Robert “Bob” James Karle

Robert “Bob” James Karle, age 89, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on August 16, 2016 in Tecumseh, Mich. He was born on May 14, 1927 in Cincinnati, Ohio the son of David and Lorain (Gander) Karle. On October 2, 1948 he married the love of his life, Gloria Simmons in Clinton and they shared 68 wonderful years together.

Robert served in the United States Army of Occupation during World War II. He worked in auto sales in Tecumseh and Milan for over 40 years.  He was a member of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church. In his younger years he was involved and excelled in football, basketball and track, where he was a state qualifier and was a football scholarship recipient. He was an avid trout fisherman and hunter, enjoyed playing cards, bowling, traveling and camping with family and friends. He was a member of Tecumseh and Milan Rotary and past president for both, and a former Cub Scout Leader in Tipton. Bob really enjoyed life, loved spending time with his family and he will be forever missed.

Robert is survived by his loving wife, Gloria; his children, James (Cheri) Karle and Kathy (David) Bird both of Tipton; grandchildren, Robert Bird, Andrew (Cathryn) Bird, Jason (Fina) Karle, Chelsea Karle, Clayton Karle and Corbin Karle; great-grandchildren, Trevor Bird, Seth and Logan Bird and Thaddeus Karle; and his brother, Jerome (Betty) Karle of Cincinnati, Ohio.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Mass of the Christian Burial was held on Saturday, Aug. 20, 2016 at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church. Burial followed under the auspices of the Tecumseh American Legion Post No. 34 and the Tecumseh VFW Post No. 4187 at Franklin Township Cemetery, Tipton, Mich.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or Hospice of Lenawee.

Condolences may be offered for the family at www.handlerfuneralhomes.com.