Robert "Bob" Martelle

Robert “Bob” E. Martelle, 88, of Stevensville, left this world on Monday, May 9, 2011, at Lakeland Regional Medical Center in St. Joseph. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at 11:00am, Saturday, May 14, at the Dey-Florin Funeral Home, 2506 Niles Ave. In St. Joseph, with Pastor Billy Long officiating. Services will include both Masonic performed by the Lakeshore Lodge #298 and Military Rites. Burial of cremains will be private and will take place at a later date. Visitation will be held from 10:00 am until the time of service, Saturday, at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Benton Harbor Masonic Association. Messages of condolences may be sent to www.florin.net. Bob was born March 8, 1923 in St. Joseph, Mi. He was one of five children born to Harold and Beulah Martelle. He was a 1939 graduate of Benton Harbor High School where he played football with great distinction. Bob proudly served his country during WW11 in the U.S. Marine Corp. He married Winnifred Albrecht and together they raised two children, Martin and Harriet. Bob owned and operated Reliable Heating with his father and brother for 20 years before his employment with Ideal Plumbing, where he was a member of Union Local #357 prior to his retirement. He was a life-time member of Lakeshore Masonic Lodge #298, the Elks Club of St. Joseph, and the FOP, St. Joseph Lodge #96. He and his wife loved to travel and spend many years exploring this great country. Bob loved to fish and he and his family spent many hours on their boat in Lake Michigan. He always enjoyed life to the fullest. Bob will be remembered as being an extremely loyal, proud, and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Bob is survived by his wife, Winnifred; son, Martin Joel Martelle of Boise, Idaho; granddaughter, Kimberly (Nathan) Tribble of St. Joseph; great-grandchildren, Danielle (Eric) Jacobsen of Phoenix, Arizona, Jade Fancher of St. Joseph, and Bailee Tribble of St. Joseph; great-great-grandchildren, Xander Robert Michael and Trinity Jacobsen; by his sister, Marjorie (Donald) Bischoff of Stevensville; and by numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his daughter, Harriet (Martelle) Walls; and by his brothers, Harold, Don and Dick Martelle. Bob was a wonderfully kind, generous and loving man. He remains a treasure to his family and friends. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

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Robert "Bob" Martelle

March 8, 1923 - May 9, 2011