Robert "Bob" G. Kolbus

Robert “Bob” G. Kolbus, age 82, of Munising, died Friday, July 26, 2024 at UP Health System in Marquette following a brief and unexpected illness. He was born on March 29, 1942 in Munising to John and Dorothy (Johns) Kolbus. Bob graduated from Wm. G. Mather High School in 1960 and then joined the Merchant Marines. Bob returned home and married Gloria "Toni" Graves on June 23, 1962, and together they raised their three children. Bob started his working career at Kimberly Clark in January of 1963 in the labor pool. He worked in the Machine Room and then posted into the Engineering Department trades job of mechanic. Bob retired after thirty-seven years of service. He was a hard-working man and was in constant motion. Bob did mechanic work for others out of his garage at home for many years. After retirement, he built the family’s cabin and helped his kids on any home project they had undertaken. He was a willing participant of spoiling the grand dogs, Toby and Sassy with daily treats. Bob loved helping others.  You could count on him to always have a crescent wrench and pocket knife on him, even in dress clothes.   He was generous with his time and talents. Bob  and Toni spent ten years wintering in Texas and Florida before settling in Frostproof, Florida for thirteen winters. Together they worked and created beautiful flower gardens. Bob enjoyed cutting firewood, fishing, and Polka music – he was proud of his Polish heritage. Bob and Toni loved to dance together. They spent every weekend enjoying each other’s company and gliding across the dance floor, much to the delight of those watching. They spent last Sunday dancing together. 

 Bob is survived by his wife of over sixty-two years – Toni Kolbus of Munising; children – Tammy (Scott) Lindeblad, Rob (Kristine) Kolbus, and Brad (Kathy) Kolbus all of Munising; grandchildren – Jennifer (Steve) Xiong, Jordan (Abbey Burns) Lindeblad, Kevin (Kelsey) Wright, Blake Wright, Nick (Laura) Rousseau, Samantha (John) Charlton, Kenny (Angela) McCoy, and Sarah (Nick) Romatz; great-grandchildren – Lucas, Logan, Gracelyn, Jace, Evelyn, Dekklan, Kroven, Vallow, and Mila; brother – John (Carolyn) Kolbus; sisters – Constance (Theo) Kolbus-Folz and Katherine (Art) Rodgers; and numerous nieces and nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his parents John and Dorothy, parents-in-law Roy and Jean Graves, and his brother Clifford Kolbus.

 Services will be held at the Munising Baptist Church in Wetmore on Thursday, August 1, 2024. Visiting time with family and friends will be from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. Pastor Jason LaFlamme will conduct Bob’s memorial service at 3:00 p.m.  A luncheon will follow his service at the church.

Memorials are suggested to be made in his name to the Munising Baptist Church.