Obituary: Robert G. Makolin

As received from the Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home:

UPDATE: A military honors graveside service will be held for Bob Makolin on May 20, 2024, at 11:00 AM in the Lake View Cemetery. After the graveside service there will be a coffee hour and celebration of life from 12:00 – 1:00 PM in the Siskiwit reception hall.

Robert George Makolin of Laurium passed away on November 21, 2023 at Portage Pointe in Hancock, Michigan where he had been a resident for the last four years.“Bob”, as he was known to everyone, was born September 3, 1929 to John A. and Anna (Paarvinen) Makolin. He graduated from Calumet High school, class of 1949, and soonthereafter entered the army serving in the Korean Conflict. Upon his return he married Shirley (Yates) in 1954 with whom he had two sons. His eldest son Robert J. (Rebecca Schuh) resides in Freedom, WI and his children are Melissa (Brian) of Irvine, CA and Joel (Meghan Maes) of Chicago. Bob’s younger son, David R. (Sheryl) resides in Laurium with their son Patrick. Shirley left this earthly realm in 1984 and Bob subsequently met and married Bertha Dukart and joined her family of Sharon (Don) Kamin of Marinette, WI, Diane(Alan) Kniskern also of Marinette, Marlene (Bunga) Sickler of Mohawk, Rodger (Linda) Dukart ofGay, Pam (Pat) of Watersmeet,MI, Lester (Kathy) Dukart, Nancy (John) Robillard, Vernon(Brinda) Dukart, Beverley Spehar, and Shirley (Joe) Poissant, all of Lake Linden. Bob had a well-traveled career as a road technician for MDOT from which he retired in 1984. In 1971 he bought Johnson’s Clothing Store in Laurium which he ran until full retirement in 1995. Bob was an avid sports fan, always cheering on his Red Wings, Tigers, and his beloved Green Bay Packers. He had a life-long love affair with hockey which he played at many levels, skating well into his eighties. He also enjoyed golf, bowling, gardening and raising his chickens. Bob was an active member of the Laurium Methodist Church, the Calumet Lions Club, the CLK Rotary, VFW Post 3900, and the American Legion Post #61.Bob was preceded in death by his wives, his parents, his brothers Alvin, Carl, and Roy, and his sisters Mabel (Wiitanen) and Ellen (Smith). Bob is survived by his children, grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to Portage Pointe for the kind, gentle, and loving care Bob received in his last days. Erickson-Crowley-Peterson is assisting the family with arrangements. A service of remembrance will be held for Bob Makolin on in the Siskiwit Reception Hall on May 20, 2024 with coffee from11:00 – noon and a short service to follow.