ROBERT “Bob” DEFENSER, age 86 of Crown Point, passed away Thursday, January 21, 2016.

Survived by his wife of 57 years, Emma (nee Orgon); daughter, TerryAnn Defenser; sister, Louise (Paul) Pavelka; niece, Deborah Pavelka Roehm; sister-in-law, Catherine “Millie” (late Andrew) Kunas; godson, David J. Tucker; many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his mother, Genevieve and her husband, George Sprague.

Bob was a member of SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, where he served on the Pastoral Council and was an usher. He was a former member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Bob worked with the Apostolate of the Handicapped and SHARE for 22 years. He was the former owner of Union Florist with his wife, Emma for over 45 years.

Family and friends may call at Pruzin Brothers Funeral Service, 6360 Broadway, Merrillville on Sunday, January 24, 2016 from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 2:30 p.m. Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, January 25, 2016 DIRECTLY from SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, 5885 Harrison St., Merrillville, with Rev. Joseph Vamos officiating. There will be a half-hour of visitation at church prior to services. Services will conclude at the church with cremation to follow. Memorials preferred to SHARE Foundation or SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church.