Obituary: Robert E. Houle, Jr.

As received from the O’Neill-Dennis Funeral Home:

Hancock: Robert E. Houle, Jr., 65, of Hancock, passed away suddenly at his home on Monday, October 21, 2019 following an apparent heart attack.

       He was born on October 6, 1954, the son of Robert E. Houle Sr. and June D. (Koski) Houle.

     He graduated from the Hancock High School with the class of 1972 and was a member of the Hancock Football and Hockey teams, earning several awards.  He was also a huge fan of the Detroit Red Wings, Washington Capitals and Green Bay Packers.

      He began his working career at a young age, working after school at Joffee’s Clothing Store.  In 1970 he started working at the Ripley A&W Family Restaurant,  eventually buying the restaurant in 1980 until its closure in 1986, when he began working at Suomi College as a cook, maintenance and maintenance supervisor.  In 2004 he began his own business, Houle’s Handyman Service. He was a jack of all trades, there was nothing he couldn’t do.  He really loved helping others and enjoyed meeting new people.

       He was preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-law; Joseph and Clarice Julio, his brother John, nephew Randal, brother-in-law Douglas Halgren, numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

        He was married to Joyce Julio on October 11, 1980.  They just celebrated their 39th wedding anniversary.

        He is survived by his wife; Joyce, daughters;  Brandi (John) Pilling of New Port Lucy, Fla., Jessica (Scott) Rubich of Houghton, son; Nanue Houle of Calumet, 3 grandchildren; Jacob Rubich, Gunnar Houle, and Luke Rubich.  Bob really enjoyed having his grand kids over, playing hockey, football, swimming in the pool and jumping on the trampoline and traveling the roads with his 1946 Willy’s Jeep.  Sister in law Karen Houle, 1 brother George (Sue) Houle, 5 sisters: Lori (Larry) Pasador, Annie Halgren, Jeanne (Jack) Peters, Patricia (Paul) Doud and Michelle (James) Kemppainen, 1 aunt; Margaret Cuffe, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.  

        In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Bob’s name to the Copper Country Humane Society, at P.O. Box 453, Houghton, Mi. 49930 for his love of animals and especially his buddy, “Bonzo).

        Visitation will be held for Robert on Friday, October 25th from 4pm-7pm with funeral services starting at 7pm at the O’Neill-Dennis Funeral Home.

     The O’Neill-Dennis Funeral Home of Hancock is in charge of the arrangements. Please go to www.oneilldennisfh.com to leave online condolences.