Robert K. Etelamaki

COON RAPIDS, MI – Robert “Bob” Kenneth Etelamaki, 82, of Coon Rapids, passed away early on April 17th in his home with his loving wife at his side.

Born on January 21st 1944 in Ishpeming, MI to William Theodore Etelamaki and Senia Marie Huhta. Bob Graduated from Negaunee High School in Negaunee MI in 1962 and from Michigan Technological University in 1968 with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He took a position with Control Data Corp. supporting the computer center at Michigan State University. After several years he transferred to Control Data in Minneapolis developing software for many of the company’s products. Later in his life he started a second career developing software for Medtronic pacemakers.

Bob married Suzanne Irene Roos on July 8, 1967 in Negaunee, MI and had two children, Bryan (b. 1969) and Kenneth (b. 1971). Suzanne passed away in 2010. He married Carol Tyler on December 14, 2013.

Bob was baptized on February 29, 1944 and was confirmed on June 29, 1958. He was a faithful member of several Lutheran churches over the years. He served in multiple official capacities and in the church choirs. He always said “God knows what he’s doing.”

Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Suzanne Etelamaki; parents, William and Senia Etelamaki; brothers, Wiliam Leonard Etelamaki and David Marvin Etelamaki (Sandra); and his daughter-in-law, Rachel Eileen Etelamaki.

He is survived by his wife, Carol Tyler-Etelamki; sons, Bryan and Kenneth Etelamaki; step-children, Kimberly Whaler and Kerry Tyler; sister, Gloria Ranta (Marvin); grandchildren Mason, Cassidy, Kendall, Logan, Darcy and Hannah; and special caregiver and friend, Amanda.

Bob loved and was loved by so many people. He loved music. He especially loved classic country and Christian hymns. He spent much of his time singing or listening to music even as his memory started failing him. When asked how he was doing his usual response was “A little short of fantastic” or “Finer than frogs hair”. He never had a bad day.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 11 AM with visitation starting at 10 AM at Mt. Olive Church, 700 Western St., Anoka.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Mt. Olive Church.