Robert Edward Rife

Robert Edward Rife, 89, of Decatur, Indiana passed away Friday morning, January 7, 2022, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Bob was born February 18, 1932 in Fort Wayne, Indiana to the late Harry F. Rife and the late Ocie B. (Holsinger) Rife. He was united in marriage to Phyllis A. Hoevel on September 27, 1952 in Fort Wayne, and she survives.

Bob served his country in the United States Air Force for a period of four years, two of those years being spent in France.

He was a member of the St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Decatur, Indiana.

Bob graduated from Fort Wayne Central School and then Indiana Tech, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering. He was employed as an Engineer at Eaton in Kendallville, Indiana for 20 years, retiring in 1992.

He was an enthusiastic golfer, bowler, softball player, and baseball coach. He loved the Chicago Cubs and IU Basketball. He also enjoyed puzzles of any sort, Sudoku, jigsaw, and crosswords. But above all else, he was a wonderful and supportive father, husband, and grandfather to his family.

Bob is lovingly survived by his wife of 69 years, Phyllis A. Rife of Decatur, Indiana; daughter, Rita E. (Barry) Sordelet of Fort Wayne, Indiana; two sons, Joseph A. (David Creel) Rife of Houston, Texas and James L. (Amy) Rife of Hoagland, Indiana; brother, Donald L. Rife of Madeira Beach, Florida; five grandchildren, Kirsten (Daniel) Bell, Paige (Anthony Banegas) Sordelet, Jared (Kara) Rife, Tayler Sordelet, and Jacob Rife; and three great-grandchildren, Noah Bell, Henry Bell, and Niabi Sordelet-Banegas.

A funeral service for Bob will be held 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 19, 2022, at the St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, Decatur with Father Dave Ruppert officiating. Interment will follow in the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Decatur.

Friends and family will be received one hour prior to the funeral liturgy in the St. Mary’s Parish Hall.

Preferred memorials are to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or Donor’s Choice.

Arrangements by Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, in Decatur, Indiana.