Robert Michael Sarich, age 74, a resident of Portage passed away on Thursday, June 30, 2011. He was born on May 3, 1937 in Gary, Indiana, the son of the late Mike and Helen (nee Major) Sarich. Robert was employed by US Steel for over 46 years as a Brick Layer-Maintenance. Robert was a member of Steel Workers Union Local 1014 he loved baseball, gardening, boating and fishing. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Robert is survived by his loving family; wife Pam (nee Reding) Sarich, 2 sons; Robert (Sally) Sarich Jr, Valparaiso, Donald (Sydney) Sarich, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 4 daughters; Antoinette "Toni" (Larry) Olson, Long Beach, California, Lori Cardiel, Redlands, California, Nichole Pearman, Portage, Lise (Paul) Oliver, Hobart, sister; Rosemary (Jay) Moody , Sarasota, Florida, 7 grandchildren; Jessica, Ariella, Gabriela, Ella, Frankie, Chantel and Marie, 2 great-grandchildren, best friends; Tony Amaya and Franco Corea, his fury companion English Springer Spaniel- Kode and other loving family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and best friends Paul Wilczynoski and Joe Iwan. A visitation for Robert Sarich will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 am on Saturday, July 2, 2011 at Rees Funeral Home – Olson Chapel, 5341 Central Avenue, Portage, with a funeral service at 11:00 am with Father Andrew J. Corona officiating on Saturday, July 2, 2011. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Portage. Memorials in Robert's memory may be made to the VNA Hospice of Valparaiso. For further information please call Rees Funeral Home at (219) 762-3013 or online at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.