Robert D. Krestel Enters Chapter Eternal
POSTED: 2012-01-30 :: LAST UPDATED: 2012-01-30, 12:00 ET
Robert Daniel Krestel (Michigan State)
April 5, 1926 – December 24, 2011
Robert Daniel "Bob" Krestel, born April 5, 1926, entered the Chapter Eternal on December 24, 2011. Brother Krestel was initiated into the Epsilon Rho Chapter at Michigan State on October 6, 1946.
Brother Krestel was born in New Castle, Pennsylvania on April 5, 1926. He graduated high school with honors in 1943, lettering in football, baseball and basketball teams in addition to earning all-state awards. He received several scholarships his senior year, including one that would take him to Michigan State University in 1943.
Bob was called to military service in the spring of 1944 and thus postponed his college career. After he was commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant Bob was assigned to 102nd Division. He was discharged in October, 1946.
Bob returned stateside in November of 1946 to complete his education at Michigan State University. Bob was an excellent multi-sport athlete, earning spots as the starting quarterback and pitcher for the Spartan football and baseball teams.
In 1950 Bob was recalled for active duty during the Korean War and served there until his was discharged in 1952. After leaving military service, he resumed education at the University of Pittsburgh Law School, earning a LLB, and J.D.
In 1956 Bob joined Pittsburgh National Bank, eventually obtaining the position of Vice President before leaving the company. In 1966, he was elected treasurer and chief financial officer of Rockwell Standard (1966-1973), which later became Rockwell International. In 1973, he was elected financial vice-president & director of American Broadcasting Companies, Inc (1973-1976). During his tenure, American Broadcasting Companies became a strong competitor to CBS and NBC.
In 1976 Br. Krestel was elected executive vice president of City National Bank of Detroit. He was elected to the Board of City National Bank (CNB) and Northern States Corporation in January, 1977. In September, 1977, he was named president of CNB. In October, 1977 he became chairman & CEO of CNB and vice chairman & CEO of Northern States Bancorporation. Northern States Bancorporation merged with First America Bank Corp. In October, 1981 and Bob was named vice president of First American Bank Corporation and president of First America Bank-Detroit.
Bob retired from First America Bank Corp in 1982 to take the position of president and CEO of Midlantic Bank- North in Patterson New Jersey. Bob retired from Midlantic Bank in New Jersey in 1992.
In May 1951, Bob married his only love, Pauline Schmidt. Pauline was Bob’s lifelong personal assistant, a gourmet cook, seamstress extraordinaire, hostess, entertainer, friend and mother of two daughters. Pauline was diagnosed with ovarian cancer June, 2007. Pauline and Bob’s earthly relationship ended at Pauline’s death on December 7, 2009.
Brother Bob also enjoyed helping others and community service, which included service on the board of directors at hospitals, Big Brother’s, YMCA, United Foundation, Thorn Apple Valley, The Economic Club of Detroit and Michigan State Foundation.
Brother Bob remained strongly devoted to Sigma Nu throughout his life. He served as President of the Sigma Nu Alumni Club of Pittsburgh, 1961-1968. For the National Fraternity, Bob served as Trustee, 1966-72, 1988-1990; Assistant Grand Treasurer, 1972-1976; Grand Councilman, 1976-1980; Vice Regent, 1978-1980; Regent Elect, 1986-1988; and Regent 1988-1990. For the Educational Foundation, Bob served as: Treasurer, 1985-1989; Director, 1967-1969, 2001-2004; Board Member, 1988-1989; and Life Director, 2004-2011. Brother Krestel also served on the Leadership Council in 1989, which was responsible for the development of the LEAD Program.
In 1992, he was inducted into the Hall of Honor, the highest award the Fraternity can bestow upon a member of Sigma Nu. Bob and Pauline are survived by their daughters, Paulette (Thomas) Geiger, Jr. and Sherylle (Timothy) Koltun. In addition, there are 5 grandchildren Carilyn (Robert) Kuhr, Robert Benjamin Geiger, Jessica Koltun, Andrew Geiger, Michael Koltun, and 1 great grandchild, Joseph Robert Kuhr.
