Robert Joseph Gawlas

Robert “Bob” Gawlas, age 88, of Bourbonnais, Illinois, formerly a longtime resident of Northville, MI, passed away Wednesday, October 7, 2020 at his home. He was born September 30, 1932 in Detroit, MI, the son of Charles P. & Gertrude (Ribolin) Gawlas. He married Rita Passanise on June 27, 1964. She preceded him in death on March 28, 2018.

Bob was a master Electrician. He retired from Kroger Dairy Company. Bob was the founder and Commandant of the Marine Corps League 1253. He was also a member of the St. George American Legion. Bob was a talented musician and played many instruments. Those instruments included tuba playing for the Marine Corps League and string bass and bass guitar for Polka bands. Bob was a veteran of the Marine Corps, where he served in Korea. He was a rifleman first and a musician second for the 1st Marine Airwing. He was a parishioner of St. George Catholic Church.

Surviving are one son, Bryan Gawlas of North Branch, MI; one daughter and son-in-law, Angela & Jim Anders of Bourbonnais; many grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to his wife, Rita Gawlas, Bob is preceded in death by his parents; one son, Garron Gawlas; and three brothers, Charles Gawlas, Fred Gawlas, and Ralph Gawlas.

Visitation will be held from 2-8 p.m. on Friday, October 23, 2020 at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 W. Dunlap St., Northville, MI 48167. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 24, 2020 at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Southfield, MI at 25800 W. 10 Mile Rd. Southfield, MI. Military Honors will be performed by American Legion Post 32 of Livonia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Legion 1164 Boys State Scholarship at PO BOX 1424 Bourbonnais, IL 60914.