Robert Edward Perlberg

Robert E. Perlberg (Bob), 77, passed away Saturday, June 29, 2024, at his home in the company of his loved ones following a short illness. 

Born Feb. 4, 1947, in Bay City, Bob excelled in football and basketball at Standish-Sterling High School where he graduated as salutatorian of the Class of 1965. 

Following his graduation from the University of Michigan, Bob taught for a couple of years, and then followed in his family’s footsteps by purchasing the Ogemaw County Herald in West Branch. He later purchased the Roscommon County Herald-News and founded the Oscoda County Herald in 1980. In 1991 he also acquired the Arenac County Independent in Standish, the newspaper previously owned by his father, Ed, and grandfather, Floyd. Like his father, Bob served as president of the Michigan Press Association in 1992. 

Bob recently sold his newspapers, ending a century of newspaper ownership in Michigan by the Perlberg family. 

As a young man, Bob became an accomplished pilot and for years flew his plane out of the West Branch Community Airport. Bob also enjoyed skiing, golfing, hunting, and traveling to visit the Alabama branch of his family. While growing his newspaper, he also developed a large circle of friends, whose company he greatly enjoyed, especially if there was scotch around. 

His greatest joys, however, were clearly his children and grandchildren whose activities he watched and shared. He was with good reason called “the best softball dad.” 

Bob is survived by his children, Chris (Elisa) Dack of West Branch, MI, Andrea (Ryan) Cunningham of Birch Run, MI, and Lindsey Perlberg of Frankenmuth, MI; and his grandchildren Olivia, Sawyer, and River Dack, and Jace Cunningham. 

Bob had two younger brothers, Rich of Boyne Falls, MI, and Bill of Bay City, MI. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Lovett Perlberg. 

Memorials are suggested to the Rea Family Animal Shelter (formerly OCHS). 

Arrangements were handled by Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch, MI. www.steuernolmclaren.com