Robert "Bob" E. Pettit

Robert “Bob” E. Pettit, 70, passed away, at home, with his wife on February 13, 2011, after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born on May 30, 1940, to Daniel and Margaret Pettit in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. He was a loving husband, devoted father, and an adoring grandfather, committing his life to the service of others.Bob attend Goodrich Senior High School in Fond du Lac. He spent four years in the United States Air Force with the 1st Missile Division at Vandenberg AFB, California. He graduated from Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois, with a bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, and went on to a successful career at 3M. Bob and Kathy later lived briefly in Schenectady, New York, and 18 years in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. In 1988 he moved his family to Austin, Texas, continuing to work for 3M until he retired in 1998, after 33 years of service.Over the years, Bob was a Jaycee International Senator, a 4-H leader, PTA President, and coached many of his children's sports teams as well as being their biggest fan. He was on the board of Hill Country Community Ministries, Interfaith Hospitality Network, and an Austin AARP leader in both Chapter 2700 as President and Travel Chairman and Chapter 2426, the recently elected President. He was an active member of his church, St. Thomas More, as Social Outreach director and President of St. Vincent de Paul. He dedicated himself to the many charities and organizations that were close to his heart. After retirement Bob enjoyed doing taxes and teaching for HR Block.Bob lived his life loving people. He enjoyed helping others and there will never be another man like him. Always the optimist, he didn't believe in problems, only opportunities.He is survived by his wife, Margaret Rightmire Pettit; his four children: Robert T. Pettit and wife Holly of Urbana, Ohio, Lieutenant Colonel Timothy Pettit and wife Coeann of Xenia, Ohio, Suzanne Ryan and husband Adam of North Royalton, Ohio, and Christina Bryant and husband Matthew of Austin; three step children: Sherry White of Austin, Lynda Bond and husband David of Cedar Creek, and SFC James Rightmire, Jr. and wife Mary Bonetti Rightmire of Liberty; eight grandchildren: Amanda and Nickolas Pettit, Dillon and Cheradyn Pettit, Hanna, Molly, and Jared Ryan, and Emily Bryant; five step- grandchildren: Melissa Rightmire, Jamie Parsons,Cheyenne Rightmire, and Samantha and Haley Bond; a sister, Patricia Pettit of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin; and a sister-in-law Rachel Johnson and husband Casey of Geneva, Illinois. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Kathy, and grandson, Collin Ryan. A memorial service will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 26, 2011, at Shrine of Rest Mausoleum in Ledgeview Memorial Park, N6250 County Road K, Fond du Lac, with Deacon Ricardo Munoz officiating. The family will greet friends and relatives on Saturday from 2:00 p.m. until the time of service.

Robert "Bob" E. Pettit

May 30, 1940 - February 26, 2011