Robert Ferch

Robert L. Ferch, affectionately known as “Bobby,” of Hamlet, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 23, 2025, at Northwest Health – Starke Hospital following a sudden illness. He was 85 years old. Born on September 10, 1939, in LaPorte, Indiana, Bobby was the son of the late Robert J. and Mildred (Strader) Ferch. On November 27, 1974, he married Annette (Rzetelny) in Walkerton, and together they built a life marked by love, hard work, and devotion to their family and community. Bobby began his career as a dedicated farmer, cultivating the land with care and purpose. Later in life, he found a new calling in education, driving school buses for Oregon-Davis Schools for over 40 years. His passion for safety, discipline, and student well-being earned him the role of Transportation Director, a position he proudly held for more than two decades. Generations of local students knew Mr. Ferch not just as their bus driver, but as a steady and kind presence in their daily lives. His commitment to his community extended far beyond the school grounds. Bobby was an active member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Knox and proudly served as a 4th Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus. He gave generously of his time and talents through elected service as a Davis Township Advisory Board Member and as a longtime member of the Davis Township Fire Territory Advisory Board. He was especially passionate about preserving community heritage and connections. As head of the Hamlet/Grovertown/Oregon-Davis Alumni Association for many years, Bobby worked tirelessly to celebrate and unite generations of alumni. He also brought joy to local events as the owner and operator of Dancing Shadows DJ service, creating music-filled memories for countless families and friends. Outside of his many community roles, Bobby embraced life’s simple pleasures. He had a deep love for nature, spending hours tending his fruit trees and vegetable gardens. Together with his beloved wife Annette, he enjoyed canning and freezing the fruits of their labor—a tradition rooted in love and partnership. A man of many interests, Bobby also had a fondness for his Alfa Romeo Italian sports car, which brought him great joy on long drives through the countryside he called home. Bobby is survived by his devoted wife Annette and their children: Robert “Todd” (Dawn) Ferch, Rhonda (Willard Klein) Ferch, John (Robyn) Ferch, Maria (Tsoe) Mukwena, and Michael (Cleo) Ferch. He was a proud grandfather to 11 grandchildren—Elliott Ferch, Lillian Mellinger, Jonathan Ferch, Nathan Ferch, Jason Ferch, Nicholas Townsend, Gabriele Mukwena, Levi Ferch, Miley Ferch, Lux Ferch, and Wyatt Ferch—and great-grandfather to four. He was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter, Teresa Ferch-Townsend. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. CDT on Monday, June 2, 2025, at Rannells Funeral Home, Hamlet Chapel, with the Rosary beginning at 3:30 p.m. An additional viewing will take place from 10:00 to 10:30 a.m. CDT on Tuesday, June 3. A Funeral Mass celebrating Bobby’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. CDT at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Knox, followed by burial at Fletcher Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests Mass donations be made to St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church.

Robert Ferch

September 10, 1939 - May 23, 2025