Surrounded by his loving family, Robert Probach, 88, a long-time resident of Des Moines and Vashon Island, WA, went to be with the Lord on Nov. 20, 2012, after a short illness. A devout Catholic, he joined his wife of 54 years, Dorothy (Stohr) Probach, who passed away in 2003; son, Patrick Robert Probach, who died in 1969; and grandson, Andrew Patrick Pinkham, who died in 2011; as well as his parents and sister, previously.
Robert Probach, a retired Sealth High School math teacher and father of four, fought in World War II and was extremely proud of his U.S. Army service. He was wounded during the Normandy invasion and again in Sept. of 1944 in a small town battle along the Belgium/Germany border. For these battle wounds he received 2 Purple Hearts. He was captured in the Battle of the Bulge in 1944, and spent the last five months of the war in a German Prisoner of War camp in 1945. He barely survived the privations of the POW camp, where he "celebrated" his 21st birthday with a handful of potato peelings.
Bob was born in Yakima, WA on March 15, 1924, one of two children (sister, Katherine) of Paul and Margaret Probach. He was an Eagle Scout, and always said that Boy Scout survival skills served him well during WWII. He graduated from Yakima's Marquette High School in 1942, then enlisted in the Army. After the war, he graduated from Gonzaga University in Spokane in 1949, majoring in mathematics. He married Dorothy Jean Stohr on Aug. 20, 1949. Dorothy and Bob's four children were born in the 1950's.
Bob's Catholic faith guided his entire life. He was a humble, generous, giving, nurturing, selfless, patient person, always sacrificing for others first. He was completely devoted to his family. Wife Dorothy was the love of his life, his one and only. Bob was a role model to all. He also had a great sense of humor, always enjoying telling a joke.
Bob is survived by daughter, Pamela Probach Pinkham (David), Stanwood, WA; sons, Michael Richard Probach (Jackie), Burien, WA and Gregory Douglas Probach (Dianne), Renton, WA; grandchildren, Shawna Probach Vert (James), Seattle WA, Michael Pinkham, Beijing China, Megan Probach Azzano (Mike), Omak WA, Heidi Probach, Seattle WA, and Sydney Probach, Omak WA; and great-granddaughter, Emily Azzano, Omak WA.
Recitation of the Rosary and Funeral Mass were held at Blessed Sacrament Church, in Seattle. Remembrances may be made to Lazarus Day Center, c/o CCS, 100 23rd St., Seattle, 98144.
Guestbook: www.harveyfuneral.com
