Robert Toteff
March 07, 1928 - October 12, 2019
Obituary
Toteff, Robert J. (1928-2019) Saginaw, Michigan Dr. Robert J. Toteff passed away at age 91, on Saturday October 12, 2019. He was a beloved husband, son, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and was a role model for both family and community. Dr. Robert Toteff was born in Duquesne, Pennsylvania on March 7, 1928, the second son of George and Mary Toteff (both deceased). Brother to George Toteff (deceased) and Mary Ann (Toteff) Miller. Bob moved to Detroit with his family during high school. Bob went to Wayne State University for both his undergraduate education and Medical School, from which he graduated in 1955. Bob was married to his college sweetheart Yvonne Wesley for 44 years before her death in 1996. They have four daughters: Lynn (Ed) Taylor- Saginaw MI, Kathy (Jerry) Passiak- Austin TX, Lisa (Fred) Arthur- Brighton MI, and Tracy (Jim) Zboril- Winter Park FL. There are 12 grandchildren: Dr. Stephanie (Erik) Peterson, Sarah (Bill) Rickley, Rebecca (Frazer) Burton, Megan (Andy) Schlicker, John (Annie) Passiak, Stephen (Brittany) Passiak, Josh Arthur, Christian Arthur, Wes Arthur, Rosie Arthur, Lexy Arthur, Jack Zboril and 8 great grandchildren. Dr. Robert Toteff did his internship and residency in general practice at St. Luke's Hospital in Saginaw Michigan from 1955-1957. Shortly thereafter he served in a medical unit in Germany as a Captain in the United States Air Force until 1959. He returned to Saginaw and opened up a private practice. He then partnered with Dr. Clyde Davenport and Dr. Walter Averill to develop one of the first partnership group practices in Saginaw, MI. Dr. Toteff helped the families in Saginaw for 23 years. He then began teaching and served as Director of the first Family Practice Residency Program in Saginaw. He also became a full-time faculty member of Michigan State University College of Human Medicine from 1977-1982. Subsequently, Dr. Toteff became Director of Family Practice Residency Program at Wayne State University and also Director of the Family Practice Residency Program at Beaumont Hospital Royal Oak/Troy until his retirement in 1991. Dr. Toteff was active in volunteer work and in the community, serving the Saginaw Soup Kitchen, Church cantor/choir, Community Theatre of Gaylord and much more. His cherished cottage on Big Bass Lake near Gaylord was a place of retreat and serenity. His greatest reward was encouraging others to experience the value of giving back. FUNERAL LITURGY: A funeral liturgy will take place at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 23, 2020 at St. Mary Cathedral, 606 N. Ohio Avenue, Gaylord, Michigan 49735. In keeping with Dr. Toteff's wishes, cremation has taken place. VISITATION: Family and friends will gather at St. Mary Cathedral in Gaylord on Saturday, May 23, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of mass at 11:00 a.m. In remembrance of him, please pass on any stories that mean something to you and will help the family through this loss. We will be making a story book for the Memorial. Send stories by email to etaylor317@aol.com . He will be dearly missed by his family and the many peoples' lives who he touched over his life and career as a Physician. You may also share your thoughts and memories with Dr. Toteff's family through www.DeislerFuneralHome.com.
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Memories
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Sarah (Taylor) Rickley
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Some of my favorite memories of Grandpa were watching him perform in live theatre in Gaylord, MI. Joseph and Fiddler on the Roof will forever be all time favorites. He started some of the best family Christmas traditions! Picking an ornament from his special tree and our outtings to the book store were better than any other gift he could have given. He understood the importance of time, tradition, and family and helped us to understand the magic of the holiday season, together. He is the reason our family now buys a Christmas ornament for our tree everywhere we visit and would be so proud of the love all of his Great Grandkids have for books. Hands down, Grandpa had the best voice! I am sad my kids will no longer be able to sit at his feet while he brings The Polar Express to life but we will do our best to keep his memory alive with songs, stories, and traditions.
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Michael K Walters Sr
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My name is Michael K. Walters and 60 years ago Dr. Toteff made a house call because I was running a fever of 107. He got me right into St. Lukes Hospital and I was there for two weeks in isolation. We will remember him with fond memories.
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taylor.stephanie83
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The only time I have ever seen the Northern Lights, I was on a boat with my Dad and Grandpa - it was the middle of the night and we were out on the lake "night fishing." Really, we were being chased by a beaver. It was this magical, hilarious, probably unsuccessful night of fishing which will make "night fishing" forever special to me.
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Linda Irish Larsen
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I remember Dr. Toteff always being with our family. He and Yvonne were very good friends of my parents. He visited us in Florida and we had a great night of singing years ago. My heart goes out to all of you left behind. He was a great guy. Linda Irish Larsen, Bend, Oregon
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Kathy Averill Dwan
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To the family: I am sorry for your loss. I have many memories of your dad that go back to the 1960's when he joined my father in the family practice of medicine on Morson in Saginaw....one special memory I have is when my youngest sister fell out of the moving car when Grandma Schultz was driving. Your dad came to the house because my dad was out of town to check out Jill...she was fine, but he ended up consoling grandma who needed it. He was a fine man you can all be proud of. May he rest in peace. Kathy Averill Dwan
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Michele Gerard
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Dr Toteff was a dear friend of the Gerard family I have many memories of him and his wonderful family! He was especially close to my Dad Roy Gerard M.D. Dr Toteff and my Dad were the founding fathers of Family Practice in Michigan! Love to all the family!