Robert R. O’Rourke, 80, of Bronson, died Wednesday,July 27, 2011 at his home in Bronson.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, July 30, 2011 at 10:30 AM at St. Mary of Assumption Church in Bronson with Rev. Fr. Richard Fritz officiating. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Bronson. Visitation will be Friday, July 29, 2011 from 2 – 8:00 PM at Dutcher-Kolcz Funeral Home in Bronson with the Rosary to be recited at 7:00 P.M.

Robert was born August 17, 1930 Columbus, WI toJames F. and Mary (Joyce) O’Rourke. He married JoAnn I. Davis on May 8, 1954 at Anacostia Naval Air Station in Washington, D.C. He served proudly in the US Navy and was a veteran of the Korean War. He attended watch making school in Elgin, IL and worked at Thomas Jewelry in Sturgisfrom 1956 to 1963. He became the proud owner of O’Rourke Jewelry in 1963 and has been a resident of Bronson ever since. He retired in December 2005.

He was a member of St. Mary of Assumption Church,the Knights of Columbus, 4th degree, past president of the Kiwanis Club and a member since 1964. He served on the Bronson school board and City Planning Commission. Robert liked to visit and work with people and truly loved Bronson and the people of the community. He was an avid Notre Dame fan who enjoyed his family, especially the time spent with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Robert is survived by his wife JoAnn of Bronson, hisdaughters Mary (Todd) Milliman of Sturgis, Patricia (Dan)Lepper of Bronson, his sons Michael (Cindy) O’Rourke, David (Rhonda) O’Rourke both of Bronson, Christopher (Connie) of Sturgis, grandchildren, Danielle Chesney,Annaliese Peffer, Robert and Ryan O’Rourke, Chad Milliman,Halie Logan, Madison O’Rourke, Shawn Lepper and Nathan O’Rourke.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his three brothers, 1 sister, 2 grandchildren, Devin O’Rourke and Michelle “Micki” O’Rourke.

Memorials may be directed to St. Mary of Assumption Church or St. Mary’s School.