Norbert C. ‘Bob’ Peano
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Bob was born April 14, 1925, in Marquette, a son of Clovis H. “Babe” and Bernice (LaBranch) Peano, Sr. He was raised in Marquette, attending Graveraet High School and several trade schools. In 1943, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served as a diesel mechanic aboard the USS Epping Forest in the amphibious forces in the South Pacific during World War II. On January 11, 1947, Bob married the former Shirley Irene Stolpe at St. Peter Cathedral and together the couple established a home and raised two sons in Marquette. Bob began a long career with the Lake Superior and Ishpeming Railroad in 1947, working as a welder in the Bridge and Building Department. He later worked as an electrician in the Signal Department, a position he retired from in May 1987, completing 43 years of service to the railroad. Bob was also one of five men who were instrumental in organizing the Lake Superior and Ishpeming Railroad Credit Union and served as treasurer-manager for the first six years. In retirement, Bob and Shirley traveled extensively throughout the country in their RV for over twenty years. For the last ten years, they wintered in Yuma, Ariz. Bob loved all sports, but was a dedicated and true DETROIT LIONS fan. He was a member of the Beer Can Collectors of America, LS&I Bowling League, Richard Jopling Post #44 of the American Legion, and a member of the former Marquette Moose Lodge. He enjoyed stamp and coin collecting, deer hunting, and loved to go camping. Bob and Shirley were very family oriented, and their large family afforded many varied experiences and memories over the years.
A loving and devoted husband, father, grandparent and brother, Bob is survived by his wife, Shirley; two sons, James William (Giesela) Peano of Macon, Ga., and David John Peano of Marquette; former daughter-in-law, Kathie Clifton of Marquette; his grandchildren, Jessica (Joshua) Gerstmeyer of Tulsa, Okla., Jennifer, Aaron and James Peano Jr., all of Marquette, Angela Laituri of North Carolina, and Steven Peano of Macon, Ga.; eight great-grandchildren; two sisters, Lorraine (Hank) Croschere and Sharon (Jim) Aho Farrell, both of Marquette; three brothers, Clovis H. (Barbara) Peano Jr. of Marquette, Matt Peano of Oklahoma City, Okla., and Sam Peano of Marquette; his stepmother, Helen (Olli) Peano of Marquette; his in-laws, Bernice (Anthony) Ombrello of Marquette, Joanne Willis of Palmer, and Raymond (Nell) Stolpe of Gwinn; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Eva (LaBranch) Hebert, who helped raise him; stepmother, Anne (DePetro) Peano; a brother, Bernard “BJ” Peano; and in-laws, Mary Peano, Richard Stolpe and Cathy Snyder.
Friends may call at the Fassbender Funeral Home on Wednesday, May 21, beginning at 2 p.m. Funeral services will be held in the funeral home at 4 p.m. Wednesday with the Rev. James Robb officiating. A reception will follow in the fellowship hall at St. Christopher Catholic Church. Graveside services will take place at Park Cemetery on Thursday at 11 a.m. with veteran’s honors provided by members of the Jopling Post of the American Legion. Pallbearers will be James Peano Jr., Aaron Peano, Bob and Steven Croschere, Raymond Stolpe and William Ombrello.
Condolences may be expressed online at www. fassbenderswanson.com
