Robert Kenneth ‘Bobby’ Gelz, husband, father, grandfather and brother

BLACK CREEK — Robert Kenneth “Bobby” Gelz, 67, of Black Creek, passed away peacefully with family at his side Monday (July 20, 2026) at Strong Memorial Hospital, after a lengthy illness.

Born Dec. 28, 1958, in Buffalo, he was a son of late Joseph and Rita Watz Gelz. On July 26, 1986, in Black Creek, he married the former Peggy A. Williams, and together would have celebrated 40 years of marriage on July 26.

Bobby served in the U.S. Army from 1976-1979 and was proud to have received the Good Conduct Medal and Marksman medal.

For a short period of time, he worked at ACME Electric, but then went to work as a machinist for Dresser Rand, until he retired due to illness.

Bobby delighted in gardening, cooking and gunsmithing, but his heart belonged entirely to his family. The immense love he gave was beautifully mirrored by his wife and daughters, whose unwavering care and devotion sustained him through his prolonged health struggles.

In addition to his wife of 40 years, Peg, he is survived by two daughters, Katie (Jason) Cummins of Black Creek and Jenna Gelz of Cuba; four grandchildren, Kaylin, Laini, Lawson and Jake; two brothers, Joe (Pat) Gelz of Grand Island and Jim (Patti) Gelz of Cheektowaga; a sister, Joanne (Don) Kasperak of Lancaster; and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from noon until 2 p.m. Saturday (July 25, 2026) at the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc., 9 Bull St., Cuba, at which time memories will be shared.

Memorials may be made to the Nation Kidney Foundation.