Robert P. ‘Bob’ Sihtala
ISHPEMING, MI – Robert P. “Bob” Sihtala, age 82, lifelong area resident, passed away on Friday June 18, 2021, at the Marquette County Medical Care Facility, while in the loving care of his family and nursing home staff.
Bob was born in Ishpeming, on October 29, 1938, son of the late Ronald and Julianne (Riberdy) Sihtala. He attended Ishpeming High School graduating with the class of 1957. Following graduation Bob served in the Michigan Army National Guard before enlisting in the United States Air Force where he served from June of 1957 until his honorable discharge in June of 1961. Upon returning home, Bob worked the H. W. Gossard building, where he met his wife, Margaret, (Morcom) Sihtala. He then went on to work for Cliffs at the Tilden and Empire Mines as an Instrument Repairman until his retirement in 2000.
Bob enjoyed hunting, fishing, taking rides out in the woods, walking his dogs, tinkering with electronics, spending time at his camp, and was an excellent caregiver to his wife and daughter.
Bob is survived by 2 children – Michael Sihtala, Lynn Sihtala, 2 grandchildren – Jesse and Kyle Sihtala, siblings – Richard Sihtala, Ronald “Stuart” Sihtala, Julie Ann Pearce, in-laws – Christine (Bill) Santamore, Florence Melka, special friend – Karen Merckx, his little poodle Daisy, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife – Margaret (Morcom) Sihtala, and daughter- in-law – Sheila Sihtala.
Bob’s family will greet relatives and friends on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, from 9:30am until 11:00am, at the Bjork and Zhulkie Funeral Home, in Ishpeming. A memorial service will follow at 11:00am with Fr. Ryan Ford as officiant. Military Honors will be accorded by the United States Air Force. A luncheon will follow at the K/D Hall at St. John’s Catholic Church in Ishpeming.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to UPAWS in memory of Bob.
Bob’s family would like to extend a special thank you to all those who took care of him while at UP Health System Marquette and the Marquette County Medical Care Facility for the excellent care they gave to him over the past 3 months.
Bob’s obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.