Robert Lawrence

Robert (Bob) Frank Lawrence, 96, of 723 West Ridge Street, Marquette, MI entered eternal life Sunday afternoon, February 25, 2024 at the Norlite Nursing Center in Marquette.

Bob was born September 1, 1927 in Marquette, the first of six children born to the late Frank and Jennie (Matson) Lawrence. He married Phyllis M. Swanson of Skandia in 1949. She preceded him in death in 1977. He was a lifelong resident of Marquette. He lived during the “Great Depression” of the 30’s and World War II. He graduated from Graveraet High School in 1945. While in high school, he worked part-time for Pendill’s Pharmacy and later as a bellhop and desk clerk for the Hotel Northland (now Landmark Inn).

In June 1945, at age 17, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He had sea duty in the Pacific aboard the Flotilla Flag ship, USS LST 1018 and served as Yeoman. He attained the rank of Petty Officer 3/c. When he returned to the U.S. in 1946, he was honorably discharged from active duty when his ship was decommissioned. He continued in the Navy as a member of the U.S. Naval Reserve until 1951 when he was honorably discharged from the Reserve. He was awarded the American Campaign, Asiatic Pacific Campaign, WW II Victory, and National Defense Service medals.

In the Fall of 2013, Bob made the Honor Flight to Washington, DC to visit the WW II monuments. Thanks to the Honor Flight Team, he considered it one of the most glorious events of his life. He was very proud to have served his country.

In the late 1940’s he sailed the Great Lakes as a deckhand on the William A. Reiss ore carrier, which he thought was a real fun job, and worked for his father, who was a painting and decorating contractor. He also was employed for short periods by the Marquette post office, a factory in Detroit, and a few other miscellaneous jobs.

He met Phyllis Swanson at a dance hall. It was the first and only time that either had been there. It was just meant to be. They were married in 1949 and had three wonderful children.

In 1950 he was employed by Lake Shore Engineering Company in Marquette and worked his way up the ladder. He started in the accounting department working with payroll, factory job costs and related work. He studied accounting through LaSalle Extension. He was active in Junior Achievement as business advisor. He felt very fortunate when he was asked to participate in the Lake Shore Executive Training Program which gave him valuable experience in other departments. He declined an advancement at the Iron Mountain home office, but in 1964, did accept a position at a new company branch in Negaunee as office manager, accountant and company representative for union relations.

In 1966 Bob joined Marquette City Hall staff when he was appointed City Accountant, the Finance and Accounting Department Head. He was a member of the Building Authority, Investment Advisory Board, Ex-officio member of associations. He installed the first Michigan Uniform Accounting System for the City in the late 1960’s. In 1974, in a one-time event during his tenure, he was ranked as top City Department Head by his peers. He worked with the Fire-Police Retirement Board from its inception to his retirement and was presented with a bronze plaque in appreciation for his many years of dedicated service. Over a period of many years of preparation, he and his staff laid the foundation and were primarily responsible for the City’s first GFOA Certificate for Excellence in Financial Reporting, which was awarded for the 1985-86 year. It is the highest form of recognition in the field of government accounting and was the first awarded to any governmental unit in the U.P. He retired July 1, 1986. He loved the City of Marquette and considered it an honor to serve its citizens and work at City Hall. He enjoyed working with his staff, the other departments, and the many outside business contacts.

Bob had many fond memories of the old Palestra Ice Arena. In 1954 the Stanley Cup champion Red Wings with the great Gordie Howe played the Marquette Sentinels there. Later that year he went to Detroit and saw the Red Wings win the Stanley Cup in the final playoff game against Montreal and the found “Rocket” Richard. He was an avid hockey fan and supporter of local hockey. In the 1940’s he played on several local hockey teams when games were played in the Northern Michigan – Ontario League for the Marquette Sentinels and in the U.P. Amateur Hockey League for the Liberty Loans (U.P. Amateur Champions) and the Marquette Merchants.

