Robert Treloar

Robert Edward Treloar passed away peacefully at his home in Amherst, Massachusetts, on July 15th, 2024, at the age of 92.

Bob was born on July 29th, 1931, in Petoskey, Michigan. After graduating from Petoskey High School, he attended Western Michigan University (WMU) on a music scholarship. He took a break to serve in the US Army during the Korean Conflict and then returned to WMU, where he earned two master's degrees in Asian History and Education. It was there he met his wife of 65 years, Donna Mae Bush.

Bob taught history at Kalamazoo Central High School For 30 years, where he created a World Heritage course to expose students to various cultures. He was known for his creative and engaging teaching style, encouraging unique student projects. He happily recalled some of the more creative projects, like crafting a solid steel scimitar and preparing a meal of cooked octopus for the class.

Bob had a gift for recognizing potential in all his students, receiving countless thank-you letters over the years from those who credited him with their successes.

Besides teaching, Bob coached the boys' high school golf team at KCHS for 20 years and the girls' team for four years before retiring in 1988. He also served as scorekeeper and statistician for high school basketball games.

Bob was very involved in the greater educational community, serving as a spokesperson for the teacher's union in the early 70s and as a volunteer board member and chairman of the Kalamazoo area school employees' credit union (now Arbor Financial Credit Union) from 1977 to 2000.

A passionate golfer, Bob was a regular at Milham Golf Course and Ridgeview Golf Club, and was a founding member of The Moors in Portage. He cherished the friendships he built as a league player and competitor in regional golf tournaments. He also made 7 holes-in-one.

Bob was also a talented actor, taking lead roles in Kalamazoo Civic Theater productions in the 1960s. Some may remember his haunting reading of Edgar Allan Poe's "The Tell-Tale Heart" at the KCHS annual Maroon and White Review talent show. His strong baritone voice made him well-suited to announce student names at KCHS graduation ceremonies for nearly 30 years.

Bob is survived by his four children, Dr. Valori Treloar, Vanessa Kehler, Yvonne Kielb, and Nathan Treloar; his children-in-law and in heart, Stan Mescon, Walter Kielb, Steve Kehler, Margaret Jasinski, and Margaret Wiechman; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and many loved extended family members and friends. Bob's wife, Donna, passed away in 2019.

A celebration of Bob's life will be held at People's Church, 1758 10th St N, Kalamazoo, Michigan, on Saturday, October 5th at 2 PM.

Donations in Bob's name may be made to the Kalamazoo Central High School Maroon Foundation.