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CHASSELL – Robert J. Courchaine, 92, of Halfmoon Beach Rd., Chassell, died Monday morning, July 22, 2019 at the Iron County Medical Care Facility in Crystal Falls, MI.
Robert (Bob) was born September 16, 1926 in Chassell, to the late Archie and Blanche Courchaine. He was the oldest of 4 children. He worked on his Father’s farm while attending school.
After graduating from Chassell High School, Bob went on to attend and graduate from Michigan Technological University with a Bachelors Degree as a Chemical Engineer.
Bob went to work for Van Buren County Health Department as a Sanitary Engineer where he met Mary Ann Aubin. They were married May 28, 1949.
Bob and Mary moved often, as Bob worked for the Health Departments of Van Buren, Sanilac, Wayne and Washtenaw Counties. While working, Bob attended the University of Michigan and received his Master’s Degree in Public Health in 1955. In 1956, Bob went to work at the Water Resources Commission in Lansing, where they made their home and raised their 6 children on Shelter Lane. By 1963, Bob was Regional engineer and a year later, named Chief Engineer of the Michigan Water Quality Control Division of the Water Resources Commission. Bob was also named Executive Secretary of the WRC Water Quality Development Commission.
Bob retired January 25, 1986, after 31 years of public service. Bob and Mary built a house on Chassell Bay, where they spent their retirement years. They were members of St. Anne’s Catholic Church of Chassell.
The family of Robert Courchaine would like to thank the Doctors, Nurses and amazing, dedicated staff of Iron County Medical Care Facility for their excellent care.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by Mary Ann Courchaine (wife), Ann Courchaine (daughter), David Ash (son-in-law), and Cletus and Mary Ellen Courchaine (brother and sister-in-law).
Bob is survived by Anita Ash of Denver, CO, Steve (Julie) Courchaine of Carmel, IN, Tom (Sherie) Courchaine of Crystal Falls, MI, Sue (Tom) Haviland of Petoskey, MI, Nancy Courchaine of Chassell, MI, Maryann (Bud) Schoch of Cheboygan, MI (sister) and Paul Courchaine (brother).
A Memorial Service is being held at St. Anne’s Catholic Church August 2nd, 2019 at 11:30 a.m., followed by burial in Chassell Cemetery (family only) and a luncheon to follow at St. Anne’s.
To view Robert’s obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net.
The Memorial Chapel & Plowe Funeral Homes of Chassell have been assisting the family with the arrangements.
