Robert Friske

Robert Frank Friske Bob passed away peacefully with his daughters at his side on Sunday, September 25, 2011 in Tucson, AZ. He was 86 years old. He was born on May 19, 1925 to Margaret and Alfred Friske in Chicago, Illinois. Bob grew up in Harvey, Illinois, along with twin brothers, Donald and Richard. From 1942 to 1945, he proudly served in the U.S. Army Air Corps as a navigator on a B-17. After World War II, he met and married the love of his life, his wife of 57 years, Barbara Cordt. He graduated from Northern Illinois College of Optometry in 1948 as a second generation O.D., specializing in Low Vision Rehabilitation. In 1959 Bob and Barbara moved their family to Tucson where he was active in the Arizona Optometric Association, serving as President in 1965 and then named Optometrist of the Year in 1974. He served as Chairman of the Board of Vision Service Plan of Arizona. Bob was always busy and had many hobbies, which included restoring Model A Fords, boating, skiing, hunting and more recently model ship building, where his attention to detail was extraordinary. He was a member of Rotary International for over 50 years, and helped charter a Rotary Club in Lansing, Illinois. He is survived by his loving daughters, Debra Sult (Jeff) and Dr. Tami Friske; proud grandfather of Robert Donald and Kenneth Allen Sult and his favorite little poodle, Scooter. He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara. His strength, humor and loving nature will never be forgotten. We would like to give special thanks to the amazing TMC Hospice staff and ask that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to TMC Hospice, 5301 E. Grant Rd., Tucson, 85712. As per our father's wishes no funeral services will be held. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Dodge Chapel.