Trending
MARQUETTE, MI Robert “Bob” Pecotte, age 84, of Marquette, entered eternal life Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at his home, in the loving and comforting care of his family, following a year long battle with cancer. His positivity and faith were inspirational.
Bob was born in Menominee, Michigan, on April 2, 1942, the son of Robert and Kathryn (Christian) Pecotte. He was raised in Menominee and graduated from Marinette Catholic Central High School in 1960 where he excelled in basketball; distinguishing himself as their first player to score over 1000 points. Following high school, Bob was recruited by Northern Michigan University and received a four year scholarship to play basketball. He was captain of the NMU Wildcats his senior year and competed in two NAIA tournaments during his tenure. He graduated from Northern in 1964 with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration. After graduation, Bob spent almost a year working as a Liquor Control Enforcement Officer in Detroit. He quickly realized he loved and missed the small town atmosphere of the Upper Peninsula. Fortunately, he was offered an opportunity to return to NMU when President Harden invited him to join the administration as their first Director of Financial Aid and Student Employment. Bob devoted the next 32 years of his life to NMU. While serving as Director of Financial Aid, he continued his own education and earned a master's degree in Education. Over the course of his career, Bob had the unique distinction of working for six university presidents. He retired from NMU in 1997; appreciating the opportunity he had been given to help countless students get an education and open doors to a brighter future.
On June 10, 1972, Bob married Anne DeLonchamp. Their loving relationship extended throughout the last 54 years. Settling on a peaceful and picturesque parcel of land nestled along the banks of Cedar Creek in Harvey; they raised their family and spent 47 of their 54 wonderful years. Hunting, fishing, gardening, and planting flowers and fruit trees on his property was a labor of love. Feeding the birds and the deer were daily events.
An outstanding and lifelong athlete, Bob loved many sports and remained active throughout his life. Basketball held a special place in his heart, but he also enjoyed participating in baseball, and golf. His accomplishments as an athlete were recognized with his induction into both the U.P. Sports Hall of Fame and the NMU Sports Hall of Fame. Bob was an avid supporter of NMU athletics and attended many home sporting events; basketball, football and hockey were his favorites. He was a charter member of the Chocolay Downs/NMU Golf Course and golfed weekly in leagues and with his friends. He waited each spring and fall for the annual golf week he hosted at his camp in Carney. This was also the location of his November deer hunts.
Bob was a member of St. Louis the King Catholic Church and a lifelong member of the Marquette Elks Lodge. Those who knew Bob will remember him as a generous and kind man who gave freely of his time, friendship, and support. During his retirement years, Bob enjoyed morning coffee with his friends at local restaurants. They spent most of their time talking about sports, solving world problems and one upping each other with friendly zingers! Bob cherished his relationships with family and friends. Family vacations, holidays and celebrations for each special event in the lives of his children and grandchildren were treasured. Many of the best times were spent together at home or at camp; relaxing, hunting, and playing games. He loved to watch his children and grandchildren play sports and attended as many of their activities as possible.
Bob is survived by his beloved wife, Anne; his children, Jay (Norma Jean) Pecotte of Orlando, Florida, and Bobbi (Paul) Stine of Marquette; his grandchildren, Savanna Ross and Pearce Ross of Marquette, Jacob Stine of Negaunee and Harry Stine of Marquette; and his sister, Linda Meldrum of Marquette; his brother-in-laws Bob (Gerry) DeLongchamp of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Steve (Heidi) DeLongchamp of Ishpeming; sisterin-laws Mary Susan Danielson of Golden, Colorado, Mary (Howie) Robare of Negaunee, Barbara (Barry) Dale of Ishpeming, and Cathy (John) Hoffman of Ishpeming. Bob was also blessed with 59 nieces and nephews, spanning three generations, that he enjoyed sharing his clever blend of teasing and encouragement with.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Kay Pecotte; his brother, Jeff Pecotte; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Roy and Shirley DeLongchamp; and his brother-in-law, Mike Meldrum.
We are grateful for the ongoing prayers and support offered by our family and friends. You made a difference. We also thank the nurses and staff members from Lake Superior Life Care and Hospice. Their helping hands and knowledge guided us through the most difficult days; offering expertise and assistance that was invaluable.
Visitation for Bob will be held at Canale-Tonella Funeral Home on Thursday, September 3, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. Services will continue on Friday, September 4, at St. Louis the King Catholic Church in Harvey, with visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m., followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. A luncheon reception will follow in Fr. Gauthier Hall. Interment will be made in Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Robert and Anne Pecotte Scholarship Fund at Northern Michigan University. Condolences may be expressed online at canalefuneral.com