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MARQUETTE, MI – Robert Edward Kimball, age 86, of 1155 S. Vandenboom Road, Marquette, left this world on Saturday, February 6, 2021.
Robert was born April 14, 1934, in Lincoln, Maine. The son of the late Harold E. Kimball and Alice A. (Powers) Kimball.
Robert joined the U.S Navy at age 17 years and served as a radio operator for the Atlantic Reserve Fleet during the Korean War.
While on assignment in Charleston South Carolina, he met and married Darlene Dorothy Pollock on April 7, 1955. Then on April 13, 1955, Robert received honorable discharge from the Navy to begin his life with Darlene. In September 1959, the Kimball family relocated to Marquette Michigan in connection with Robert's employment with the federal government. It was at this time the Kimball's chose to make a permanent home for their family in Marquette.
Settled in Marquette, Robert worked as an air traffic controller for the FAA. During this time, he and Darlene grew their family, and together began and grew several childcare centers in the Upper Peninsula. Robert graduated with a bachelor's degree from NMU in 1970, attending school fulltime and working full time, while raising his family and assisting his wife in growing the business.
For a brief time, Robert was a member of the Knights of Columbus. Robert was also dedicated to the planning and opening of the much-needed Marquette Senior High School.
During his career with the FAA, Robert had several commendations for his dedication to duty. Some of which included securing medical flights for people in life-and-death situations, flagging a plane landing when communications were out, or locating and advising on plane crashes throughout the UP and northern lower Michigan. Robert also participated for many years as a flight controller during the summer EAA Air Shows in Oshkosh Wisconsin. He also earned a pilot's license, and for a time, enjoyed taking his loved ones on plane rides over the UP. Following his retirement from the FAA, Robert sold real estate for a few short years. Mostly he enjoyed his retirement days staying busy with his late wife in securing properties either to build, refurbish and/ or landscape.
Personally, Robert was always optimistic, enjoyed meeting people, making friends and conversations with everyone. Robert strongly encouraged his children to live life to their fullest, takes chances and enjoy the journey as it is no matter how challenging. Robert would often quote Horace enthusiastically with "Carpe Diem!" or "enjoy life while one can."
He was an avid reader who thoroughly enjoyed history and believed in continual learning and that each of us should think for ourselves rather than be led by culture for what is popular at the time. Robert strongly believed that we understand our history, in order that we not repeat mistakes of our past.
Robert was proceeded in death by his beloved wife of 65 years, Darlene; along with his parents, Harold and Alice; his sister, Irma and brother-in-law Louis.
He is survived by his children: Mike (Cindy) Kimball of DePere Wisconsin, Jennifer (Stephen) Hechtman, of Milford, Michigan, Robert Edward Kimball, Matthew Kimball of Satellite Beach Florida, and Korry (Mike) Richer of Marquette. He is also survived by nine beloved grandchildren: Victoria, Phillip, Carli, Isabel, Ryan, Emily, Catherine, Abigail and Gabrielle, along with two step-grandchildren, Jimmy and Katie. Robert or "Big Bob" as he was known to many will be missed greatly!
Honoring Robert's wishes, a private family service will be held beside his resting wife, Darlene. Robert thanks the countless friends, family, and people to whom he was acquainted.
The Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com