Robert Nicholas VanWie (Bob) was born on January 14, 1940 to the late Leroy and Mary (Nowalinic) VanWie in Cleveland and departed this life at home on June 3, 2013. He served in the USMC and was a retired union cement mason. He was currently employed by the Jackson County Municipal Court. He worked the Community Service Department and was Field Supervisor for the Community Garden on South Street for five years.
On June 19, 1982, he married Sue (McKenzie) VanWie and to this union they combined five children, Karol VanWie, Roy (Amy) VanWie, Suzi Cales, Michael (Cindy) Cales, Mark (Bridget) Cales and special grandson, Derek (Jessica) Cales, whom he raised in his home. They then welcomed grandchildren, Bobby, Kayla, Eric, Janetta, Jacob, Brandon, Patrick (Abby) and Shaina (both serving in the U.S. Army), Slone, Justin, Shayla and Megan as well as three great-grandchildren, Colton, Jullian and Haley.
He also has left to mourn his passing, two brothers, Larry and Frank (Georgia); his adoptive family that he loved as brothers and sisters, Linda and Bill McGinnis, Terry Peck, Kathy and John Fugett, Kris and Terry Napper, Tim, Leesa and Larry McKenzie and wonderful mother-in-law, Charlotte McKenzie as well as special friend, Helen Groppi and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, all of whom called him Papaw Bob.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Bobby VanWie; and a sister, Ruth Polomsky; as well as two adopted sons, Bill and John Bing.
Viewing hours will be Wednesday, June 5, 2013 from 2 to 7:30 p.m. at the Lewis-Gillum Funeral Home in Jackson. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, June 6, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. at the Holy Trinity Parish on Columbia Street in Jackson by Rev. Father Joseph John Trapp, II and interment to follow at the Real Friends Cemetery. Online condolences can be sent to www.lewisgillumfuneralhomes.com.