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As received from the Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home:
Robert John Bellaire, 89, of Brownstown, MI passed away at the Applewood Nursing Home in Woodhaven, MI on Wednesday September 27, 2023, where he had been a patient for 3 months. Bob was born in Laurium, Michigan on March 1, 1934 to Mayme (Muhonen) and Alfred Bellaire. He graduated from Calumet High School with the class of 1952. He was a member of the Apostolic Lutheran Church in Howell, MI. He loved spending his summers at Big Traverse, and also liked to fish and pick blueberries, and did various jobs in the summer, always keeping busy.
He spent 2 years in the Army, with 1 year in Germany. When he came back to the US in 1956 he joined the Michigan State Police, with his first post being at Romeo, MI. He stayed with the State Police for 36 years, retiring in 1992. He was married to the love of his life for 66 years, Betty (Kilpela), they were married at the Pine Street Church on April 20, 1957.
Surviving are sons Michael (Peggy, granddaughter Sarah) and Gary (Barbara, grandson Samuel), and half-brother David Palo (Helen), and various nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister Rebecca (George Regis), sister Marianne (Don St.John), and his parents Mayme and Alfred, and stepfather Toivo Palo.
Gravesite service at 11AM on Thursday October 5 at Lake View Cemetery, in section 74.
After the graveside service a celebration of life and coffee hour will be held in the Siskiwit Reception Hall.
The Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Online condolences for the family may be left at www.ericksoncrowleypeterson.com
