Mr. Robert Arnold Trebesch's Obituary
In the rising of the sun and its going down, we will remember him.
IN THE BLOWING OF THE WIND AND THE CHILL OF WINTER, WE WILL REMEMBER HIM.
In the opening of the buds and in the rebirth of spring, we will remember him.
IN THE BLUENESS OF THE SKY AND IN THE WARMTH OF THE SUMMER, WE WILL REMEMBER HIM.
In the rustling of the leaves and in the beauty of autumn, we will remember him.
IN THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR AND WHEN IT ENDS, WE WILL REMEMBER HIM.
When we are weary and in need of strength, we will remember him.
WHEN WE ARE LOST AND SICK AT HEART, WE WILL REMEMBER HIM.
When we have joys we yearn to share, we will remember him.
SO LONG AS WE LIVE, HE, TOO, SHALL LIVE, FOR HE IS NOW A PART OF US, AS WE REMEMBER HIM.
(From a Yiskor Prayer on Yom Kippur)
Robert Arnold Trebesch (affectionately known as the RAT) died under Hospice Crisis Care at Westminster Suncoast Health Center on Feb. 26th, in St. Petersburg, FL, after a long struggle with Lewy Body Dementia. His family thanks the hospice and the staff for their care and dedication during the three years & seven months he was with them.
Robert was born Feb 11th, 1931 in Detroit, MI and recently celebrated his 88th birthday. He was educated in Detroit schools, graduating from Denby High School in January, 1949. He studied at the University of Wisconsin until his ‘number’ was drawn by the Selective Service (draft). He enlisted in the “Army” Air Force and was a reconnaissance Cartographer/Draftsman, stationed in Japan. He served three years in the Korean “Conflict”, a term that always offended him, as so many gave their lives there, or were permanently disabled from wounds they suffered there. He has always been a very proud veteran and loved his country unconditionally.
After his honorable discharge he married on Dec 26th, 1957 and joined Montgomery Ward, rising to be Regional Associate Personnel Manager for the Mid-western stores. He travelled extensively for many years.
After his retirement, being a triple “A” personality, he began a successful career in commercial real estate. His favorite hobbies were gardening, golf, fishing, duck hunting and ‘working on his tan’. He was a member of Pass-A-Grille Beach Community Church, UCC, and a supporter of the theatre organ concerts at the “Kirk” in Dunedin and the Little Theatre in St. Petersburg.
Robert was predeceased by his parents, Arnold and Corrine (Schumucker) Trebesch, his sister, Carol, her husband, Daniel Phillips and their daughter, Susan, his beloved daughter in law, Jennifer, wife of his son, Daniel and his grandson, Paul (PJ) and his great niece, Danielle, daughter of his nephew, Robert Phillips. He lost his companion of many years, Audrey Richmire, with whom he travelled the world. They were also very active in OLLI and the senior programs at Eckerd College.
Robert is survived by his loving wife, Janice (Jan), his former wife, Annemy, mother of their sons, Daniel & Paul (Jennifer), his grandson, Brock and great grandson, Isaac. He is survived his daughter, Deborah (Stephen May) and their children, Christopher, Jonathan, and Stephanie and 8 grandchildren, and his nephew, Robert Phillips (Linda) and great nephew, Patrick. There is also a large extended family.
Dear Robert,
You have been the kindest, gentlest and most loving man I have ever known, wise, compassionate and always my best friend. You have always enjoyed and supported my musical career and I thank you for that. I am grateful that, in spite of my stubborn resistance and because of your dogged persistence, our lives became intertwined.
“O, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth” (from the Air Force Prayer)
I am thankful that there will be no more pain and suffering, nor fear and confusion for you, Bob. Your trial here has ended. May you rest in eternal peace. Go with my love, remembering that “a true love story never ends”.
At Bob’s request, there will be no memorial service at this time. Robert told me, “I have had an amazing, wonderful and blessed life, filled with great achievements and loving family & friends.” He asked that you go forth and do random acts of kindness in his memory, for all you meet.
GOOD NIGHT, SWEET PRINCE.
PARTING IS SUCH SWEET SORROW
THAT I WILL SAY GOOD NIGHT
‘TIL IT BE ‘MORROW.
-your wife, Jan
Love always
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