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Robert Victor Thibault

RAPID RIVER, Mich. — Robert Victor Thibault, 93, of Rapid River, passed away peacefully Friday, Nov. 29, 2019, at Unity Hospice in DePere, Wis.

Bob was born July 10, 1926, in Nahma, the son of Victor and Margaret (Krutina) Thibault. He was raised in Nahma and was a 1944 graduate of Nahma High School. Upon graduation and conscription into the Armed Services, Bob joined the United States Navy, where he served in both the Philippines and Japan during World War II. He returned home to Nahma following his honorable discharge. Bob then enrolled at Western Michigan University where he received his bachelor degree in education and later his master’s degree in education administration. On June 20, 1953, Bob was united in marriage to the former Eleanor Collins and together the couple made their home and primarily raised their family in Rapid River. Throughout his career, Bob taught school in Cooks, Kingsford and Escanaba. For several years Bob coached the Escanaba High School Basketball team. He retired in 1988.

In addition to his loving wife Eleanor, Bob is survived by: sons, Andrew (Yuko) Thibault, Paul (Beth) Thibault, Thomas (Kelli) Thibault and Joseph Thibault; daughters, Patrice (James) Waters, Elizabeth (Troy) Johnson, Jacqueline (Mark) Majestic and Kristen (Eric) Thompson; brother, Paul (Nancy) Thibault. Also listed among the surviving family are 24 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Victor and Margaret; son, Theodore Thibault; sisters, Corinne Lawrence and Jean Lucey.

Family will receive friends on Friday, Dec. 6, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Military rites will follow at 7 p.m. on Friday at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone with the Rapid River American Legion Post 301 presiding. Vigil prayers will conclude visitation following military rites. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, Dec. 7, at 9:30 a.m. at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Rapid River with Rev. Fr. Joseph V Augustine officiating. Luncheon will follow Mass at the Rapid River American Legion Post 301. Bob will be laid to rest in the Rapid River Cemetery in the spring. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be offered at www.skradskifuneralhomes.com