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ESCANABA - Robert J. Grabowski, 84, 816 N. 20th St., Escanaba, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, Oct. 30, 2009, at the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital in Madison, Wis.

He was born on Dec. 22, 1924, in Escanaba, the son of Thomas and Georgeanna (Paler) Grabowski. Robert was raised in Escanaba and graduated from St. Joseph High School.

Robert served in the Army during World War II from March 11, 1943, to April 28, 1944, earning the Good Conduct Medal and the EAGME Campaign Ribbon. He served in North Africa, Cassablanca and Italy.

On Jan. 26, 1957, Robert married the former Alyce J. Manty at St. Thomas Church.

Beginning in 1976, Robert began his career with Morley Murphy Company as a salesman. He then was the manager for St. Vincent de Paul Society following many years of volunteering for the organization.

Robert enjoyed his family and attending the many sport activities of which his family participated in. He also coached the Escanaba Hawks.

Bob was an avid fan of the Red Wings and the Detroit Red Wings. So much so, he had trouble relaxing when he watched them play.

He was a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Church where he was very active. He was a CCD teacher for 15 years and was the president of the Home and School Association for both St. Thomas School and Holy Name Central Grade School.

Among the survivors include his wife, Alyce Jean of Escanaba; son, Thomas (Donna) Grabowski of Appleton, Wis.; three daughters, Linda Ebert of Robinsdale, Minn., Bonnie Jean (David) Grant of Bark River, and Christine (Dennis) Wiltzius of Gladstone; 10 grandchildren, Lesley (Luke) Wert, Sarah Minthorn, Ashley (Nelson) Godoy, Nicole Ebert, Heidi Ebert, Kyle, Eric, and Brendan Grabowski, Kayla and Mollie Wilzius; great-grandchildren, Josie Wert, Clara Wert, Chase Minthorn, and Owen Minthorn; and a brother, Clarence "Gyke" (Lila) Grabowski of Escanaba.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Lloyd Grabowski; and sisters, Marcella Beauchamp and Lorraine Carvso.

Visitation will be on Thursday, Nov. 5, from 2 to 5:30 p.m. at the Crawford Funeral Home in Escanaba. The Delta County Veterans Council will have military rites at 4 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 6 p.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Church with Rev. Rick Courier officiating. A luncheon will be served in the church fellowship hall following services.

Burial will be in Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery.

The Crawford Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.