Obituary of Robert William Felske

Robert Felske, Sidney, NY Robert “Bob” William Felske, 94, of Sidney, NY, passed away on October 29, 2014 peacefully at home. Bob was born in Susquehanna, PA to Mae and William Felske on August 27, 1920. He went to high school at Oakland High School and graduated in 1938. He went on to earn a limited commercial civil pilot’s license from the Lincoln Aeronautic Institute in Lincoln, Nebraska. In 1940 he became a commercial pilot and flight instructor and at the age of twenty and was considered the youngest in the country at that time. When Bob moved to Sidney he teamed up with Clifford Pratt to start the Pratt & Felske Flying Service and was considered the most successful and well known flying services in the Southern Tier. They were known for airplane sales, service, charter and flying lessons. Felske & Pratt taught over 500 students how to fly. In 1955 Bob started a home construction business with John Carmichael. Carmichael and Felske Modern Homes Construction were responsible for building over 35 homes in the tri-town area, including the Ontio Terrace development in Unadilla. In addition Bob also worked at Bendix Scintilla retiring in 1983 after 42 years of service as a supervisor in the Diesel Fuel Injection Department. Over the years Bob was a dedicated member of the community. He was a 70 year member of the Susquehanna-Afton Masonic Lodge #167 and was recipient of the Mason’s Dedicated Service Award and Mason of the Year in 1983 and 1993. He was also a charter and life member of the Elks Lodge No. 2175 of Sidney and a life member of the Bendix Management Club. Bob is survived by his wife, Muriel (Shultis) Felske; son, Roger Felske; daughter, Rinda (Felske) Brown; Robin (Felske) Walker and husband Bill; Kelly (Felske) Hanson and husband Chad; step-daughter, Colleen (Brown) Laing, step-son, Jeffrey Brown and wife Cindy; step-son Frank Brown; 11 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren and several cousins, nieces and nephews.He is preceded in death by his parents Mae (Deakin) Felske and William Felske; sister, Shirley (Felske) Sackett and brother, Harold Felske. Friends are invited to call on Sunday, November 2, 2014 from 2:00 - 5:00PM at C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, 21 Main St. Sidney. Funeral service will be held at the First Baptist Church 12 S. Main St. in Bainbridge on Monday, November 3, 2014 at 11:00AM with Reverend Wendy Depew Partelow officiating. Burial will follow at Prospect Hill Cemetery, Sidney. Memorial donations may be made to, Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care, 1 Birchwood Drive, Oneonta N.Y. 13820, the First Baptist Church of Bainbridge, 12 S. Main Street, Bainbridge, NY 13733, or a charity of one’s choice. Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.landersfh.com. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Catskill Area Hospice and Pallative Care, Dr. James T. Dalton and Dr. Jerel Zoltek of Bassett Medical Group and the many nurses and medical staff that have provided care through the years. Arrangements are under the direction of C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel 21 Main St. Sidney.