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As received from the O’Neill-Dennis Funeral Home:
Coburntown – Robert “Bobby” Charles Goudge, 72 passed away at his home on March 6, 2024 after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Bobby was born in Hancock, MI on November 22, 1951 to Harry and Angelina (Balma) Goudge.
He attended Hancock and Jeffers Public Schools and graduated in 1970 from Jeffers High School.
After graduation, Bobby worked several jobs. Many of which had to do with carpentry or tinkering with things that needed fixing. He was a true jack of all trades.
He took a lot of pride in his yard. In the summer, you would find him in his garden tending to both his flowers and vegetables of all kinds. In the winter, he would proudly get into the holiday spirit by decorating his house with a magnificent light display.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Bobby joined and served as a volunteer firefighter for 34 years at the Quincy- Franklin-Hancock Township Fire Department until 2016 when illness forced him to retire. He will always be remembered for his cooking expertise with the annual chicken barbecue and spaghetti fundraisers.
He also volunteered countless hours to help maintain and operate the local ice rink in Coburntown.
In 1989, he met the love of his life, Wanda Ollanketo. After many years together, the couple made their home in Coburntown on Quincy Hill.
Through this relationship, he became a grandfather. His grand-kids were a great source of pride and joy. He loved making them smile and would do anything for them, including making a private ice rink in his backyard.
Bobby was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Angelina Goudge, sister, Mabel Liimatta, brothers-in law, James O’Connell, Nicholas Mandoli and Daniel “Roach” Dulong, sister- in- law Patricia Goudge, son- in- law Randall “Randy” Houle, and his beloved grand-dog Borris.
He is survived by his loving partner, Wanda Ollanketo, step-daughter, Joanna (Andy) Houle-Vestich, step-son, Paul Ollanketo, grandchildren, Hunter Houle, Amanda Ollanketo and Michael Ollanketo, great grandson, Dawson and grand-dog Parker. Siblings, Marion O’Connell, Elizabeth Mandoli, William (Marlene) Goudge, Josephine (Richard) Kangas, Michael (Jean) Goudge and Ruth Ann Dulong, along with several nieces, nephews, and other relatives and many friends also survive.
Per Bob’s wishes, a funeral service will not be held. Friends may call on Thursday, March 14th between 11 and 1 at O’Neill-Dennis Funeral Home. A luncheon will take place at the Quincy-Franklin-Hancock Township Fire Hall following the visitation. Spring burial and graveside services will take place at Forest Hill Cemetery in Houghton.
Bob’s family would like to thank all of the doctors and nurses in cancer care at U.P. Health-Portage and the staff at Aspirus Home Health and Hospice for all the excellent and compassionate care. To leave online condolences, please go to www.oneilldennisfh.com.
