Obituaries

Longtime Newberry resident, Robert S. Potoczak, age 91, died Sunday morning July 19, 2026, in Marquette, Michigan. He was born to Michael and Helen (Cruso) Potoczak on October 13, 1934, in Goetzville, Michigan.

Bob graduated from Detour High School with the class of 1952. After serving two years in the U.S. Army, receiving an honorable discharge and attaining the rank of Specialist Fifth Class, he worked for several years as a carpenter. In 1964, he decided to become a teacher. He attended the Sault branch of Michigan Tech for one year, then transferred to Northern Michigan University. He received his B.S. degree in Industrial Education from NMU in the spring of 1968 and began his teaching career at Newberry High School in the fall of 1968. He also met his future wife, Dr. Helen M. (Thibedeau/Fossitt) Potoczak at the high school, where she was also a teacher. They were married at St. Gregory’s Catholic Church in Newberry on June 23, 1972.

Bob received his M.S. degree from NMU in 1971, also in Industrial Education. He taught all the woodshop classes at Newberry High School for 30 years until his retirement in 1998. As a teacher, he was most proud of his building trades classes. Under his supervision, his students built 13 homes for members of the community. Bob established The Golden Hammer Award at Newberry High School to honor outstanding work by students in the workshop and building trades areas.

Bob’s hobbies were deer and turkey hunting, fishing, farming, gardening, wood cutting, and watching sports, especially the Detroit Tigers and Lions. His favorite time of year was deer hunting season and his annual trip to camp. He also enjoyed gathering with family and friends at the lake cottage he built. He and his wife also operated a beef cattle farm, and he was a licensed residential builder for over 50 years. Bob was a member of Farm Bureau, receiving their Farmer of the Year award; American Legion Post #74, the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, Aerie 3701, the Tahquamenon Sportsman’s Club, and the Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel. He was also a member of St. Gregory’s Catholic Church.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Mike and Ted Potoczak, and sisters Dorothy Soczek and Frances Denn; sisters-in-law Nancy Quick and Eunice Korcal; brother-in-law Joe Thibedeau; and son-in-law James Miller. He is survived by his wife of 54 years and his daughter, Dr. Kathryn Potoczak (Fred) Anderson of Carlisle, Pennsylvania; his stepchildren, daughters Peggy Miller of Newberry and Dr. Suzanne (John) Przybyla of Ellicott City, Maryland, and sons Gregory (Cynthia) Fossitt of Katy, TX and Dexter (Kelly) Fossitt of Mattawan, Michigan; his eleven grandchildren: Jessica (Carlos) Feliciano of Hoffman Estates, Illinois; James (Jenessa) Miller of Hastings, Michigan; Sadie, Maddie, and Ben Fossitt of Katy, Texas; Drs. Dexter (Christina) Fossitt of Paw Paw, Michigan; Mike (Claire) Fossitt of Kalamazoo, Michigan; Sarah (Travis) Feenstra of Ann Arbor, Michigan; Jack Przybyla of Rhode Island; Emily (Nate) Przybyla of Washington, D.C.; and Jasmine Anderson of Kalamazoo; and ten greatgrandchildren: Nicholas, Sophia, Olivia, Ava, Dorian, Frances, Hazel, Trenton, Jordyn, and Kaizyn. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Jean Potoczak, nephew Brian (Krista) Potoczak, and great-nephew and niece Mikey and Kadence Potoczak of Goetzville.

A gathering of family and friends will be held Thursday July 30, 2026 from 12:00 noon until 2:00 pm at St. Gregory’s Catholic Church. A Memorial Mass celebrating the life of Bob will follow at 2:00 pm at the church with Fr. Jacek Wtyklo officiating. Rite of Committal with military honors rendered by the United States Army Honor Guard and the American Legion Post #74 will follow at Forest Home Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Gregory’s Catholic Church in Bob’s honor.

Condolences may be shared at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com

Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.