Robert Joseph Barr

Bob was born on January 15th, 1934, to Joseph and Frances (Hoholik) Barr in Manistique. After graduating from Bishop Baraga High School in Marquette, he worked at the LS&I Railroad as a dock worker until he enlisted the Army in 1952. His most notable assignment was in Berlin, Germany. After an honorable discharge, he was accepted into the Michigan State Police Academy and following graduation, was stationed in Petoskey, MI, where he met and married the love of his life, Lauris (Martin) Barr, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, and they were married for 63 years. While in the MSP, Bob was a member of the underwater recovery team, a water safety instructor as well as a first aid instructor. In 1969, he was promoted to sergeant and assigned to the L’Anse post.

During that time, he also received his associate degree in Criminal Justice at Suomi College and became a part-time instructor in that program. He returned to the Manistique Post in 1979 and retired from the MSP in 1987, after 30 years of service.

After his retirement, Bob still felt the desire to serve his community in many ways. Most notable were being appointed as Friend of the Court for Luce, Schoolcraft, and Alger Counties. He was also responsible for setting up and administering the Community Corrections program in Schoolcraft County and was elected as a County Commissioner for 5 years and served as the Chairperson for part of that time.

He was Chair of the Schoolcraft County Family Independence Agency board, Secretary of the Hiawatha Behavior Health board and Vice President of the Great Lakes Rural Mental Health Association. He was very proud to be able to take the Honor Flight with his son to Washington D.C. in 2014. Bob was an active parishioner of St. Francis de Sales and for 71 years, he was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was also a member of Elks and Fraternal Order of Police.

Bob enjoyed deer hunting, gardening, and spending time with friends but was happiest when his entire family was together. He and Lauris wintered in Phoenix, Arizona, for many years.

He is survived by his wife, Lauris Barr of Manistique, MI; son, Joe (Jill Lipford) Barr of Waucedah, MI; daughter, Theresa (Bill) Drew of Green Bay, WI; 5 grandchildren, Christopher, Katie, William, Austin, and Riley; 3 great-grandchildren, Brynleigh, Jaiden, and Ali and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Preceding him in death are his parents, Joseph and Francis Barr, brother, Donald (Marilyn) Barr, infant daughter, Frances, and infant son, David.

Bob’s family would like to thank all the staff at Woodland Assisted living for the wonderful care he received the last 9 months, and Schoolcraft Homecare and Hospice for their services in his final days.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Frances de Sales building fund or the charity of your choice. Visitation will be held at Fausett Family Funeral Homes in Manistique on Friday March 17th, 2023, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM concluding with Military Honors at 6:00 PM and Rosary at 6:15 PM, led by Deacon Gary Prise. There will be a Mass of Christian Burial held at St. Frances de Sales Catholic Church on Saturday, March 18th, 2023, at 11:00 am, with Rev. Fr. Ben Paris officiating. Fausett Family Funeral Homes is assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences may be posted to their website at www.fausettfh.com.