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As received from the Memorial Chapel & Plowe Funeral Homes:
South Range, MI – Robert (Bob) Petrelius, 88, a resident of South Range, passed away peacefully Monday morning, November 15th, 2021, at the GreenTree of Hubbell.
Robert was born on November 1st, 1933, in Tapiola, MI, the son of the late Victor and Anna (Torro) Petrelius-Plough, and after the passing of his father, stepfather Nels Plough. He graduated from the John A Doelle Agricultural School in Tapiola in 1953.
He wed the love of his life, Evelyn Marie Pesonen of Painesdale, January 9, 1954 in Hancock, MI. After a honeymoon at the Scott Hotel in Hancock, they briefly traveled to Ohio and Detroit before returning to live in Tapiola. Following a “two year-too long” stay in Detroit they returned to the Copper Country to settle in South Range where they remained and raised their family.
Over the years Bob had many jobs; milkman, truck driver, ran a gas station with his brother Edsel, and delivered fuel oil and gas. He completed his career by retiring from Yalmer Mattila Construction, where he worked as a mechanic, heavy equipment operator and shop foreman.
Bob was a faithful member of the Range Apostolic Lutheran Church where he dedicated so much of his time after his retirement. For many years he faithfully took two of his “jaunts” per day, walking in rain or shine, snow or ice. He enjoyed woodworking, tinkering in his garage, and cutting firewood. His family has many handmade items that he put so much time and love into; all you had to do was mention the need for something and in no time it was made. You could always count on him to help work on anything mechanical, another of his passions. He was a proud and loving grandfather to 6 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren and was affectionately known as “Grampa Bob” by them and many others. Bob had a special love for animals, most of all his pets, of which he had many over the years. Animals always made him smile, especially the squirrels.
Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn, parents, stepfather, grandparents, brothers Richard and Edsel, his twin sister Ruth and his sister Margaret, son-in-law Kevin Koski, and great-grandson Jonah Edward Gardner.
He is survived by his sisters Dorothy Maki, Hazel Tepsa and brother Donald (Carol) Petrelius; children, Christine Koski of Marquette, MI and Ronald (Sandra) Petrelius of South Range, MI; grandchildren Christa (Glen) Gardner, Carol Petrelius, Amanda (Adam) Kicker, Melissa (Michael) Plegue, Shannon (Joseph) Heider, and Lori (Tanner) Petrelius; great-grandchildren Christina, Catherine, Noelle, Marcus, Grace, Joy, Faith, Maverick, and Glen Gardner, Ava, Eli and Emma Heider, Benjamin and Clara Plegue; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and his loyal companion, Gracie.
The family would like to thank the staff of The GreenTree of Hubbell. We would also like to extend a special thank you to Brian and Bruce Taavola, Gene and Gretchen Ovist, Leo Mattila for their many visits and calls with Bob after the passing of his wife. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Range Apostolic Lutheran Church.
Funeral services for Robert will be held at 1 pm Tuesday, November 23, 2021, at the Range Apostolic Lutheran Church with Reverend Ernest Bylkas III to officiate. Friends may call prior to the service from 11 am to 1pm.
Graveside services will be held 9:30 am Saturday, May 28, 2022, in the Mt. View Cemetery of South Range with Pastor Ernest Bylkas to officiate.
The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service Mt. View Chapel of South Range is assisting the family with the arrangements.
To view Robert’s obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net
