Robert R. Boits

Robert R. Boits, 66, of South Bend passed away at 8:29 p.m., Saturday, April 13, 2013 at his residence.

Born February 17, 1947 in South Bend, he was the son of Richard and Margaret(Flack) Boits. On July 8, 2006, he married Nita (Hollis) Grabner at Fernwood in Niles, Michigan. She survives.

He was a 1964 Adams High School graduate. Mr. Boits was a lifelong resident of South Bend.

He was an Air Force Veteran, serving from 1964 to 1968. He entered the Air Force at the age of 17 and started as a basic medic at Grissom Air Force Base and then continued his education to be a Physiological specialist Trainer.

He attended the Indiana Police Academy where he graduated 2nd in his class. He started as a rookie in 1970 in the jail division and continued to work his way up the ranks from patrolman, to sergeant and by 1975 he was promoted to captain of the Civil division. In 1986 he was appointed chief of the St Joe County Police Department. He served for 13 A� years making him the longest standing chief of St. Joe County. After retiring from the Department, he became Safety Director at Herrman and Goetz from 1999-2010. In 2011, he was again appointed to the St. Joe County Police Department as Assistant Chief.

He attended St. Joseph Catholic Church in South Bend.

He was a member of FOP International Chiefs Association and the Indiana Sheriffs Association, where he was on the Legislative Committee. He was also a former member of Indiana Chiefs of Police and Moose Lodge.

Survivors include his wife, Nita M. Boits of South Bend, his mother Margaret Boits of Walkerton, son, Richard Boits (Emily) of Indianapolis, daughters, Brittany Bass (Kevin) of Pooler, GA. and Niki Boits (Andrew Benton) of Fredericksburg, VA., step son, Andrew Gerndt of South Bend and sister, Barbara Calloway (Larry) of Black Mountain, N.C. He is also survived by 2 grandchildren, Logan and Preston Bass and sister in law, Mary Boits and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his father, Richard Boits and brother, Michael Boits.

The Family would like to extend a special thank you to Sheriff Mike Grzegorek and the St. Joe County Police Department for their kindness, support, and brotherhood during Bob's illness.

To John, Dean, and Patty we consider you God's Angels for being here from the very beginning and then every step of the way.

Whether you sent a card, made a phone call, ran an errand, or came to visit with Bob to brighten his day, to all you good friends we sincerely appreciate all that you have done and continue to do.

God Speed Bob... ... ... ... .Love You Always

Graveside Services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, April 18, 2013 at Kistler Cemetery, 575 W. in Royal Center, Indiana. Chaplain Steve Coyle will officiate.

Please join us for a Celebration of Bob's Life on Friday, April 19, 2013 at the South Bend Firefighter's Union Hall, 4025 Lincolnway West, South Bend from 4 to 8 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Center for Hospice Care, 111 Sunnybrook Court, SouthBend, IN. 46637.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Harrison- Metzger & Rans Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Royal Center.

To sign Guest Book or leave an online condolence for the Boits family, please visit www.ransfuneralhomes.com.