Keweenaw Report Your Source for Local News and Sports
As received from the Jacobson Funeral Home:
Robert Joseph Velmer, also known as, “Travellin’ Man”, 87 of Baraga, MI passed away Saturday June 8, 2024 at his home while being surrounded by the love of his family and with his son Michael at his side.
Robert was born June 4, 1937 in Spalding, MI to Lawrence and Irene (Poupore) Velmer. One of ten children, Bob spent his childhood playing and fishing on the banks of the Falls River. When he was 16 years old, he was called upon to help support his family and joined his father in the woods where they logged using horse drawn equipment.
On June 3, 1961, he married the love of his life, Shirley Lafernier at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Baraga, MI. Robert worked at Celotex and then as a truck driver where his radio handle was “Travellin’ Man”, for 45 years. He drove for Haupt Trucking, Pettibone, Anderson Trucking and Erickson’s. He knew every highway across the United States. He was like a living atlas. After retiring from life on the road, he helped his family by caring for his grandchildren. His hobby was driving but his greatest joy came from spending time with his grandchildren, reading, playing games, taking them on rides and working in the shop with them.
On June 6, 2024 Bob embarked on his final road trip back to his beloved home to be surrounded by his wife Shirley and all his loving family who were eager to comfort, console and care for him during his last hours.
Surviving are his wife Shirley Velmer of Baraga; children, Kimberly (Cyril “Joe”) Velmer-Fortier of L’Anse, Michael (Jacquelyn) Velmer of L’Anse; brother Richard Velmer of L’Anse; sisters, RoseMary (Bill) Heikkinen of Tapiola, Patricia Velmer of Baraga; eight grandchildren, Kyle LaPlante, Tyler (Faith) LaPlante, Joel (Abby) Fortier, Michaela (Louis) Raiger, Jessica Velmer, Daniel Velmer, Rachael Velmer, Zachary Velmer; six great grandchildren, Lilianna, Kylee, Titan, Madison, Braylin and Noah.
Preceding him in death are his parents Lawrence and Irene; brothers, Joe, Melvin, Kenneth, Jim; sisters, Barbara Cline and Carol Lafernier.
His funeral mass will be on Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church with Fr. Jins Joseph officiating. Visitation will be at the church from 9:30-11 a.m. A rosary will be prayed at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be in the Assinins Cemetery. A luncheon will follow in the church hall. Jacobson Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Friends may sign Robert’s guest book or send condolences at www.jacobsonfuneralhome.com.
