ROBERT W. "BOB" BROWNLEE's Obituary
ROBERT W. "BOB" BROWNLEE, 82, of L"Anse passed away early Tuesday morning, May 9, 2006 at his residence in L"Anse following a period of ill health. He was born in Sault Ste. Marie, MI. on January 29, 1924 son of the late Lewis and Doris (McKee) Brownlee. Bob graduated from Sault Ste. Marie High School in 1942. He was an avid hockey fan and player. Bob served in the US Navy during WWII. He was employed at the Standard Oil Bulk Plant in Marquette, MI. and then worked in the bulk plant in L'Anse, later purchasing the company. After selling the bulk oil plant, he was employed by Bill's Auto Parts in L'Anse. He was employed as an accountant and in the parts department of the Pettibone Corporation until his retirement. Bob married the former Marjorie A. Stonehouse on August 28, 1948 in the Soo. She preceded him in death on March 3, 2002. He was a member of United Methodist Church, L'Anse, and the L'Anse VFW Post #3897. Bob was a proud member of the L'Anse American Legion Post 144 and was active in the construction of the current American Legion building. He was a regular fixture in the kitchen and in the set up of the hall for functions. Bob had been a member of the L'Anse Fire Department and was a former chief. He had also been a member of the L'Anse Lions Club. Bob was the Marching and Maneuvering Instructor and bus driver for the Golden Eagles Drum and Bugle Corps. The family cabin in the Soo was a special place for Bob and enjoyed vacations there in the summer.
Mr. Brownlee is survived by his loving children, James (Gayle) Brownlee of Casper, WY, Carol (David) Tembreull of L’Anse and Nancy (Whitey) Soli of Skanee, grandchildren, Cindy, Tim, Dan, Nicole, David, Scott, Donald and Jeanette, great- grandchildren, Camiel, Dorian, Brandon, Alyssa, Cole, Audrann, Jayde, Logan, and Toryance, step-grandchildren, Chase, Drake, and Anthony, sister, Lois Wright of Muskegon, MI., sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Brown, and Vivian (Earl) Riordan both of the Soo, and aunt, Erma McKee of the Soo. Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. He was preceded in death by his brothers, James, Kenneth, and Charles and sisters, Jean and Marion.
Funeral services for Mr. Brownlee were held at 12 noon, Saturday, May 13, 2006 from United Methodist Church, L'Anse with Pastor John Henry officiating. Interment took place in the L'Anse Evergreen Cemetery. Grandsons honored him as casket bearers. The family received friends on Friday, May 12, 2006 from 6 until 8 p.m. at the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L'Anse and 1 hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Friday evening, L'Anse Area Firemen conducted a memorial service at 6:30 p.m. followed by a military honor service directed by the Baraga American Legion Post 444 at 7:00 p.m. in the funeral chapel. The family has entrusted the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L'Anse with arrangements. Mr. Brownlee's obituary may also be viewed and condolences sent to the family at www.rfsc.net
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