Robert (Bob) Edward Ruohonen
PAW PAW – Robert (Bob) Edward Ruohonen, 87, of Paw Paw, passed peacefully away of natural causes on May 27, 2016, with his daughter, Lori (Ruohonen) Chiaberta, by his side.
Bob was born November 6, 1929, in Houghton County (Liminga). He was the son of Charles Ruohonen and Elizabeth (Perala) Ruohonen.
He was one of 11 children and is survived by his twin sister, Ruth (Ruohonen) Karkkainen. Bob graduated from Houghton High School.
He was married to Shirley (Pomroy) Ruohonen, from November 11, 1950 until her death in 2006.
Following his wedding, he was inducted into the Army, where he spent two years in occupied Europe. The highlight of his European tour was a private audience with Pope Pius XII, when he and two buddies visited Vatican City.
Upon discharge, he entered the Michigan State Police Academy graduating as a State Trooper. Bob spent 27 years with the Michigan State Police, achieving the rank of Lieutenant in the Fire Marshal Division.
Bob was active in retirement obtaining an Associate Degree, teaching at Kalamazoo Community College and conducting insurance inspections as a consultant. Later he was employed as a groundskeeper for a golf course. He considered this his dream job in retirement.
He was an active member of the Paw Paw United Methodist Church and later, the Oshtemo United Methodist Church.
He excelled at sports in his youth playing baseball and hockey. Later, he enjoyed the game of golf with family and friends.
He was passionate about his family, especially his three granddaughters, Kathryn (Chiaberta) Bamford, Kristyn Chiaberta and Maria Chiaberta.
A memorial service will be held on Aug. 16, 2016, at 11 a.m. at the Maple Hill Cemetery in Lake Linden, with Pastor Jesse Aho presiding. A luncheon will follow at the home of Gail (sister of Shirley Ruohonen) and Bill Koskela.
Bob will be lovingly remembered by his daughters, Lori Chiaberta and Robyn (Ruohonen) Sendelbach; his sons-in-law, Michael Chiaberta and Lou Sendelbach; his three granddaughters, Kathryn Bamford and (husband Zach), Kristyn and Maria Chiaberta; great-grandchildren, Axle Bamford and twin sister Ruth Karkkainen; sister-in law, Gail Koskela; brothers-in-law, Bill Koskela and Doug Morin; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Donations in Bob’s memory can be made to Michigan State Police Troopers Association fund, MSTAF at mspta.net.
Robert (Bob) Edward Ruohonen
PAW PAW – Robert (Bob) Edward Ruohonen, 87, of Paw Paw, passed peacefully away of natural causes on May 27, 2016, with his daughter, Lori (Ruohonen) Chiaberta, by his side.
Bob was born November 6, 1929, in Houghton County (Liminga). He was the son of Charles Ruohonen and Elizabeth (Perala) Ruohonen.
He was one of eleven children and is survived by his twin sister, Ruth (Ruohonen) Karkkainen. Bob graduated from Houghton High School.
He was married to Shirley (Pomroy) Ruohonen, from November 11, 1950 until her death in 2006.
Following his wedding, he was inducted into the army, where he spent two years in occupied Europe. The highlight of his European tour was a private audience with Pope Pius XII, when he and two buddies visited Vatican City.
Upon discharge, he entered the Michigan State Police Academy graduating as a State Trooper. Bob spent 27 years with the Michigan State Police, achieving the rank of Lieutenant in the Fire Marshal Division.
Bob was active in retirement obtaining an Associate Degree, teaching at Kalamazoo Community College and conducting insurance inspections as a consultant. Later he was employed as a groundskeeper for a golf course. He considered this his dream job in retirement.
He was an active member of the Paw Paw United Methodist Church and later, the Oshtemo United Methodist Church.
He excelled at sports in his youth playing baseball and hockey. Later, he enjoyed the game of golf with family and friends.
He was passionate about his family, especially his three granddaughters, Kathryn (Chiaberta) Bamford, Kristyn Chiaberta and Maria Chiaberta.
A memorial service will be held on August 16, 2016, at 11 a.m. at the Maple Hill Cemetery in Lake Linden, with Pastor Jesse Aho presiding. A luncheon will follow at the home of Gail (sister of Shirley Ruohonen) and Bill Koskela.
Bob will be lovingly remembered by his daughters, Lori Chiaberta and Robyn (Ruohonen) Sendelbach; his sons-in-law, Michael Chiaberta and Lou Sendelbach; his three granddaughters, Kathryn Bamford and (husband Zach), Kristyn and Maria Chiaberta; great-grandchildren, Axle Bamford and twin sister Ruth Karkkainen; sister-in law, Gail Koskela; brothers-in-law, Bill Koskela and Doug Morin; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Donations in Bob’s memory can be made to Michigan State Police Troopers Association fund, MSTAF at mspta.net.