Robert M. ‘Bob’ Betts

Bob was born on September 16, 1939, son of Francis and Eileen (DeVold) Betts. He graduated from Ishpeming High School in 1957 and was a lifelong resident of Ishpeming. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1958 and honorably discharged in 1962. Stationed in Arizona and Alaska as a radar specialist.

Bob was employed at the Tilden Mine in Ishpeming for 30 years, retiring in August 1995. He attended St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ishpeming. Bob was a member of the Wawonowin Country Club. Lifetime member of the Ishpeming Elks Lodge for 56 years, serving as Exalted Ruler, District Deputy and Past Grand Exalted Ruler.

Bob was a member of the Ishpeming Cribbage League for over 40 years and was captain of Ishpeming Elks cribbage team for 20 years. Bob was an avid Packers fan and was a season’s ticket holder for over 20 years. Bob was a devoted and loving husband and father; he and JoAnn enjoyed all their grandchildren’s sports activities.

Bob is survived by his wife: JoAnn (Juidici) Betts, whom he married on July 10, 1965, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ishpeming, daughter: Laurie (Scott) Skytta of Ishpeming and son: Shawn Betts of Hugo, MN, grandchildren: Jaime Betts-Skytta of Ishpeming, Brandon Skytta of Bandon, OR, Morgan Skytta of Ishpeming, Caleb and Riley Betts of Hugo, MN, great- grandchildren: Lexie, Elliott and Finnley Skytta, sister-in-law: Dianne Betts, 2 nieces: Jodi (Todd Rice) Croley and Jennifer (Mark) Bratonia, 2 great-nieces: Taylor and Gabrielle Croley, 2 great-nephews: Mason and Jackson Bratonia.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, brother: Gary Betts and great- nephew: Christopher “Bubba” Croley.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 am – 12:00 noon, on Saturday June 19, 2021, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ishpeming where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00 noon, with Fr. Ryan Ford officiating.

The Mass will be livestreamed, which can be found at ishpeming catholic.com/live.

A luncheon will follow in the church fellowship hall.

Bob’s family would like to express sincere thank you to the Memory Care staff at the DJ Jacobetti Home for Veterans for the love, compassion and excellent care shown to Bob.

Donations may be directed to DJ Jacobetti Home for Veterans Memory Care Unit-425 Fisher St. Marquette, MI 49855.

Interment will take place at Northland Chapel Gardens, where military honors will be accorded by the United States Air Force

Bob’s obituary may be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.