Mesa, AZ – Robert Bernard Protz passed away peacefully on February 7, 2023, at The Summit, Mesa, AZ, in the loving presence of his daughter, Patti, and his son, Michael. In his final days, he was surrounded with love from family, friends, health care workers, and Summit staff who loved and admired him.
Robert was born in Thief River Falls on December 3, 1925, to Fred and Blanche Protz. As a young boy he grew to love playing the game of hockey. Robert graduated from Lincoln High School in 1943.
He worked for the Soo Line Railroad right out of high school, and later that year, was accepted into the Air Force Cadet Program and joined the U.S. Army Air Corps. After WWII ended, he returned to his job on the railroad, where he was reacquainted with his soon-to-be wife, JoAnn, who also graduated from Lincoln High School in 1943. Bob moved briefly to Chicago to attend refrigeration training, and when he returned to Thief River Falls he was hired at Bridgeman Refrigeration.
In October 1947, he married the love of his life, JoAnn. Bob and JoAnn raised four children, and as a family enjoyed camping, fishing, traveling, and family reunions. Prior to retirement, they built their cabin at Lake of the Woods and Bob always considered that a “little piece of heaven.”
Bob retired from Bridgeman Refrigeration in 1983. In 1984, they began their life as snowbirds, traveling from Minnesota to Arizona. In 1994, they left the cold country and became fulltime Arizonans.
Bob became an avid hiker making two trips down the Grand Canyon. He loved creating stained glass; clogging; playing tennis; and spending time with good friends.
He took pride in being a Veteran; and he was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus, Elks Club, and American Legion for more than 50 years. Bob was a good man, with strong faith, character, and humility. He will be missed by the many people he touched.
Bob is survived by daughters, Sandy Leach, Mesa, AZ; Kate Ryan, Edgewater, CO; Patti (Fred) Irvin, Mesa, AZ; and son, Michael, Bozeman, MT; four grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
A funeral Mass will be held on February 17, 2023, at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Mesa, AZ. He will be interred with his dear wife of 72 years at Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery in Mesa, AZ.
Please visit www.qohcfh.org to leave memories and condolences for the family.
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