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ESCANABA -- We are saddened to announce, after a long battle with dementia, Francis Charles Roberts age 78 of Rapid River, passed away on July 22, 2026 at Pinecrest Medical Facility in Powers, MI.
Fran was born in Iron Mountain, Michigan on September 15, 1947 son of Raymond and Hazel (Buckley) Roberts.
Fran developed a passion for the outdoors at an early age influenced by his father Ray, and his uncle Melbert. His father passed away when he was 11 years old and under uncle Mel’s guidance, Fran learned the art of fly fishing, tying his own flys, and hunting big and small game.
Fran got into the sport of boxing in the early 1960s. He was a UP state champion, and also won Wisconsin state and regional championships.
Fran met Judith Prosen, his wife of 58 years, during a nine month recovery resulting from a motorcycle accident. They married on June 15, 1968 and settled in Rapid River raising their two children, daughter Carrie and son Raymond.
In 1968 Fran started his career at Escanaba Paper Company, working on number three rewinder for 42 years.
During his life, his past times consisted of coaching boxing in the Escanaba area and volunteering his time to judging bouts.
Fishing was a passion of Frans. He was a founding member of the Escanaba River Association. For over 50 years he dedicated countless hours to planting fish, improving stream habitat, raising money to keep public access open, and provided equipment and mentorship to beginners.
Hunting was another passion of Frans. He thoroughly enjoyed his time spent with family and friends at his camp in Watson. Fran also enjoyed gunsmithing and reloading, mentored by his brother Bob Stone.
Fran was very loving and selfless to all that knew him. Especially his children and three grandchildren. He never missed an opportunity to spend time with them. Their events were important to him and he was extremely proud of their accomplishments.
In addition to his wife, Judy, Fran is survived by
Son: Raymond (Bridget) Roberts
Grandchildren: Nicholas (Rebecca) Roberts, Cassandra (Derek) Krenek, and Kaden Roberts
Sister: Mary Margaret Roberts (Allan Blahnik)
Brother: Ray (Kathy) Juetten
Daughter in law: Linda Kilbey-Roberts
Sisters-in-law: Sandy Morris, Deb Prosen, Theresa Prosen, Kathy Miller, and Jane Roberts
And many nieces and nephews
In addition to his parents, Fran is preceded in death by
Daughter: Carrie Roberts
Siblings: Mary Helen (Paul) Strong, Ray (Anita) Roberts, Evelyn (John) LeDuc, Robert (Midge) Stone, Patricia (James) Gallagher, and James Wahl.
Parents-in-law: Rudy and Elaine Prosen
Sisters-in-law: Laura Gannon and Mary Prosen
Many thanks to OSF Hospice and Pinecrest Medical Facility for their truly amazing love and care in Frans’ last days.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Fran’s name to a charity of your choice.
Family will receive friends on Thursday, July 30, 2026 from 3:00 until 5:00 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. A funeral service will follow at 5:00 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Fran will be interred at a later date. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Roberts family. To offer an online message of sympathy please visit www.skradskifuneralhomes.com
