Robert James Piché

Robert James Piché passed away suddenly on March 15, 2014 at the age of 82. Bob was born in Minneapolis on May 30, 1931 the son of Henry & Florence (Tourville) Piché. He graduated from Edison High School and joined the US Air Force. While in the service, Bob played semi-pro baseball in Arizona. He left the service shy of four years to attend The College of St. Thomas and study Social Service. During this time he was set up on a blind date with Mary Schluter. They were married for 47 years and raised three children.

Robert began his grocer career as the produce manager at National Tea Co, eventually becoming the store manager. He moved on to manage Tom Thumb grocery stores, and then he eventually owned his own store, Bob’s B-Line in White Bear Lake. He closed his career as the produce manager at Cooper’s SuperValu in St. Paul. Bob’s claim to fame was starring as a film extra in “Grumpier Old Men” – where he shot a scene in his produce department with Sophia Loren. Unfortunately, his bit part was cut during final edits.

Bob loved watching his children, and then his grandchildren, in their sporting activities. He cheered for the Gopher Hockey team and the MN Twins. Bob had a lifelong affiliation with Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Mary; brother, Henry “Bud”; and sisters, Marcella Flagg & Lorraine St. Louis.

He is survived by his daughter, Charlotte (Larry) Stroh of Ramsey, MN; sons, Thomas (Deborah) Piché of East Grand Forks, MN & Jon-Paul (Wendy) Piché of LaCrescent, MN; 6 grandchildren: Bridget (Luke) Couwenhoven, Francie Piché (Mitch Swanson), Colette Piché, Pierre Piché, Allison Schaitel, and Kyle Colsch; brother, LeRoy (Cecilia) Piché of New Brighton; extended family & friends, especially those at the Sterling House of Blaine.

A Memorial Mass will be held for Bob at 11 AM on Thursday, March 20 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church of Minneapolis. Visitation 2 hours prior to Mass, 9 – 11 AM at church. Memorials are preferred to Our Lady of Lourdes.

Kapala Glodek Funeral Home of Minneapolis, 612-378-1331