Robert Esveldt

IRON MOUNTAIN - Robert J. Esveldt, 79, of Iron Mountain, died Saturday, Aug. 30, 2008. Bob was born March 29, 1929, son of the late Virgil and Elsie (Morris) Esveldt. He graduated from New Baltimore High School in New Baltimore, Mich. in 1947. Bob served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War from 1948-1952. In 1956, he graduated with a bachelor's degree in police administration from Michigan State University where he met his wife, the former Mary Beauparlant. On July 7, Bob and Mary celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary. Bob began his career with the State of Michigan's Parole and Probation Office in Detroit. In 1963, he requested a transfer to Iron Mountain where his work as a parole/probation officer/supervisor continued until his retirement 28 years later in 1984. After retirement, he served as Dickinson County Friend of the Court and county clerk. He also served on the special committee to create the charter for the City of Iron Mountain. He was an active member of the Golden K and enjoyed singing with the Golden Throats. He also enjoyed playing golf, volleyball, hunting, fishing, oil painting and of course, spending his Tuesdays at camp. He was a member of St. Mary Queen of Peace Church. He was all of the superlatives "loving, laughing, kind, gentle, strong, unassuming" never critical of others. He will be deeply missed. Bob is survived by his wife, Mary; daughters, Karen (Samuel) Houston of Niceville, Fla., Celeste Johnson of Chicago, and Jan (Vishal) Sharma of Appleton, Wis.; son, Jim (Sarah) Esveldt of Oconomowoc, Wis.; a sister, Janet (Ed) Davis of Surprise, Ariz.; grandchildren, Christopher and Catherine Houston, Hannah Johnson, Brian and Carrie Ivacko, Joel, Zoe and Drew Esveldt, and Adam Sanborn; and great-granddaughter, Eden Sanborn. His son, Peter John, predeceased him in 1971. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Wednesday at St. Mary Queen of Peace Church in Kingsford. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. at the church. Fr. Michael Woempner will offer the Mass of the Christian Burial. Burial will be in Cemetery Park. In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established in his memory. Condolences to the family of Robert Esveldt can be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the funeral arrangements.

Robert Esveldt

August 30, 2008