Mr. Robert “Bob” Platt, age 85, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, April 12, 2011. As a young man he accepted Christ as his Savior. Bob was a member of Grace Evangelical Free Church and was a trustee emeritous. He was a 1943 graduate of Rockford High School. Bob had various jobs while in high school and during the summers he worked for many area farmers. He and June (Bailey) were high school sweethearts who began dating while in the 11th grade. They went bowling on their first date on January 21, 1942 with who would become their lifelong friends, Cliff and Lillian Atwood. After a loving courtship, they were married on November 10, 1944 at the old Rockford Baptist Church by Pastor Carl Wier. Bob worked at Burch Body, Morton Motor Sales, Rowden Ford, and then he opened his own business, Platt Auto Service. Later he became the Transportation Director for Rockford Public Schools. He set up bus routes, many of which are still used today. Bob then re-opened Platt Auto Service.  Bob enjoyed 24 years of retirement and took great pride in giving his grandchildren rides in his restored ‘40 Ford. He taught his children and grandchildren the value of family, work ethics, and mechanical skills. Bob also had a great dry sense of humor and was a true gentleman and protector. He enjoyed car races, boating, and camping. Bob was a man who could not say “no.”  His family would like to thank the caregivers of Renal Associates, Inc. for the love, care, and compassion given to Bob. He is survived by his loving wife June; children Carolyn Salisbury of Greenville, Suzanne Dahlstedt of Rockford, and Robert “Bob” and Anna Platt of Sparta; grandchildren Dena (Brian) Shotko, Charles (Tracy) Salisbury, Brenda (Steve) Bolin, Jason (Rachel) Blakeslee, Julie (Jason) Hoek, and Brian Platt; great-grandchildren Alek, Blake, Noah Robert, Abbey, Marley, Mallory, Alex, Lucas, Austin, and Tyler; brothers and sisters Ted (Helen) Platt, David (Marla) Platt, Violet (Jim) Robinson; sisters-in-law Mrs. Gordon (Irene) Nelson and Mrs. Helen Platt; brother-in-law Charles Brantner; nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Charley and Edith Platt, brothers Howard and Alvin “Buck”, and sister Jeanne Brantner. The service for Mr. Platt will be Saturday at 12 (noon) at Grace Evangelical Church with Pastor Kevin Reed officiating. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Grace Evangelical Church, 4714 13 Mile Road, Rockford, MI 49341. Relatives and friends may meet with the family on Saturday form 11:00 a.m. until the service at the church. Arrangements by The Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford www.pedersonfuneralhome.com