Robert “Bob” Ernest East, 78, of Michigan City, passed away due to complications with Covid-19 at 7:52 am, Wednesday, November 25th, 2020 at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois.
He was born October 4 th,1942, in Michigan City, Indiana to Ernest East and Alice (Crawford-East) Shaffer.
Robert served for the US Army as a combat engineer from 1959-1962 and was stationed in Nuremberg, Germany. He retired from Nipsco as a dozer operator for the coal handling department after 27 years of service and also worked for Clark Equipment for 9 years. He was a member of Queen of All Saints Catholic Church and an usher for many years. He was a member of American Legion Post 451 and took great pride in his involvement in the honor guard and the flag presentation to veteran families. Bob was also a ham radio operator for many years and was recognized on air as WB9WNU and KC9NP.
Additionally, he was a member of the Knights of Columbus (Queens Church), Founder of MCROCKS, an avid Trump supporter, and classic muscle car enthusiast. He was a frequent patron of Schoops diner where he enjoyed visiting with his “coffee buddies.” Above all, Robert loved spending time with his family. He enjoyed pool parties and cookouts, holidays, family dinners, but most of all he enjoyed family vacations.
Surviving is his wife of 57 years Anita (Cizewski) and three children. Dawn (Patrick) Landers, Duane (Richelle Millich) East and Jason (Anne) East.
He is also survived by grandchildren Danielle (Josh) Solano, Amber and Wyatt East, Erin, Katie and John East and Trevor Ackerman. Also surviving are great grandchildren Connor and Garret Solano, sister-in laws Dennice Adrian and Diana Parker, and several loved nieces and nephews. Robert also leaves behind his loving companion dog Dillon.
Preceding in death were his parents, his sister Celia Flowers, his step-father Robert Shaffer, and his grandson Steven Skoczek.
The East family would like to personally thank Marie (Duval) Macke, RN, Dr. Jamile Shammo, MD, Dr. Christopher Seder, MD, and their colleagues and staff at the Rush Cancer Center. We would also like to thank the compassionate staff who cared for him in the ICU while we could not be with him.
Cremation will take place. A proper Christian burial and Military Veteran Service will take place at Queens Catholic Church at a later date due to Covid-19. The Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel, Michigan City, IN is handling arrangements.
Contributions may be made to the charity of the donor's choice.
To sign a guest book and leave condolences online visit our web site at www.otthaverstock.com.
