The Daily Item Sat Mar 05, 2011, 05:46 PM EST

— PITMAN — Robert R. Brosius, 79 of Creek Road, entered eternal life Friday, March 4, 2011, at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville surrounded by his family.

Born Sept. 23, 1931, in Pitman, he was the son of the late B. Frank and Lena (Herb) Brosius.

He began farming at age 16, selling produce door to door in Fountain Springs and Frackville. He also had contracts with Chef Boyardee and Furman Foods growing bulk tomato crops. He raised poultry for the following companies: Clarks, Mandata Poultry Company and College Hill. In later years he grew potatoes and various produce supplying Boyer's Food Markets in the local surrounding communities.

Robert was a member of the Hepler's Church of God, Mahantongo Fire Company, and Woodmen of the World. He enjoyed collecting toy tractors and restoring antique Farmall Tractors. In his younger years he enjoyed his CB Radio.

Surviving are his wife Opal (Wolfgang) Brosius; the couple celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary Feb. 17, 2011; four sons, Kenneth D. Brosius and his wife Carol, Robert Jr., James F., and Donald L. Brosius, all of Pitman; three grandchildren, Amy Brosius Bartholomew and her husband Jeffrey, of Harrisburg, Lindsay Brosius Van Vliet and her husband Jeffrey, of Pitman, and Erica Brosius, of Pitman; his "adopted" grandson, Christopher Carter, of Pitman; a great-grandson, Mason K. Heller, of Pitman; a sister, Christina Masser, of Valley View; nieces and nephews; and his constant companion, his dog Skippy.

He was preceded in death by his brother, David L. Brosius.

A viewing will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesday at Hepler's Church of God, Pitman, with the funeral service beginning at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Andrew Weaver officiating.

Burial will be in Hepler's Church of God Cemetery.

The Stephen R. Rothermel Funeral Home, Klingerstown has charge of the arrangements.