Oct. 18, 1938 - May 17, 2010SOUTH BEND - Robert Erwin Purkal, 71, residing in South Bend, passed away peacefully at 12:50 p.m. Monday, May 17, 2010, in the Ironwood Health & Rehabilitation Center following a courageous battle with cancer. He was born October 18, 1938, in LaPorte, IN, the son of Erwin Charles and Nora E. (Hardin) Purkal, who have preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by twin sons, Christopher Charles and Paul Scott Purkal in 1974. Bob graduated from LaPorte High School, class of 1958. He proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1959-1962. On July 27, 1963, at St. John's Lutheran Church, LaPorte, IN, he was united in marriage to Anita G. Rodman. He is survived by his beloved wife and friend of 47 years, Anita; a daughter and son-in-law, Renee and Joseph W. Leatherman of South Bend; two grandchildren, Brett Leatherman and Tara Ann Leatherman; along with a sister, Noreen (Everett) Fear of Terre Haute, IN. Bob retired from Modine Corp. following 22 years of service. He taught woodworking at Ivy Tech and Hobby Lobby, and more recently worked at Kohl's at Erskine Village. He was a member of Trinity Evangelical Free Church, South Bend, where he sang in the choir. He was a former member and elder at St. John Lutheran Church, LaPorte. Bob made and refinished wood cabinets, restored antique furniture, and was founder and President of Council Oak Woodcarvers Club. A Celebration of Life will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 21, in the Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, 3718 South Michigan Street, South Bend. Rev. Craig Clapper will officiate. The family will receive friends one hour prior to services Friday in the funeral home. Online condolences to the Purkal family may be sent to www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.