Robert L. Forgette Sr.

Robert L. Forgette Sr., 92, of Iron Mountain, died peacefully with his family at his side on Sunday, October 1, 2017, at Maryhill Manor in Niagara, WI. He was born May 22, 1925 in Kingsford, MI, son of the late Joseph and Marie (LeBlanc) Forgette. Bob was a lifelong resident of this area. He was a veteran in the U.S. Coast Guard. He married Barbara Wagner on May 28, 1977 in Iron Mountain. They enjoyed 40 wonderful years together and had wintered many years in Arizona and California. Bob was an active businessman, land developer and entrepreneur in the Iron Mountain/Kingsford area. He owned and operated many businesses including Bob’s Auto Salvage, Bob’s Auto Sales, Bob’s Toyota Sales, Bob’s Homes, White Birch Village, Dickinson County Memorial Gardens, JC Developments (commercial and residential developments) and the Fire Alarm. He also helped many young individuals get their start in business, assisting them in many ways including sound advice. He enjoyed being around job sites, operating heavy equipment and developing land projects. Bob had a passion for flying and as an avid and skilled pilot, held multiple licenses, purchased and sold many airplanes over the years. Bob was a generous individual and supported the Dickinson Area Community Foundation, Bay College West, DCH Healthcare System, Menominee Range Historical Museum, Bay Cliff Health Camp, Almost Home Animal Shelter, Dickinson County Cancer Closet, the Salvation Army and college scholarships. Bob was a member of American Martyrs Church, the Chippewa Club, Palm Springs Air Museum, the Menominee Historical and Cornish Pump Museums, the YMCA, and a former member of Pine Grove Country Club, the Elks Club and the Dickinson County Pilot’s Association. Bob enjoyed traveling, meeting for coffee and lunch with his friends, socializing at B & B Automotive, long walks, swimming and golfing, but working was one of his greatest pleasures. He was preceded in death by one brother, Wally Forgette; brother-in-law, Doyne Barre; and one niece, Lynne Barre. He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Barbara; five children, Robert (Patti) Forgette Jr. of Iron Mountain, Candy (Jim) Ellis of Quinnesec, Debby (Robert) Rochon of Iron Mountain, Connie (Jeff) Jayne of Iron Mountain and Cindy (Ron) Reynolds of Iron Mountain; 15 grandchildren, Dawn (Bill) Caron, Jody (Mark) Pectol, Cathy Forgette, Jennifer (Aman) Sahi, Ashley Ellis, Shawn Rochon, Kelly (Mike) Floriano, Jared (Linda) Rochon, Kellin, Taylor and Marlo Jayne, Kevin and Karen Reynolds, Rob Ellis and Jennifer (Doug) Reed; 12 great grandchildren, Cody Caron, Boston and Jaxson Pectol, Michael, Abigail and Andrew Floriano, Hailey and Jared Rochon Jr., Shad Ellis and Angelia, Cera and Merah Reed; one brother, Jim (Dee) Forgette of Rancho Mirage, CA; one sister, Shirley Barre of Camarillo, CA; sister-in-law, Helen Forgette of Iron Mountain. He is also survived by several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 5, 2017 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain. Funeral services will be Friday, 11:00 am, at American Martyrs Church. Father Joseph Gouin will offer the Mass of Burial. Interment will be in Quinnesec Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or the Alzheimer’s Association. The family would like to thank the caring staff at Maryhill Manor. Condolences may be expressed to the family of Robert L. Forgette, Sr. online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com. The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home with the arrangements.

Robert L. Forgette Sr.

May 22, 1925 - October 1, 2017