Robert (Bob) V. Kielpinski

On January 14, 2022, Robert (Bob) Vincent Kielpinski paused at the gates of Heaven to look back at his family. It was not easy saying goodbye to his wife of 63 years, Mary Ellen (Easton) Kielpinski (MEK), or his children Renee (Wayne) Reetz, Julie Trombley, Kathy (Jerry) LaBean, Janice Cuttitta (Don Neroni), and Joe (Anita) Kielpinski, but he knew they would cherish endless great memories with him. He looked lovingly upon his grandchildren Kristen (John) Sheets, Brett (Brandee Bennett) Reetz, Carol (Doug) Hartley, Seth, Jaron, Trevor Trombley, Shaylyn Cuttitta, Jerry, Mick, Josh (Holly), Jordan LaBean, Jaclyn Nennig, Aaron, Adam and Audrey Kielpinski, and his great-grandchildren Zakary and River Trombley, Jasper and MaryElizabeth Nennig, and Walker Reetz. He was so proud to have been an integral part of their lives. His in-laws Donna (Ted) Polaski, Darlene Polaski, Bobbi (Chuck) Lynch, many nieces, nephews, and cousins were also very special to him. Greeting him in Heaven were his parents Charles and Mary (Krzysiak) Kielpinski, his Mother-in-law Ethel Amley, grandson Brennen Cuttitta, Aunt Clara Stopyak, in-laws Don & Ruth Ann Konwinski, and Michael Polaski.

Bob was miraculously born in Bay City, MI on May 25, 1936, weighing only 2.5 lbs. He spoke Polish until going to school with a tutor and graduated from Visitation High School. He followed his father’s footsteps as a meat cutter and obtained his Meat Cutting and Management Certificate from Michigan State University. After marrying the love of his life, and fathering five wonderful children, he moved his family to Whites Beach on the Saginaw Bay. Bob and Mary Ellen purchased Whites Beach Tavern and Grocery from her mother, Ethel who ran the business for 32 years. Bob ran one of the most popular meat markets around for many years. He made the best Polish Kielbasa and liver sausage. Customers drove miles away to purchase meats and visit with Bob. He always had a smile on his face, was usually humming, and gave children free penny candy (candy bars later on). Once the store closed, he focused on the bar business. His burgers were the best and voted #1 in the people’s choice polls. He greeted everyone who walked through the door to make them feel special and had an extended family of friends, neighbors, and customers.

He owned and operated Whites Beach Tavern for 53 years, working 7 days a week until recent years, before retiring in 2020, at the age of 83. He belonged to Holy Trinity Catholic Church and was a 3rd-degree member of the Knights of Columbus. Bob enjoyed deer hunting, baseball, softball, skiing, and bowling. He loved playing cards, going to the casino, shooting pool, and participating in 8 and 9 ball tournaments. Bob always looked forward to the annual family camping trips in Manistee. He also enjoyed riding his golf cart around the beach and visiting with neighbors. In retirement, he enjoyed trips to Florida.

Bob was the rock of his loving, close-knit family, and proud of each of them. It didn’t matter what he was doing... as long as the family was around, he was happy! He loved joking with customers and greeting his “little ones”. His great personality, positive attitude, and generosity were one-of-a-kind. He touched many lives and brightened many days. He will truly be missed.

Please join the family in celebrating his life. Viewing and visitation will be held at the Lee-Ramsay Funeral Home in Pinconning, MI, on Tuesday, January 18, 2022 from 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, January 19, 11:00 am at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Pinconning. He will lie in state at the funeral home beginning at 9:30 am Wednesday.

Lee-Ramsay Funeral Home, Pinconning, MI, was in charge of arrangements.

The Pinconning Journal

110 E. 3rd St.
PO Box 626
Pinconning, MI 48650

Office Number: 989-879-3811
Regular Office Hours:
Monday-Thursday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm,
Friday Closed
 

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