Robert “Bob” Roberts, age 69, of 619 Michigan Avenue, Gladstone, died early Saturday morning April 8, 2006 at the St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba.

Bob was born February 6, 1937, in Gladstone, the son of Raymond “Tyke” and Ellen (Brodene) Roberts Sr.  During his adolescent years, Bob was raised in Nahma, Rapid River and Eben before moving back to Gladstone with his parents where he attended and graduated from the Gladstone High School in 1955.  Following graduation, Bob entered the United States Army and on October 29, 1955, Bob married the former Barbara Ludick at the All Saints Catholic Church in Gladstone.  Bob remained in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1957 and was honorably discharged, in 1957, at which time, he moved back to Gladstone where he and Barb made their home and raised their family.  Bob worked for the City of Gladstone for a short period of time and eventually gained a position of employment with the Soo Line Rail Road, as a switchman, retiring in 1985.  Bob enjoyed traveling, golfing, going to camp, hunting and fishing.  He belonged to the Gladstone American Legion August Mattson Post#71, the Knights of Columbus, the Nahma Golf Course and his class reunion committee for the past 50 years.  Bob enjoyed outdoor activities and loved to spend time with his family, grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

Survivors include Bob’s wife of 50 years, Barb;

3 Sons:  Jim Roberts of Rapid River, MI; Joe (Shelly Bintner) Roberts of Rapid River, MI; Mike (Diane) Roberts of Tampa, FL

4 Daughters:  Jessie (Tom) Seronko of Gladstone, MI; Jeanne (Rick) Bartels of Kingsford, MI; Ann Marie (David White) Jasso of Gladstone, MI; Mary Roberts of Gladstone, MI

2 Sisters:  Irene (Larry) Lavelle of Gladstone, MI; Kathy (Jim) Grenfell of Gladstone, MI

2 Sister in laws:  Betty Roberts of Gladstone, MI; Sharon (Bill) Gottschalk of Bellevue, Nebraska

Also surviving are 24 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren and many nieces, nephew, cousins and friends. 

In addition to his parents, Tyke and Ellen, Bob was preceded in death by:

1 Brother:  Raymond “Bill” Roberts Jr.

1 Grandson:  Dustin Roberts

1 Niece:  Mary Beth (Lavelle) Harris 
 
 
Family will receive friends on Tuesday from 3:00PM to 5:00PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone.  Military rites honoring Bob’s service to his country will follow visitation, at 5:00PM, at the Skradski Funeral Home, by the Gladstone American Legion August Mattson Post #71.  Funeral services celebrating the life of Robert “Bob” Roberts will follow military rites, at 6:00PM, at the All Saints Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Arnold Grambow officiating.  Luncheon will follow in the All Saints Parish Hall.  Committal will be in the Fernwood Cemetery in Gladstone.