BARK RIVER - Robert John Robinette, 87, 5247 F Rd., Bark River, passed away on Tuesday morning, April 3, 2012, surrounded by his family.
He was born on July 22, 1924, in Hardwood, Mich., son of Joseph F. and Louise M. Robinette. Bob graduated from Felch High School in 1942 and worked for Chicago North Western Railroad for 37 years as a station agent and telegrapher, retiring in 1986.
Robert served in the Army from 1943 until his honorably discharge on Dec. 13, 1945. He served during World War II and was engaged in battled in South Pacific Islands, Kwajalin, Philippines, and Okinawa. He was awarded the Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, Combat Infantryman's Badge, Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon, Bronze Arrowhead, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with two Bronze Stars and the Bronze Star Medal.
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Robert John Robinette
On April 15, 1950, Robert married Nancy Ann Lawrence at St. Joseph Church in Foster City.
He was a member of the American Legion, Disabled Veterans of America, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church which he was an active parish council member and usher.
Bob was a loving family man who enjoyed family get-togethers. Each new addition to the family was a treasure to Bob, who often hosted gatherings at his large home on "Robinette's Corner."
He was an avid Lion's fan (even in the worst of time) and was an avid hunter sharing a hunting camp with his brothers in Hardwood for many years. Bob was a member of the Highland Golf Club since its earliest years and especially enjoyed the "19th" hole with his many good friends there.
Bob also enjoyed playing cards and collecting railroad memorabilia. He worked hard maintaining his home and large yard and garden. His old garage was the setting for his many projects. He loved birds and was dedicated to feeding them and housing them with his many birdhouses. His favorite rest time was sitting under his whispering pines, made even better if he could listen to a Tiger game on the radio. He loved baseball and was a good player himself in his youth. He was instrumental in the building of the Schaffer Little League fields and coached teams for many years.
Bob was a quiet man who was devoted to his family, his God, and his country.
He is survived by his wife, Nancy of Bark River; children, Diane (Dave) Cannon, Robert (Janie) Robinette, Janice (Lee) Robitaille, all of Escanaba, Luanne (Nick) Knauf, John (Mary Jo) Robinette, Cheryl (Dan) Pach, Paul (Cindy) Robinette and Barbara Cappaert, all of Bark River; 23 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren.
Visitation will be on Monday, April 9, from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Crawford Funeral Chapel in Bark River with Bark River American Legion service at 5:30 and parish prayers at 6:30 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will follow on Tuesday at 11 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church with Rev. Mark McQuesten officiating. A luncheon will follow in the church hall.
Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Schaffer.
The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting the Robinette family with arrangements.