Robert Eslinger

Bob was born in Grosse Pointe Farms, MI on September 2, 1955. Through his journey of 70 years he touched so many people with his love, kind heart, his generosity, his laughter and wit, his leadership and wisdom. He was an honorable man. A loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather, Bob would describe his life as ‘A life well lived’.

A 20 year active duty military vet, LTC Robert Eslinger was a combat vet with a lot of interesting and varied jobs in the military. His achievements included serving as a leader at every level from Platoon to Battalion where he served as a Battalion and TF Executive Officer. He finished his career as a Division Chief in a joint Agency in Washington D.C. Bob’s awards included the Legion of Merit, several Meritorious Service Medals, Army Commendation Medals, Distinguished Service Medal, Overseas with star, and the Saudi and Kuwait Liberation medals. He was on the Commandants’ List at many of the Army schools he graduated from, which included Naval Postgraduate School, Command and General Staff College, Basic and Advanced Air Defense Schools, JFK Special Forces school, NBC school and the ADA Basic course.

Bob was a graduate of Northern Michigan University (1977) and loved the nature and beauty of the U.P. deeply.

Returning to the Marquette area after retirement, Bob ran several non-profit organizations and was actively involved in Community and Economic Development in the U.P. He was the first full-time director of Habitat for Humanity, UP Builders Association and Munising Economic Development. He continued working in community development with the Six County Employment Alliance and later joined NMU as Director of Continuing Education.

At NMU he quickly moved up, ultimately becoming Dean of the College of Technology and Occupational Sciences, and Associate Vice President for Community and Economic Development. He represented NMU on various boards including Northern Initiatives, Operation Action UP, the UP Economic Development Association, LSCP, as well as the co-founder of Invent at NMU. After 10 years at NMU he was still on the board of Accelerate UP and joined the Community Foundation of Marquette County board in 2020 and served as secretary and treasurer.

Family was the most important factor in his life. He met his wife, Sandra MacLeod Eslinger, at Carl Brablec High School in Roseville, MI. They married in 1975 and celebrated their 50th anniversary this year. Together they went out to see the world, wherever the Army sent them. They always had each otherás backs and formed a strong, loving union. Their son, Robert MacLeod Eslinger, was born in Kansas, in 1990.

Bob is survived by his wife, Sandra MacLeod Eslinger; his son, Robert MacLeod (Kayleigh Marie) Eslinger; grandson, Liam Edward Kangas; and granddaughter, Miley MacLeod Eslinger, all of Negaunee. He is also survived by his sister, Linda (Terry) Albright of Hersey, MI; his brother, Chuck (Moria) Eslinger of Lapeer Township, MI; sister-in-law, Beth (Tony Meachum) MacLeod of Las Vegas, NV; and many nieces and nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by his father Robert Joseph Eslinger; mother, Yvonne Rena Goelet Eslinger Covert; and his in-laws, Norman T. and Alice K. MacLeod.

Bob was under the care of Lake Superior Hospice, the care and support provided to him and his family was the best possible path in this journey. His final days with the empathetic care of Lake Superior Hospice and the Trillium House were quiet, gentle, filled with love and laughter and peace.

Family will greet relatives and friends on Friday, September 19, 2025 beginning at 10 a.m. at Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services. A celebration of Bob’s life will begin at 11 a.m. in the funeral home. Following the service there will be a light lunch at the Negaunee Township Hall, 42 M-35 Negaunee Township, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lake Superior Hospice, the Trillium House or the Community Foundation of Marquette County in Bob’s memory.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is assisting Bob’s family where memories and condolences may be shared at fassbenderswansonhansen.com