Obituary of Robert J. Toteff

Toteff, Robert J. (1928-2019) Saginaw, Michigan Dr. Robert J. Toteff passed away at age 91, on Saturday October 12, 2019. He was a beloved husband, son, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and was a role model for both family and community. Dr. Robert Toteff was born in Duquesne, Pennsylvania on March 7, 1928, the second son of George and Mary Toteff (both deceased). Brother to George Toteff (deceased) and Mary Ann (Toteff) Miller. Bob moved to Detroit with his family during high school. Bob went to Wayne State University for both his undergraduate education and Medical School, from which he graduated in 1955. Bob was married to his college sweetheart Yvonne Wesley for 44 years before her death in 1996. They have four daughters: Lynn (Ed) Taylor- Saginaw MI, Kathy (Jerry) Passiak- Austin TX, Lisa (Fred) Arthur- Brighton MI, and Tracy (Jim) Zboril- Winter Park FL. There are 12 grandchildren: Dr. Stephanie (Erik) Peterson, Sarah (Bill) Rickley, Rebecca (Frazer) Burton, Megan (Andy) Schlicker, John (Annie) Passiak, Stephen (Brittany) Passiak, Josh Arthur, Christian Arthur, Wes Arthur, Rosie Arthur, Lexy Arthur, Jack Zboril and 8 great grandchildren. Dr. Robert Toteff did his internship and residency in general practice at St. Luke's Hospital in Saginaw Michigan from 1955-1957. Shortly thereafter he served in a medical unit in Germany as a Captain in the United States Air Force until 1959. He returned to Saginaw and opened up a private practice. He then partnered with Dr. Clyde Davenport and Dr. Walter Averill to develop one of the first partnership group practices in Saginaw, MI. Dr. Toteff helped the families in Saginaw for 23 years. He then began teaching and served as Director of the first Family Practice Residency Program in Saginaw. He also became a full-time faculty member of Michigan State University College of Human Medicine from 1977-1982. Subsequently, Dr. Toteff became Director of Family Practice Residency Program at Wayne State University and also Director of the Family Practice Residency Program at Beaumont Hospital Royal Oak/Troy until his retirement in 1991. Dr. Toteff was active in volunteer work and in the community, serving the Saginaw Soup Kitchen, Church cantor/choir, Community Theatre of Gaylord and much more. His cherished cottage on Big Bass Lake near Gaylord was a place of retreat and serenity. His greatest reward was encouraging others to experience the value of giving back. FUNERAL LITURGY: A funeral liturgy will take place at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 23, 2020 at St. Mary Cathedral, 606 N. Ohio Avenue, Gaylord, Michigan 49735. In keeping with Dr. Toteff's wishes, cremation has taken place. VISITATION: Family and friends will gather at St. Mary Cathedral in Gaylord on Saturday, May 23, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of mass at 11:00 a.m. In remembrance of him, please pass on any stories that mean something to you and will help the family through this loss. We will be making a story book for the Memorial. Send stories by email to etaylor317@aol.com . He will be dearly missed by his family and the many peoples' lives who he touched over his life and career as a Physician. You may also share your thoughts and memories with Dr. Toteff's family through www.DeislerFuneralHome.com.