Robert E. Klosinski, 82, of La Porte, Indiana passed away peacefully on Monday, November 16, 2020.
Robert was born May 17, 1938, in La Porte to the late Sylvester and Mary (Harenza) Klosinski.
On May 21, 1975, he married Judith Otterbach, his wife of 45 years who survives, and their children, Jennifer (Jeb) Forsee of Indianapolis, Indiana, and their children, Hans, Sophie, and Frank Riegner. Carrie (John) Stachnik of Glen Ellyn, Illinois, and their children, Sophia, Henry, and Coco. Tom (Christine) Klosinski of Mission Viejo, California, and their children, Jack, Alivia, and Grace. Brad (Kathy) Klosinski of Bloomington, Indiana, and their son, Max. Stacey (Rick) Zellers of Granger, Indiana and their children, Chris (Stephanie), Caleigh, Hanna, Abbi, and Zach.
Bob is also survived by his sister, Joan Portulis of La Porte, and his brother, James (Jan) Klosinski of Defiance, Ohio. He was preceded in death by a sister, Dorothy Jozwiak, and brothers-in-law, Edward Portulis and Gerald Jozwiak.
Bob received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Purdue University in Education in 1962 followed by his Masters in Guidance and Counseling from Ball State University. After his first year of teaching in the South Central School System, Bob spent the rest of his career teaching math and drivers training, counseling and coaching in the La Porte Community School Corporation until his retirement in 1996.
For 28 years he managed Blueberries of Indiana owned by his friend, Dr. Charles “Mike” Mainland. Bob was an active member of St. Peter Catholic Church and a past member of the Knights of Columbus. Also, Bob was an avid member of the John Purdue Club and the Purdue Alumni Association.
Robert, aka Bob, Dad, Grandpa, and Blueberry Bob, is best remembered for his love of life. He was an avid softball player, canoeist, camper, and sudoku specialist. He loved adventure and travel, as long as it involved family and friends. He loved tinkering in his barn and building giant bonfires for his large family. He was a fervent and loyal member of his monthly card-playing group, his best friends in life, and loved getting together with his breakfast club.
But even with all of Bob's talents and interests, his wife, children, and grandchildren were his greatest and lasting love. He moved mountains for them and loved them with all his heart.
Visitation will be from 9-10:30 a.m. Saturday, November 21, 2020, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, 1117 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, Indiana.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 21, 2020, at St. Peter Catholic Church, 1101 Michigan Avenue, La Porte, Indiana. Burial will follow at Pine Lake Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Dunes Hospice, 4711 Evans Avenue, Valparaiso, Indiana 46383 or Mayo Clinic Department of Development, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, https://philanthropy.mayoclinic.org/donatemc, directed toward research of Parkinson’s with LBDs.
Please share prayers, condolences, and memories with the family at Essling Funeral Home.com.
