Robert S. Grimes

HARVEY, MI – Robert S. Grimes, age 84, of Harvey, entered eternal life Thursday, August 31, 2023, at his home.

Born October 7, 1938, in Marquette, a son of Earl and Laura (Whittler) Grimes, Bob was raised on the family homestead on Mangum Road. He graduated from Graveraet High School in 1957. On October 17, 1959, Bob was united in marriage to Mary Gail Schwemin at St. Christopher Catholic Church. The couple made their first home in what was known as the Bancroft Location in Marquette Township where their first child, Robert Scot was born. They later moved to Ortman Road in Chocolay Township where Cheryl, Stephen, and Dean were added to the family tree. Later on, Bob built the current family home a little bit farther down on Ortman Road. Throughout the years, Bobás employments included JCPenny, Gambles, working as a corrections officer at the Marquette Branch Prison, working in civil service at the K.I. Sawyer Base Commissary until the base closed, and then working in construction for Ketola Construction from where he retired. However, Bob never completely retired. He merely redirected his efforts. Bob was a project-man, a handyman that generously gave of his time and talent to his family, friends, and church. A talented and skilled carpenter, he excelled in woodworking, furniture construction, gardening, and enjoyed reading. He was a very active and faithful member of St. Louis the King Catholic Church in Harvey where he took on any project that needed to be done, reconstructing pews, building shelves and display cases, and just about anything that he was asked to do. The church is full of his handiwork and many have found him to be a loyal and dependable friend in the process. Bob could often be found at daily mass and devotional activities and was one of the friendly faces welcoming parishioners and visitors to St. Louis the King where he served as an usher. Additionally, Bob was a member of St. Louis Council Knights of Columbus and a member Marquette Elks Lodge B.P.O.E. 405.

Bob is survived by his children, Robert Scot (Anne) Grimes of Boston, MA, Cheryl (George) Cowell of Menominee, and Dean (Shelly) Grimes of Green Bay, WI; his grandchildren, Alyssa (Dennis) Lautenschlager, Danae Cowell, Abigail Cowell, Mia Grimes, Justin (Victoria) Anfuso, Artimus Allison, and Rachael Grimes; and many grandpets. He is also survived by siblings, Mary (David) Schierbeck, Gail (the late Terry) Nesbitt, Eloise Martz, Nancy MacGregor, David (Sue) Grimes, and Paul (the late Adele) Grimes.

In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Mary, in 2018 and a son, Stephen, in 2022; siblings, Joanne Salisbury, Sally (the late Richard âPeteã) Cherrette, and Daniel Grimes. Friends may call at St. Louis the King Catholic Church in Harvey on Thursday, September 7, beginning at 9:00 am. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am with Rev. Tom Merkel, pastor, as celebrant and Deacon Scott Jamieson assisting. St. Louis Council Knights of Columbus will stand honor guard during the visitation. A reception will follow in Father Gauthier Hall. Interment will be made in the Holy Cross Cemetery.

The family would like to especially extend their appreciation to Deacon Scott Jamieson and wife, Claudia, Kenneth and Sue Schwemin, Frank and Patti Malette, Don and Carol Koski, and Chick and Darlene Koski for the many kindnesses they extended to Bob and to the family. Your participation added greatly to the quality of his life.

Memorials may be directed to St. Louis the King Catholic Church, 264 Silver Creek Road, Marquette, MI 49855.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.