Robert Irwin Prieskorn
Robert Irwin Prieskorn passed away May 8, 2019.
Born November 16, 1921 in Ann Arbor Robert Irwin Prieskorn (aka Bob or RIP) has witnessed the growth of Ann Arbor, a ridiculous amount of history he loved to share with anyone who would listen. The stories begin with cows that he loved to watch but were removed to build the stadium also known as the “BIG HO– USE.” The stories move on to the hanging of the bells in Burton Memorial Tower and then to any questions you may have.
As a youngster, he attended St. Thomas School where he was an altar boy for years. He graduated from St. Thomas High School and did a post-grad year at Ann Arbor High School. Following that year he was employed by Michigan Bell Telephone Company where he worked until he retired.
Before Pearl Harbor, he met a young nurse who for him was love at first sight. It took the war, and a safe return before Ruth Adella Struble was able to make a lifelong commitment to Robert. They married April 23, 1946. She preceded him in death.
During his service in the Marine Corp, he was attached to the 3rd Marine Amphibious Corp Signal Battalion seeing active duty in Guadalcanal, Bougainville, Okinawa, Palau and Guam. His dream was to return to Guam. When he did make a return trip, they honored him as a liberator.
Robert had many achievements in life. He was an usher at St. Thomas Church. Bob was the exalted ruler of Ann Arbor Elks Lodge. He was a member of the Ann Arbor Civitan and rose to international vice president. Bob and Ruth founded the Michigan District Civitan Foundation to help Special Olympics and other charities.
He was a member of the Michigan Bell Pioneers. After retirement, he joined the Honor, Michigan Kiwanis with his friend Fred Leeman. When he moved to Rogers City, he joined the local Optimist chapter.
Woodworking was a hobby at which he excelled. He built many beautiful pieces of furniture, cradles for each family and significant additions to a cottage on the Platte River, where he loved to be with his family.
Bob and Ruth traveled many places with numerous friends during their retirement; it was a source of joy and learning. He has been to every state in the United States and every continent but Antarctica.
One of his proudest achievements beyond his family was 75 years of ushering in Section 1-on the 50-yard line at The University of Michigan Big House.
He was preceded in death by his wife; and a daughter, Judith Kay Prieskom. Survivors are daughters, Linda Ann Prieskorn of Ann Arbor and Mary Alice Krajenta (John) of Rogers City; grandchildren, Cassandra Ann Stajich (Bruce Trimmer) of Ann Arbor, Michael Stajich (Adrienne Hazey) of Auburn Hills, Abbigail Schultz (Terrence Tumpey) of Lilbum, Georgia, Benjamin Schultz ( Andrea House) of Stow, Ohio, Adr
A gathering honoring Bob will be held at The Lighthouse Restaurant on Third Street, in Rogers City, between 12:45 p.m. and 2 p.m. May 29.
The memorial service will be held in Ann Arbor, August 3, at 10 a.m., at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Ann Arbor. A reception and time with the family will follow the service.
Memorial contributions may be sent to: Michigan Civitan Foundation c/o Bob Trevino, 3414 Stock Ct. Adrian, Michigan 49221. Navy-Marine Relief Fund https://action.nmcrs.org/page/contribute/donate20l5