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As received from the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel:
Robert “Bob” C. Genschow, Sr., 75, passed away at his home surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, October 22, 2024. He was the son of Ferdinand C. and Elizabeth (Papin) Genschow, born in Aberdeen, WA on December 17, 1948. He loved his family, especially his wife of 42 years, Gladys (Whitebird), and children Robert Jr. (Frances) Genschow, William Genschow, Katrina Genschow, Rebecca Genschow, Jodene (Jim) Rasanen, and Donna (Stan) Fredrickson.
Bob was a proud member of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC). He graduated from L’Anse High School and attended Michigan Technological University. He then joined the United States Marine Corps and served his country through the 1st Battalion 9th Marines “The Walking Dead” during the Vietnam War from 1967 until 1971.
Bob was a force to be reckoned with! He took pride in accomplishing what many wouldn’t attempt. In addition to his service in the military, he was a career Union Iron Worker and often worked in areas and heights that were not for the faint of heart. He was a hard worker and a skilled craftsman, commercial fisherman, hunter, and held various positions for KBIC. He also owned and operated the Village Market in Baraga.
Larger than life with a big heart to match, Bob could do anything! But first, he was a family man. He was meticulous, valued his traditions, and provided well for his large family, including building them a beautiful log home and family heirlooms. He always made time to play cards or have coffee with his siblings. He adored his grandkids and always tried to make them laugh. He also cherished his mother, mother-in-law Hazel, and wife, and sacrificed to care for each of them in their later years.
He was also affectionately known as “Big Bad Bob” or “Uncle Cowboy,” always wearing his cowboy hat and boots in public. He enjoyed practicing his treaty rights, going to the casino, coaching hockey, watching westerns and wrestling, reading Louis L’Amour books, randomly busting out his “Blue Suede Shoes” (Elvis) moves, and cheering on his Lions. Go Blue!
Bob’s memories will carry on through his children, grandchildren William, Robert, Christopher, Seth, Natasha, Kayla, Braden, Dorian, Duane, Gary, Chase, Anna, Tori, Tommy, Tyler, and Justin, his 10 great-grandchildren, brother Kent Kruse, sisters Debbie Parrish, Darlene Genschow, and Garen Waterbury, nieces Sharon, Liz, Catherine, nephews Patrick, Robert, Alan, and Travis, and numerous great nieces, nephews and cousins.
We are comforted in knowing he will be greeted by his parents, wife, sisters Sharon Genschow and JoAnne Racette, brother-in-law Pat Racette, granddaughter Ember Genschow, niece Nannie Beck, nephew Ricky Geroux, and his sons’ mother L. “Punky” Genschow in the spirit world.
Private military honors will be held at the L’Anse Evergreen Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to a celebration of life luncheon at 12 p.m. on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at the Zeba Hall.
