Robert W. Pollari

IRONWOOD, Mich. - Robert W. Pollari, 88, of Ironwood, died Saturday, Nov. 23, 2013, at Westgate Nursing, Rehabilitation and Assisted Living Community in Ironwood.

He was born Jan. 10, 1925, in Ironwood, son of the late William and Mary (Garrick) Pollari, attended Ironwood schools, and graduated from Luther L. Wright High School in 1942. He attended Ironwood Junior College for a semester before entering the U.S. Army on Feb. 15, 1943, serving overseas as a combat medic with the 411th infantry, 103rd division, in Europe during World War II, and was a Bronze Star recipient. He was honorably discharged as a sergeant on April 16, 1946.

While in service, Bob attended the University of Oklahoma, and upon discharge, the University of Michigan. He then worked for Benson Optical in Ironwood, New Ulm, Minn., Beloit and Eau Claire, Wis., for 10 years, and was a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service in Ironwood for a short time, retiring due to ill health in 1960.

Bob was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Ironwood, where he served as head usher and was an ordained deacon and elder. He was a life member and past commander of Ironwood American Legion Post 5, a life member of Northland Chapter, No. 66, Disabled American Veterans, and a member and past master of Ironwood Masonic Lodge F & AM No. 389. He also served as treasurer of the Gogebic County Republican Committee for 10 years, served on the Ironwood Board of Review for five years, and was vice-chairman of the Gogebic County Chapter of Easter Seals.

Surviving are a sister, Ruth Ann (William) Bier, St. Clair; two nephews, Robert Bier, California, and James (Leah) Bier, St. Clair; three nieces, Joanne (Michael) Wesch, Marysville, Patricia (Michael) Fritz, St. Helen's, and Diane (Craig) Holmes, Brighton; and seven great- nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Margaret Pollari, on Oct. 16, 2004.

Per Bob's wishes, cremation has taken place.

Services, military honors and interment will take place in the spring, at a time and date to be announced.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 301 E. Aurora St., Ironwood MI 49938.

Bob's obituary can be viewed online and condolences given to his family at mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ironwood.