Robert E. Petro

Robert E. Petro, 82 of Gaylord, passed away at Aspen Ridge Retirement Village on Thursday, April 14, 2016.  He was born in Porter Township, Midland County, on August 29, 1933 the son of Orville and Chloe (Starkey) Petro.

After serving honorably in the U.S., Air Force, Bob went to work at MichCon.  A   pipeline operator, Bob relocated with MichCon to Gaylord in 1971.  MichCon was later purchased by DTE, from where Bob retired in 1995.  In retirement, he and his wife, Elva, enjoyed traveling and Bob always looked forward to a visit to area casinos.

Bob and Elva were married on May 2, 1956 in Clare.  She preceded him in death on January 18, 2015.  Surviving are his daughter, Sandra (Marcus) Matelski of Gaylord; his son, Doug Petro of Gaylord; grandchildren, Amanda (John) Novak of Pinconning and Megan Matelski of Gaylord; great grandchildren, Brittany and Noah Matelski of Gaylord and John Novak III of Pinconning; sisters, Mary Lou Winters of Midland and Ruth Wellman of Clare; a brother, Fred (Blanche) Petro of Colorado and several nieces and nephews.

Bob’s family will remember him privately.  He and Elva will be buried at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly.  Those who wish are asked to consider memorial contributions to Hospice of Michigan.

Arrangements are by Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service.  Please share your memories and personal messages with the family at www.gaylordfuneralhome.com