(The following obituary appeared on the St. Paul Pioneer Press website on August 15, and includes additional information from BLET editors.)
ST. PAUL, Minn. —Robert E. (Bob) Pelava, former BLE General Chairman on the BNSF North Lines, died quietly August 14, 2007 at home in Zimmerman, Minn.
Bob was born January 8, 1931 in St. Paul. Preceded in death by brothers, sisters and infant grandson, Michael Goodrich. Robert is survived by his beloved wife, Elizabeth (Betty). Father of Gail Worlie of Sacramento, CA, Bruce Pelava of Blaine, MN, Laurien (Enayate) Rahimi of Ranchester, WY, Jan (Chuck) Nicodemus of Zimmerman, MN, Robin Goodrich of Dayton, WY, Mary (Herb) Walk of Ranchester, WY and Teressa (Daniel) Pierce of St. Paul, MN. Bob was the proud grandfather of 19 grandchildren & 18 great-grandchildren. Also survived by nieces & nephews.
Robert was employed by the Northern Pacific Railway & Burlington Northern Railway for 40 years, having served as the local chairman of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers in both St. Paul, MN and Sheridan, WY. Later Bob was elected and served six years as General Chairman of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (BNSF North Lines General Committee of Adjustment).
Robert retired at age 56, living in Aitkin, MN until 2006. The highlights of his retirement years included time with his family as well as fishing and hunting.
Mass of Christian Burial 10AM Saturday, August 18 at The Church of St. Bernard, 197 W. Geranium Ave., St. Paul. Interment Oakland Cemetery. Visitation 4-8PM Friday at Mueller-Bies Funeral Home – Roseville, 2130 N. Dale St. at County Rd B, 651-487-2550.
In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred.