Obituaries

Robert L. (Bob) Petroelje, M.D. went Home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, July 19, 2010 at his residence in Grand Rapids.  He was 62 years of age.  Bob is survived by his loving wife, Laurie (Laura Huizing), his children, Mark Petroelje and Elizabeth Petroelje-Stolle and Greg Stolle; his grandchildren, Miriam, Anna, and Naomi.  One of five brothers, Bob was preceded in death by Preston Petroelje, and is survived by Glenn and Marilyn, Audred and Cathy, and Wayne and Barbara Petroelje; mother-in-law, Evelyn Huizing, sister-in-law, Fern Barkema, brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Pat Huizing, and many nieces and nephews.  Bob was born in Zeeland, Michigan on September 3, 1947 to Gerrit and Georgianna Petroelje.  Bob attended Holland Christian High School, Hope College, University of Michigan Medical School, and trained at Temple University Hospital.  Bob was a board certified Otolaryngologist serving the Grand Rapids community for almost thirty-two years.  After retiring from medicine, Bob pursued a career in Medical Ethics, having attained a master's degree at Trinity International University.  He was teaching at both Grand Valley State University and Michigan State Medical School (Grand Rapids campus) for the last two years.  Bob was known for his Christian principles, devotion to his family, conservative values, and hard work.  He touched many lives through careful, meticulous care, mentoring skills, and loyalty to colleagues and friends.  A memorial service will be held at Calvary Church on Friday, July 23, 2010 at 11:00 am.  Dr. James Grier, a personal friend, will officiate.  Visitation will be held at the Zaagman Memorial Chapel on Thursday, July 22, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 pm and at Calvary Church on Friday from 10 to 11 am prior to the service.  The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations would be made to Young Life Central Grand Rapids in Bob's honor.