Robert W. Wiitanen

Robert W. Wiitanen, age 78, of Munising died following a lengthy illness in the Emergency Room at Munising Memorial Hospital early Tuesday morning, February 18, 2025. He was born on January 17, 1947 in Highland Park, Michigan to the late Wallace and Anne (Maki) Wiitanen. Rob graduated from Ferndale High School in 1965. He served in the U.S. Navy Reserves from May 27, 1966 until May 27, 1972. Rob worked with A.J. Uarbani Construction in Bloomfield Hills before moving the Upper Peninsula in 1975. He worked at Timber Products and retired from there. Rob married Celeste E. LaCombe on September 20, 1986. Together they owned and operated the Christmas Motel for many years. Rob enjoyed golfing, bowling, playing darts with the WFDS, playing pool, and ping pong. He was an asset to all of the leagues where he participated and even scored two holes in one at Pictured Rocks Golf Course. One on June 26, 1996 and the other on September 3, 1997. Rob enjoyed cooking and made his World Famous Baked Beans for all of the family get togethers. He had an in depth knowledge and appreciation for music and owned a badass stereo and album collection.

 Rob is survived by his wife of over thirty-eight years – Celeste Wiitanen; Willie the Weasel Dupont and Half Weasels Ben (his wife Patti) DuPont and Tony (his wife Jessica) DuPont; several grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives on the Wiitanen and LaCombe sides also survive. Rob was preceded in death by his parents Wally and Anne and his brother Bruce Wiitanen.

A memorial celebration will be held at a later date.