Champion, MI - Raoul Glenn Robar of 44 Blue Rd., Champion, Michigan, passed away on Wednesday, March 30 ^th at his home.

Raoul was born into this world on May 27 ^th , 1943, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He was born into the hearts of his parents, Myrtle and Glen Robar, on January 4 ^th , 1944, and then permanently into their lives on June 12 ^th , 1945. Shortly thereafter, Glen, Myrtle, Raoul, and his big sister Michelle relocated to Champion, Michigan. Raoul often shared stories of his childhood. Highlights were his mother's cooking, owning and breeding a pair of beagles, and catching rainbow trout in Kintgen Creek that his mother would serve for dinner with baking soda biscuits.

Raoul graduated from Ishpeming High School, Class of 1961. He was a fierce competitor - arguably one of most talented fullbacks that the school has ever seen. He hit HARD. To hear others speak of it, you can't help but wince and laugh at the same time. He was also lightning quick with speed he credited to his mother. Her quick action when he came down with Polio saved his legs, after all.

Those legs carried him through an incredible life. Raoul earned a scholarship to play football at the University of Michigan. There, he met many players that were even faster than him! After one year at U of M, on March 29 ^th , 1963, he enlisted in the United States Navy. He served for six years and twenty-seven days. Four years and eleven months of that service were at sea on the USS George C Marshall, based in Gronton, Connecticut, as a Nuclear Submarine Engineer. He was honorably discharged on April 25 ^th , 1969.

Upon discharge from the Navy, Raoul pursued a career in law at the Detroit College of Law on the GI Bill. While attending law school he lived in an apartment in downtown Detroit where he worked as superintendent. Not only did Raoul earn a law degree in Detroit but he also learned his signature ribs recipe - a favorite of anyone who has ever had it, especially his children and grandchildren. Don't forget the homemade fries!

Raoul married Shirley Humphreys and on May 17 ^th , 1979, they welcomed their first born son: Justin Morgan. When Justin was only 3 months old, Raoul moved his family back to the UP. They made a home on Huron Court in Negaunee and soon Justin was joined by sisters, Nicole Lynn, and one year later, Rae Ann.

Raoul married the love of his life Betsy Jo on October 26, 1992. They travelled the world, were hugely impactful in the community, made and ate great food, and enjoyed coffee brandy on the deck at camp. Above all, they laughed - boy did they laugh.

Raoul was the hardest working man you will ever meet, and not just as a serviceman or attorney.  He remodeled several homes throughout the years, completed countless projects at camp, and was always willing to help anyone who needed it. There was nothing he couldn't or wouldn't do - he even enjoyed plumbing, and no one likes that. When he would take the occasional night off you could find him at the Wawanowin country club socializing and playing a little bit of golf. He was an inventor and an innovator. He would literally dream of the best way to complete a project. He loved to cook and even dreamt of being a chef. His best recipes came as inspiration to him while he slept, and he loved to discuss and share them. Raoul was a great friend - always the life of the party with his booming laugh. He adored his grandchildren. He meant a lot, to many people, and his legacy lives on in the lessons he lived and taught us: Work hard, play hard, eat well and laugh often.

Raoul was preceded in death by his parents, Myrtle and Glen, and his wife, Betsy Jo Robar. He is survived by his sister Michelle (Pete) Milakovich of Ishpeming. He leaves behind his son Justin (Stephanie) Robar of Negaunee, his daughters Nicole (Stephan) Spurlock of West Lafayette, Indiana, and Rae Ann Robar of Negaunee; his grandchildren Morgan and Alyse Robar, Jamie and Jillian Spurlock, Nick Grengs and Ellie Aho; a special nephew Michael Milakovich, along with numerous other family and friends, and his beloved chocolate lab, Emma.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 11:00am – 1:00pm on Friday April 8, 2022, at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home. A celebration of his life will follow at 1:00pm at the funeral home with Pastor DJ Thomsen officiating. Interment will take place at the Ishpeming Cemetery where Naval Military Honors will be accorded. Pallbearers will be Justin Robar, Morgan Robar, Nick Grengs, Jr., Stephan Spurlock, David Speaker and Mitch Aho. Following the funeral, we invite friends and family to the Wawonowin Country Club for refreshments, a meal, and a chance to share your favorite memories of Raoul.

Raoul's obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.