Ishpeming-Robert "Bob" Joseph LaForest, Sr., age 89, of 122 Salisbury St. Ishpeming, passed away at 9:50 AM, Monday, March 16th, 2009 at his home under the loving care of his family and Upper Peninsula Home Health and Hospice.

Robert was born in Diorite Location, on March 6, 1920, the son of the late Arthur and Landrianna (Beatty) LaForest. He worked as a kiln operator at CCI retiring in 1982. Bob was a life long area resident, a member of St. John the Evangelist Church in Ishpeming, and a lifetime member of the Elks Lodge #447. He enjoyed deer hunting with his son Robert and rabbit hunting and fishing with his son Dennis.

Bob is survived by his wife of 68 years, Virginia (StCyr) LaForest of Ishpeming, children: Diana Winchester, Dennis (Carrie) LaForest and Robert (Jane) LaForest, all of Ishpeming. He is also survived by 10 Grandchildren, 21 Great Grandchildren, 2 Great-Great Grandchildren, sister-in-laws: Jacqueline (Richard) Vial, Diana Clarke, Karen Keck, step-sister-in-law: Denise Anderson and several nieces and nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by 4 brothers: Arthur, Paul, Louis and Wilfred, 3 sisters: Florinda, Aldaya, and Pauline, 3 step-brothers: Philmore, Kenneth and Bob Anderson, 1 step-sister: Elizabeth Charboutet, an infant son Randolph, a granddaughter Pam Young, and a great grandson Paul Holmgren.

Funeral Services will be held at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home in Ishpeming at 11:00AM on Thursday, March 19th, with Rev. Fr. Greg Heikkala officiating. The Ishpeming Elks Lodge #447 will hold a service at 10:30AM prior to the funeral service.

The family will greet friends and relatives from 9:00AM until the time of services. A luncheon will follow at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church at 325 S. Pine St. in Ishpeming. Interment will take place at the Ishpeming Cemetery.