WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Robert Peter West, age 77, formerly of Portage Lake in Mendon Township, passed away Monday, June 7, 2010, at his home in Sturgis.
He was born Dec. 17, 1932, in Oak Park, Ill., a son of Peter Jacob and Ruth Maude (Larson) West.
Robert graduated from Austin High School in Chicago. He attended the University of Dubuque in Dubuque, Iowa, where he met his wife, Lorraine Prior Salmon. They were later married on Aug. 28, 1952. in Dundee, Ill.
Robert was a veteran of the U.S. Army 82nd Airborne, earning the rank of sergeant.
He worked in retail most of his life and was owner-operator of Gambles Hardware Store in Sturgis and West Motor Home Leasing. After retirement, he enjoyed working as a security guard and spending time at the lake with his dog, Elf.
He was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Three Rivers, where he was on the vestry.
Surviving are his wife, Lorraine; three daughters, Vivian Hope (Michael) Prapuolenis of Wheaton, Ill., Julianne “Julie” Faith (Daniel) Cottin of Sturgis and Linda Love (Thomas) Cottin of Lawrence, Kan.; nine grandchildren, Jonathan and Jasmine Prapuolenis, Dan, Katie and Angela Cottin, Cole (fiancé Dan Phelps), Joe, Mick and Tommy Cottin; a brother, Henry (Georgia) West of Lake Forest, Ill.; a sister, Tomi Miner of Aurora, Ill.; and a cousin, Virginia Cump of Crystal Lake, Ill.
According to his wishes, cremation has taken place.
A funeral celebrating the life of Robert P. West will be held at 11 a.m. June 19 at Trinity Episcopal Church, 321 N. Main St., Three Rivers.
The family suggests memorial donations be directed to the American Diabetes Association or Trinity Episcopal Church. Envelopes are available at the Hackman Family Funeral Home Rosenberg Chapel, Sturgis, which is in charge of the arrangements.