Bob said his first game as a rookie with the Sentinels was a memorable one. They traveled to Ann Arbor to play an exhibition game with the University of Michigan, who won the NCAA championship the following year. The Palestra did not have artificial ice at that time and was not cold enough yet to freeze inside. The team exercised on the bare concrete floor and some skated on a frozen over swimming pool at Presque Isle. He played on a forward line with another first year rookie, “Oakie” Brumm. The University of Michigan beat the Sentinels 9-6. “Boots” Kukuk scored three goals for the “hat trick.”

With some help, Bob built his own house in 1953-54, learning new skills along the way. He spent much of his leisure time fishing and boating at his camp on Lake Au Train. He enjoyed ice-skating and attending hockey games. He enjoyed watching most sports and old Turner Classic movies on TV. He played a small accordion and organ, mostly for his own amusement. He loved most all music, especially of the “Big Band” era of the 1940’s. Anytime he was in a big city where a big band was playing, he would make every effort to attend the performance. He saw many famous big bands of that era. The Green Bay Packers, Detroit Red Wings and Tigers were his favorite teams. He saw many great sports legends play. He enjoyed playing poker with family and friends. His happiest times were spent with his family of three children, seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Bob was a member of the St. Peter Cathedral Parish, a life member of the Bishop Baraga Association, a life member of the BPO Elks Lodge 405, a member of the NMU Blue Line Club, a former member of the NMU Wildcat Club, a former member of the Marquette Golf & Country Club, a member of the Marquette Regional History Center, a former business advisor for Junior Achievement, and a member of numerous boards, authorities, advisory groups, and committees while working at City Hall. He also did volunteer work for the Community Chest, Salvation Army and other charitable organizations in his younger years. He found pleasure in delivering Salvation Army food baskets to the needy, remembering many years before when he came from a needy family.

Bob is survived by two sons, William (Vicki) Lawrence of Marquette and David (Patricia) Lawrence of Glenview, IL; daughter, Diane (Jeffrey) Bell of Clarkston, MI; seven grandchildren, Andrew Lawrence of Marquette, Dr. Daniel (Kendra) Lawrence of Superior, WI, Sarah (Dale) Pittman of Clinton Twp, MI, Michael (Paola) Bell of Okemos, MI, Katherine (Andrew) Jackson of Mount Prospect, IL, Timothy Lawrence of Helena, MT, Sean Lawrence (fiance Shannon) of Minneapolis, MN; six great-grandchildren, Lily, Gage and Lucy Pittman of Clinton Twp, MI, Nova, Fox and Juniper Lawrence of Superior, WI; sister, Elaine (Walter) Reese of Littleton, CO; brother, Wesley (Christine) Lawrence of Portland, OR; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Preceding him in death, in addition to his parents and wife, were two sisters, Joan (James) Riopelle of Canby, OR in 1994 and Gloria in 2012, her husband, George Stagliano in 2008 of Beaufort Lake, MI; an infant brother, Eugene Lawrence in 1930; sister-in-law, Elinor in 1992, her husband, Ray Vonck in 2015 of Marquette; sister-in-law, Shirley in 2014, her husband, Elmer Hildenbrand in 2023 of Skandia, MI; and his long-time friend, Beatrice Marana in 2023.

The Lawrence family will greet relatives and friends on Monday, June 24th in the Bishop’s Room of St. Peter Cathedral beginning at 10:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass of Christian Burial at 12 Noon in the cathedral with the Rev. Msgr. Michael Steber officiating. Escorts will be Robert’s grandchildren. Lunch will be served in the church hall immediately following the Mass. Burial will take place in the Park Cemetery.

Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy are kindly asked to consider U.P. Honor Flight, 7480 J Road, Gladstone, MI 49837 or St. Vincent de Paul Society, 2119 Presque Isle Ave., Marquette, MI 49855 in Mr. Lawrence’s memory.

The family would like to give a heartfelt thank you to Norlite Nursing Center and staff for taking such good care of Robert.

Canale-Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the Lawrence family where memories may be shared at canalefuneral.com.