OBITUARIES
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Robert Martin
Resided in Rapid River, MI
Died September 27, 2004
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Robert “Bob” R. Martin, age 78, of 7728 27.75 Road,
Rapid River, Michigan died Monday afternoon September 27, 2004 at the Christian Park Village in Escanaba following a lengthy illness where he had been a resident for the past 3 years. Robert was born October 2, 1925 at home in Rapid River the son of George Henry and Elsie M. (Moser) Martin. He was raised on the family farm and attended school in Perkins.
Bob was a member of the Civilian Conservation Corps and was in World War II in the 4th Marine Division in the Pacific Area. He was in action at Roi-Namur and Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands; Saipan and Tinian, Marianas Islands; and Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands. Robert received the “Purple Heart”, Good Conduct Medal, three citations for excellent services as a gunner and squad leader and excellent courage during battles and numerous other medals. He entered the service and enlisted in the U.S. Marines on December 7, 1942 and received an Honorable Discharge on October 30, 1945.
Bob married the former Alta Mae Porath on June 4, 1949 at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Rapid River and they made their home in Rapid River. He was employed by Harnischfeger Corporation as a welder/assembler retiring in January 1983 with 34 years of service to the company.
Bob was an active member of St. Charles Borromeo Churh. He also was a member of the American Legion Post #301 of Rapid River for 52 years and the Rapid River Four Township Senior Citizens. He enjoyed going to his camp in the Ogontz area and enjoyed fishing, hunting, trapping, gardening, playing cards, snowmobiling and dancing, especially doing the polka. He thoroughly enjoyed his grandchildren and attending their school and sporting events.
In addition to his wife Alta, survivors include: 2 daughters, Mary (Russel) Poma and Patricia A. Martin of Rapid River
3 grandchildren, Robert and Richard Poma and Amy Martin all of Rapid River
2 brothers, Clarence (Jeanette) Martin of Gladstone, and Donald (June) Martin of Rapid River Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Also surviving are the following brother and sister-in-laws: Ben Viau of Rapid River, Paul and Dorothy Drefs, Sam and Evelyn Poquette, Harold and Raeburn Porath, Richard Cyril Porath all of Escanaba, Wm. Gary and Betty Hahn of Cornell and Edna Oslund of Kingsford, MI
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by, five sisters, Ruth Viau, Jean Johnson, Marjorie, Dorothy and Doris Martin and a daughter, Cheryl, who died at birth, a grandson, Alan Mengel who died at birth, along with a brother-in-law: David Oslund and sister-in-law: Nancy Porath.
He was married for 55 years to his wife, Alta, and was a loving husband, father and grandfather.
Bob’s family will receive friends on Friday from 3:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Military Rites conducted by Rapid River American Legion Post #301 will follow at 6:00 P.M. Mass of Christian Burial services celebrating the life of Robert R. Martin will follow at 7:00 P.M. at the St. Charles Borromeo Church in Rapid River with Rev. Jacek Wtyklo and Rev. Emmett Norden officiating. Luncheon will follow in the church fellowship hall. Graveside services will be in Rapid River Cemetery in Rapid River on Saturday at 11:00 A.M. followed by military rites with the Rapid River American Legion firing squad conducting their military gun salute. |
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