CRYSTAL LAKE, Ill. – Bob Popovich, 88, a longtime resident of Roseville, Minn., passed away peacefully Thursday, Sept. 4, 2014, in Crystal Lake, with his son, Jim, and family by his side.

He was born on April 23, 1926, in Wakefield, Mich.

Bob learned early the virtue of hard work. After completing high school, he served in World War II in the Pacific Theater, including Japan shortly after the atomic bombing.

After the war, Bob completed his education at Michigan Technological University. He was a research chemist at 3M for 38 years.

On Aug. 2, 1952, Bob married Joan Tyack in Wakefield. They made their home in St. Paul and Roseville.

Throughout his life, Bob was a multi-sport athlete. During high school, college, and throughout his adult life, Bob won numerous team and individual awards in basketball, football, track (high jump), fast-pitch softball (pitcher), volleyball, tennis, bowling and horseshoes. He truly enjoyed the game and challenge.

After retirement, he became an avid bicyclist who rode more than 7,000 miles annually. On Dec. 7, 2001, he accomplished his goal of riding 10,000 miles in one calendar year.

Bob was a friendly person who loved nothing more than laughing with others. He easily connected with anyone he crossed paths with, including neighbors and grocery clerks.

He was a fierce competitor who embodied the philosophy that you will be successful if you set goals, and then focus and work tirelessly to reach them. His dedication to his wife and children was unconditional and extraordinary.

Bob is survived by his wife, Joan, Roseville; children, Jim (Marie), Crystal Lake, Jane (William) Marshall, Albany, Ore., and Michael, of Roseville; and grandchildren, Clayton, Alice and Rose Marshall and Maggie and Guinevere Popovich. He is also survived by his sisters, Dessie Dossetto, of Novi, Mich., and Dorothy Popovich, of Wakefield; his sisters-in-law, Jane Tyack Steinmann, of Evanston, and Willa Popovich, of Kalamazoo, Mich.; as well as extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Milan and Jelena Popovich; a brother, Steve; a granddaughter, Ava Marshall; and a nephew, Richard Dossetto.

The family will greet relatives and friends on Saturday, Oct. 4, from 10 to 11 a.m., at Lakeside Memorial Chapel, Wakefield, with the honor guard beginning at 10:15.

A memorial service will follow the visitation at 11, with the Rev. Ted Trudgeon, pastor of the Wakefield United Methodist Church, officiating.

Interment will take place in Lakeside Cemetery, Wakefield, where military rites will be accorded by the Wakefield American Legion Geroux Post 11 and the Wakefield Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9084 Honor Guard.

Lakeside Memorial Chapel is serving the family.