Robert Stephen “Bob” Banchich Sr., 76, of Michigan City, IN, and formerly of Hammond, IN, died Sunday, Nov. 23, 2014.
He was born Aug. 3, 1938, in Hammond to Stephen Frank and Ann Marie (Golarz) Banchich.
Bob had a lifelong career as supervisor at Lever Brothers in Whiting, IN, with over 36 years of service before retiring at age 55 in 1993. He was an avid collector of old cars big and small, H.O. trains, coins and stamps. Bob was a devoted husband, most loving father and grandfather and one of the kindest men the world has known. Throughout their retirement years, Bob and Barb loved to take care of animals and others in need — a true testament to their character and endless love for others.
On Aug. 29, 1959, he married Barbara Ann Wallace, his wife for the next 55 years until his death.
Bob and Barb had two children, Lisa Linn Banchich-Masepohl (John Willis) of LaPorte and Robert Stephen Banchich Jr. (Daniel Brown) of Los Angeles. He had two grandchildren, Katey and Kasey Masepohl, both of LaPorte. He is also survived by his sister, Jeri Edwards of Lakewood, CA; and brothers, Stephen (Melinda) Banchich of Chino, CA, and Rick Banchich of Crown Point, IN.
A celebration of Bob’s life will be held at noon Friday, Nov. 28, at Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte. Visitation will be Friday from 10 a.m. until the service. After the service, the funeral procession will go to Hammond for entombment, arriving between 2 and 2:30 p.m. at St. John Catholic Cemetery, 1547 167th St., Hammond.
In lieu of flowers, Bob supported and would be honored to have any contributions made to Last Chance Rescue (c/o Cherie Bishop), P.O. Box 398, Schererville, IN 46375 (P:219-677-2961); or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP, as well as at www.LakeviewFHC.com.