Robert Rosemurgy

Robert first met Lynn Baillargeon in 6th grade at a high school basketball game and was “smitten.” It lasted for a lifetime. He married her, the love of his life, in Escanaba on May 20, 1967. They treasured one another and enjoyed nearly 52 years of marriage before Lynn proceeded him in death on April 23, 2019. Whether they were traveling or spending time at home with family and friends, Robert and Lynn were a team and balanced one another perfectly. They had three children–Stephen, Catie, and Annie–and enjoyed their four grandchildren, Colin, Ian, Izzy, and Burley immensely.

Robert was passionate about many things, but a few that stand out are the law, music, and his family. His first job brought him back to Madison when he joined the Axley law firm. In his early years he practiced many types of law, though he was happiest in the courtroom. He was a formidable trial litigator. In 1972 he had the opportunity to move back to Escanaba and join the firm started by two of his early law mentors, Wheaton Strom and Clair Hoehn. That firm eventually became Butch, Quinn, Rosemurgy, and Jardis. In the latter part of his law career, Robert was well known for his specialization in medical malpractice and product liability defense, and over the years, he compiled a remarkable record. He retired from the law in 2018 after 50 years of practice.

Robert loved music from an early age and played trumpet in the school band. In his early teens he taught himself to play guitar, and he worked hard his whole life to become an accomplished player. He loved the challenge, deeply admired talented musicians, and closely followed many of their careers. One of the early artists who most impressed him was a singer-songwriter named Mickey Newbury. Newbury had quit making records, though, so Robert would call his manager a couple times each year and encourage him to get Mickey back in the studio again. Eventually Robert was instrumental in reinvigorating Mickey’s career and became a crucial part of Mickey’s production team, as well as his tour manager, publicist, legal counsel, website moderator, and dear friend.

Most of all, Robert loved his family. He was always quick to laugh, but he laughed hardest with his brothers. He was happiest sitting around the dinner table, enjoying spirited banter with his kids and wife Lynn. If there had been a good football game on earlier, all the better.

Robert used the considerable force of his will and personality to lift people up. He gave great advice–to his legal clients, family, and friends. In a message he wrote his beloved grandchildren, the last bit of advice he gave them was: “Life goes by too fast, and is short in the scope of time. So be

honest and kind, love freely and embrace family and friends, work hard, enjoy things in the moment, worry less, and smile and laugh more.”

Robert Rosemurgy is survived by his three children, son Stephen and daughters Catie and Annie (David) and four grandchildren, Colin, Ian, Izzy, and Burley.

Visitation will be held from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm Saturday, November 15, 2025 at the Anderson Funeral Home in Escanaba. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm Saturday at the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel with family remembrances. A light luncheon will follow in the Ludington Room located at the Anderson Funeral Home. Burial will take place in the Lakeview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be directed to the Salvation Army or the ACLU. The Anderson Funeral Home is assisting the Rosemurgy family and online condolences may be sent to the family at www.andersonfuneralhomes.net.