Robert G. Viereck

Springfield – Robert “Bobby” G. Viereck, 69, lifelong resident of Springfield, passed away in the loving arms of his wife of 45 years, Mikki, on Wednesday January 24th at Baystate Medical Center. He was born in Springfield to the late Albert and Shirley (Burdick) Viereck. Bobby spent his entire career as a railroad welder, before earning his retirement in 2008. With Bobby’s hard work ethic and dedication to his job, it was not a surprise in his 38 years at work, he rarely missed a day and was looked on by co-workers as one of the best at what he did. Bobby’s two passions were his dogs and running. Over the years Bobby worked with dozens of his loved dogs, building Champions in Obedience, Weight Pulling, and Schutzhund. Bobby was also a mainstay in the Springfield running scene for the past 40 years, winning numerous awards while making lifelong friends on the trails of Forest Park and East Longmeadow. Bobby was one of a kind, not only loved, but also respected by all those who knew him. Bobby truly lived life to the fullest by enjoying every last moment with his family, friends, and dogs with an unmistakable grin on his face and a kid-at-heart spirit running through his soul. Along with his parents Bobby was preceded in death by his sister, Linda (Viereck) Radbill. He will be missed by his beloved wife and best friend Mikki Viereck of Springfield; his two loving sons, Lino Viereck and his wife Christine of Texas and Zack Viereck and his wife Heather of Connecticut; three siblings, Deborah Dreschnack and her husband Jay, Carl Gustafson and his wife Meta and Eric Gustafson and his wife Joanne; brother-in-law, Geoffrey Radbill; five grandchildren, Preston, Isabella, Sophia, Vivian and Cain; many nieces, nephews, extended family and very dear friends, including the morning crew at Dunkin Donuts in East Longmeadow. He will also be missed his faithful dog, Luna, who he took on long walks twice a day, right up until the last few days. Family and friends are invited to meet for calling hours on Wednesday January 31st from 4:30 – 6:30PM at the Forastiere Smith Funeral Home, 220 North Main St., East Longmeadow with a Celebration of Life Service to be held at 6:30 PM in the funeral home. Burial will be private for the family at a later date. Memorial donations may be made in Robert’s memory to the American Pancreatic Association, Inc., PO Box 352406, Miami, FL 33135. Please put in the memo of the check for Robert Viereck.

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