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SEDAR BAY -- Robert John Torola of Sedar Bay passed away on November 6, 2026, at home surrounded by his family. Robert was born on June 24, 1932 in Calumet, Michigan, to Walter and Aili Torola. Robert grew up in Laurium and attended local schools graduating from Calumet High School with the class of 1950.
Robert was united in marriage to Lorraine Tormanen on August 4, 1951 in Cokato, Minnesota, and they built their family home in Plymouth, Minnesota where they raised 11 children before his retirement from Super Radiator Coils in 1990 when they returned to the Copper Country residing in Sedar Bay.
Robert was a talented woodworker, tradesman, and fixer of all things. He was known for his wry sense of humor, constant teasing of his wife, and family, but will mostly be remembered for his unmitigated love and devotion to his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, all of whom were his favorite.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Lorraine, brothers Leo, Peter, and Paul; sisters Maija Tolkkinen, Ellen Ylitalo, Judy Haataja, and Eva; brothers-in-law William Tolkkinen, Jack Haataja, Chester Ylitalo, Don Kangas, and Ed Heinonen; sister-in-law Esther Torola; son-in-law Joel Koivisto; grandsons Joseph Tervo, and Ben Johnson; and great-grandchild Baby Larson.
Robert is survived by brother Allan (Maria); Sister Lana Heinonen; sister-in-law Ellen Torola; sons Brian (Jean) Torola of Sedar Bay, Bruce (Sandy) Torola of Cherry Valley, California, David (Jenni) Torola of Calumet; daughters Sandy Koivisto of Sedar Bay, Karen (Jeff) Kilpela of Hancock, Anne (Fred) Heinonen of Howell, Michigan, Maria (Paul) Lampinen of Fleming Island, Florida, Lisa (Glenn) Niemi of Howell, Michigan, Kristin (EJ) Tervo of Sedar Bay, Sarah (Maurice) Niemela of Cokato, Minnesota, Tricia (Aaron) Johnson of Fleming Island, Florida, 74 grandchildren, 222 great-grandchildren, and 12 great-great-grandchildren.
A funeral service for Robert Torola will be held at the First Apostolic Lutheran Church at 23550 State Highway M203, Calumet, at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. Visitation will be held at the church, Tuesday, November 10, from 5:00-8:00 PM and one hour before the funeral service.
The Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.ericksoncrowleypeterson.com