Robert Abke

Bob grew up in Michigan and lived primarily in the Grand Rapids area and graduated from Aquinas College with a degree in Business Administration.  He served proudly in the United States Marines for 5 years stationed in California, Nevada and Okinawa, Japan.  He was the Director of Purchasing/Production and Inventory Control at a Michigan manufacturing plant for 27 years until his retirement in 1996 when he and his wife Ann moved to the Phoenix area.  In 2000 they moved to PebbleCreek.

Bob was an avid enthusiast of crosswords and trivia and could easily remember the words to old songs and especially all of the commercials of the 50’s.  He enjoyed watching and re-watching all of the old TV Westerns and movies - particularly if they included John Wayne and knew the dialog better than the actors.  On any given Saturday you could find him watching and rooting for his favorite team - the Michigan State Spartans - GO GREEN!  However, his most pleasurable times were when he was reliving life through the adventures of his children and grandchildren.

Bob is survived by his wife, Ardeth “Ann” along with his daughter, Melanie, who lives in Delaware, and his son, Jim, who lives in Colorado.  He is further survived by his grandchildren, Austin, Bailee, Allyson, Anthony and Gabrielle.

As per Bob’s wishes there will be no services.  Instead, give a tighter and longer hug to the ones you love and enjoy their presence. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Arizona Humane Society, the National Kidney Foundation or Hospice of the Valley.