Dan (Gobie) Gobert

Dan was born Jan. 18, 1950, in Escanaba, the son of Francis Xavier and Thelma Wihelimina (Swenson) Gobert. He was raised in Gladstone and was a 1968 graduate of Gladstone High School. Dan served his country proudly in the United States Marine Corps and was a Vietnam War veteran. He was united in marriage to Peggy Murphy on Sept. 28, 1974, in Gladstone. Dan worked at Mead Paper for over 30 years. He was a hard worker and “one of a kind.” He loved to run, be active and support his children at their athletic events.

Dan and Peggy made their home in Rapid River on “The Farm.” They purchased an old rundown cabin and sawmill and made it into a welcoming gathering place where many nieces, nephews and friends made it their second home. Dan loved to work on the farm and support his wife and children in their love of horses.

Dan was a member of the U.P. Roadrunners Club and competed in numerous races, triathlons and marathons. He was often seen all over Delta County on a bike or run after long hours at the mill before a sporting event for one of his children. People often called him, the energizer bunny, he was always on the move. He completed nine marathons before Parkinson’s took away his ability to run. His dream was to compete in the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington D.C. In the fall of 2006 his son, Jake, pushed him in a wheelchair in the Marine Corps Marathon finishing 747th out of 33,000 participants. It was a journey that the community, family and friends helped in fundraising to make it possible for the entire family and some friends able to be there to enjoy and support him in his final race. The memories from that adventure are priceless like many are with Dan.

For the last three years, Dan was a resident of the DJ Jacobetti Home for Veterans. The affection and devotion from all of the nurses and staff made them all be a part of the family. The family would like to express its sincere appreciation and gratitude to the nurses and staff for the loving care they gave Dan during his time there.

Dan is survived by his wife, Peggy of Rapid River; his children, Rhonda (Pavel) Sitnakau of Green Bay, Wis., Jamie Gobert of Crivitz, Wis., Jill (Casey) VanDamme of Brookings, S.D., Jake (Jamee) Gobert of Ishpeming, Mich., Jordan Gobert of Rapid River; grandchildren, Petra Sitnakau, Chad and Trey Branstrom; Madelyn, Claire, Andrew and Elizabeth VanDamme; Ava, Daniel and Milo Gobert; his brother, Mike (Vicki) Gobert of Flat Rock; sister, Cindy (Rick) Koehler of Zumbrota, Minn., and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a nephew, Eric Gobert; sister-in-law, Mary Lou Hanson; and mother and father-in-law, Betty and James Murphy.

A celebration of Dan’s life will be announced at a later date.

The Skradski Funeral Home of Gladstone is assisting the family. For additional information or to leave the family a message of condolence, go to www.skradskifuneralhomes.com.