Robert (Bob) Lauscher

Bob was born in Escanaba, Mich. on June 14, 1947, the first child of Dolores (Roberts) and Milton (Mick) H. Lauscher. He was raised and went to school in Escanaba until the family moved to Cornell, Mich. when he was 16 years of age. He graduated from Perkins High School in 1965.

He started working at 12 years of age in his dad’s bakery. Later the bakery was sold to his uncle “Red”nd Bob continued working there for his uncle. After graduating from high school Bob went with friends to Milwaukee, Wis. to look for work, and he found it at a steel casting company. He worked there until he learned he was soon to be drafted into the military. Rather than waiting to be drafted he enlisted in the Marine Corp in March of 1966. He proudly served until March 1969 stationed in California and Viet Nam. He spent 13 months in Viet Nam during which he made lifelong friends including Henry Damron and Bobby Carden both having passed away a few years ago.

Upon a week of returning home from his military service he started his 40-year career with the Mead Paper Mill in Escanaba, Mich. where his dad (his hero) worked. A good portion of his time working there he was honored to have served as a union steward.

While working at the paper mill, Bob also worked in the woods with his friend, Joe LaFleur, for approximately 10 years.

Bob married Deanna Dutton in 1971, and they lived and raised their son, Christopher, and daughter, Jennifer, in Rapid River, Mich.

Bob played sports in his younger years. He played baseball, basketball, football, and hockey; hockey well into his 40s. He enjoyed fishing and hunting, and loved his hunting camp in Watson, Mich. He had a talent for all things carpentry, electrical, and mechanical. He could and did build or fix most things at his homes and camp.

He had belonged to the Masonville Twp. Recreation Board and was a volunteer fireman for the Masonville Fire Dept for a time.

Bob married Audrey Sanville in 2001. They have lived in Gladstone since and she survives him.

He is also survived by his much-loved children, son, Chris (Rachael) Lauscher, Bark River, daughter, Jen (Adam) Nagy, Gladstone, and his cherished grandchildren, Dayna Lauscher, Alexis Nagy, and Jacob Nagy. Also surviving Bob are his siblings: Jan (Mark) Depuydt, Char Koontz, Mike (Elaine), Terry (Mary Jo), Gary (Liz), Joe (Marilyn) Don (Kim), Patti (Phil) Anderson, Milton Jr. (Cheryl), Brian (Lori), Cheryl (Buck) Nelson, Mary (Orv) Lantagne, Randy (John Carriere). Also surviving Bob are his Aunt Sally Roman, his stepson, Troy Anderson, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Bob’s sister-in-law; Judy Sanville, brother’s-in-law; Steve, Jeff (Deb), and Ed (Sandi Goodman) Sanville.

Preceding Bob in death were his parents, his sister, Gayle Chaudoir, his especially close paternal grandmother, Gladys Tuyls Lauscher Gafner, brothers-in-law he loved as brothers, Greg Koonts, and Mike Chaudoir. One thing that cheered him recently was that he and Mike Chaudoir, along with their sons, went together on the Honor Flight to Washington, DC before Mike’s passing.

Honoring Bob’s wish private services were held on June 24 at Gardens of Rest Cemetery with Pastor Brian Poe officiating.

Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider donating to: Salvation Army, 3001 5th Avenue South, Escanaba, MI 49829.

The Anderson Funeral Homes of Escanaba and Gladstone are assisting the Lauscher family with the arrangements and online condolences can be sent to the family at www.andersonfuneralhomes.net.