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Robert C. ‘Bob’ Waters

ROBERT WATERS

ISHPEMING, MI – Robert C. “Bob” Waters, age 90, of 2011 Prairie Ave., Ishpeming passed away on Friday, December 29, 2017 at the DJ Jacobetti Home for Veterans in Marquette where he had resided for the past 3 1/2 years.

Bob was born September 27, 1927 in Ishpeming the son of the late John J. and Lily (Bowden) Waters. He was a graduate of the Ishpeming High School. Bob served in the United States Army during the Korean War. Following his service time Bob lived in Milwaukee and had married Carol J. Pontti here in Ishpeming. They returned to Ishpeming in 1955 with their first child Sally and had resided here since. Many will remember Bob as “Sam the Milkman” as he delivered milk for many years starting with his family dairy and moved on to the Sealtest Dairy, Northern Dairy, Bancroft Dairy and finally Varifine Dairy. Bob moved on as a gas deliveryman for Ferrell Gas for several years and then as the custodian at the Bethany Lutheran Church from which he finally retired from at age 80.

Bob was a member of the Bethany Lutheran Church, the VASA Lodge and the Ishpeming VFW. He enjoyed helping out when ever he could and where ever, especially when it came to making pasty’s. He had been known as one of the “Potato Peeler’s” at several area Pasty making organizations. Bob loving spending his summers at the family camp on the Dead River Basin and loved cutting firewood for the long U.P. winters.

Survivors include his wife of the past 63 years Carol J. (Pontti) Waters, 4 children: Sally (Tim) Grant of Negaunee, Paul (Lisa) Waters of Key West, FL, John Waters of Ishpeming and Kurt (Diana) Waters of LaBelle, FL, 11 grandchildren: Allen Beauchamp, Carlo Balzarini, Bren Balzarini, Michael Waters, Michelle Cook, Sarah Waters, Lindsay Waters, Matthew Waters, Nathan Waters, Tara Waters and Jayson Overocker, 5 great grandchildren: Victoria, Kennedy, Robert, Tyler and Hannah; along with several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers: Reggie and Jimmer Waters and 3 sisters: Marion Trewhella, Elsie McKenzie and Ina Waters.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 10:00-11:00AM on Wednesday, January 3, 2018 at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Ishpeming. A memorial service will follow at 11:00am on Wednesday with the Rev. Warren Geier to officiate. Military honors will be accorded by the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 380 at the conclusion of the service. Inurnment will take place at the Ishpeming Cemetery Columbarium.

A light luncheon will follow at the services in the church hall.

Memorials may be directed to the DJ Jacobetti Home for Veterans, 925 Fisher St., Marquette, Mi 49855 or Bethany Lutheran Church, 715 Mather Ave., Ishpeming, MI 49849.