jackie Roe, Memorial United Methodist Church in Gladstone, officiating. The service will begin with Military Rites by the Delta County Veterans Council to honor Robert
Anonymous
Mrs. Piester, Brian, and family,
We were sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Piester. My husband, Mike, and I will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
I am not sure you will remember me Mrs. Piester. I lived in Skandia and went to school with your son Brian. We use to sit together most of the time on the school bus on those very early mornings. You also taught my first son swimming lessons before you left the Gwinn Area. Please know that our sympathy is with you all.
Sincerely,
Mike Wills and Sheri Curtice-Wills
Gwinn, WI
Connie,
Sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. We will remember you in our prayers. The kids remember you with great fondness.
Marty & Cathy Cleven
Aren, Timarie & Dane
Davison, MI
My sister and I attended the one room school in Iowa when Bob attended. (LaPrairie) Our fathers before us were school mates, neighbors, and great friends. Though I haven’t seen Bob since second grade, my father and sister and I join in expressing our sympathy. It is hard to think of the world without him in it.
Connie (Scotton) Plank and Gerald Scotton
Comumbus Junction, IA
Constance, Bryan and Family, I’ll never forget Robert’s kindness, or his Guamanian Chicken wings. Thanks for letting me share part of your lives.
Jim Engelhard
Roswell, NM
Dear Constance,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this very sad time. May the wonderful memories of Bob and your life together give you peace today especially, but in the days to come as well. I wish I could be there in person to express my sympathy and give you a hug.
With sincere sympathy and friendship,
Karen Bartoszek
Frank & Karen Bartoszek
Hudsonville, MI
Connie, We are saddened that Bob has passed away. The neighborhood just isn’t the same without him. I always enjoyed seeing the two of you ride by on your bicycles, especially on those beautiful summer days. Deepest sympathy from the entire Fisk family.
Janice (Lynn) Fisk Barker and family
Perronville, MI
My thoughts and prayers are with you all- I was one of many youth who were taught and worked for connie and the Gwinn Pool- I remember Robert coming to the pool on several occasions and he treated all us kids like were his own-
Chris Peterson
Marion, IL
My heart goes out to you at this time. Remember the good times, the fishing, hunting, fun and laughs. May God give you peace.
Sandi Sloan
Omaha, NE
Dearest Connie (Mrs. Piester), Not too long ago I had googled your name in the white pages and found out you were in Gladstone. We talked about you when we passed by your home on Christmas Day and wondered about Bobsince we knew his health was not good. We are so sorry we did not stop although it was very early morning and we were on our way to open presents with a 2 year old great nephew. Chris was with us. He now resides in Raleigh NC. Jamie is in Houston. He and his wife are expecting their first child March 15.
They still are swimmers and still fondly remember Mrs. Piester.
You are in our prayers.
Judy & Judy Weber, Jamie & Chris
Indianapolis, IN