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Robert Frederick Tarvainen, age 80 of Covington, MI passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 12, 2017 at his home.
He was born January 14, 1937 son of Arvid and Aili (Maki) Tarvainen. Bob graduated from L’Anse High School in 1955. He married the former Georgiana Nurmi in 1959, and they had 4 children. Bob was a carpenter with the Michigan Carpenters Union. After retirement he became the building inspector for Covington Twp. Bob married Mary Ellen Pelkola on September 4, 1992.
He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and Covington Historical Society. Bob enjoyed woodworking, deer hunting, trapping, making maple syrup at the Sugar Shack with cousins, and spending time with his grandchildren.
Surviving are his children, Robert (Sandra) Tarvainen of Ishpeming, MI, Scott (Sayuri) Tarvainen of Japan, Cheryl (Dave) Morin of Niagara, WI, Craig (Heather) Tarvainen of Chassel, MI and their mother, Georgiana Hebert of Ishpeming; step children, Joseph (Judy) Pelkola of Marquette, MI, Dale (Carol) Pelkola of Marquette, Patricia Olson of Andover, MN, James (Lori) Pelkola of Marquette, Jeffery (Martina) Pelkola of Andover, MN; 25 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren.
Preceding him in death are his parents; his wife Mary Ellen Pelkola Tarvainen; siblings, Sadie Rosten, Helen Sliger, Clarence Tarvainen, Marilyn Hatara.
Visitation will be on Friday, November 17th at Trinity Lutheran Church in Covington from 12-2:00 p.m. His funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Mark Reinsch officiating. A luncheon will follow in the church hall. Burial will be in the spring in the Covington Cemetery. The Jacobson Funeral Home of L’Anse is assisting the family.
Friends may sign Bob’s guest book or send condolences at www.jacobsonfuneralhome.com.
