Ishpeming – Robert C. "Bob" Laakso, age 83 of 2790 Co. Rd. 496, in Greenwood Location passed away on June 13, 2008 at the Marquette General Hospital. Bob had been in ill health for the past year.


Robert was born July 7, 1924 in Diorite Location the son of the late Gust and Eleanor (Johnson) Laakso. He married Marian Korpi on October 29, 1949. Bob had worked at the Blueberry Mine, the Morris Mine, and Inland Lime and Stone, prior to working for the Hurcules Powder Co. for many years, retiring in 1968. Robert served on the Ely Twp. Board for 42 years, along with being the Water Maintenance man for Ely Twp. for many years. Bob also served on the Marquette Co. Senior Citizens advisory board.

He was a member of the Independent Apostolic Lutheran Church in Negaunee. Bob enjoyed baseball, having played for the Diorite Baseball Team, coached Little League, hardball, and fast-pitch softball for local teams and for several years spent many hours umpiring area slow pitch softball games. Robert had also been active in the Twi-light horseshoe league, playing for the Rendezvous, which later became the American Legion team, and most recently played for U.P. Fabricating.

Survivors include his wife Marian Laakso of Greenwood Loc., two sons - James Laakso of Ishpeming and Jack (Mary Jo) Laakso of Gillette, WY; and a daughter Janet (Randy) Poirier of Howards Grove, WI; two sisters – Elsie (Sulo) Isotalo of Humboldt and Pearl Anderson of Duluth, MN; 2 brothers Arne (Shirley) Laakso of Diorite Location and Melvin (Gail) Laakso of Green Bay, WI; 8 grandchildren – James Jr (Kristen) Laakso, Haylee (Maurice) Gardner, Steven (Angie) Laakso, Eric Laakso, Anna Laakso, Brian (Lindsey) Poirier, Jennifer (fiancé Russell Meyers) Poirier, and Justin Poirier. 4 great grandchildren, along with numerous cousins, nieces and nephews including Karen Marietti, Charles (Carol) Brown, Kenneth (Barb) Johnson and Shirley (Pat) Wealton, and many brothers and sisters in faith. He was preceded in death by a sister Liala Lesiner, and a step-brother Arvo Laakso.


Family will greet friends and relatives from 2 until 5 pm on Monday June 16, 2008 at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held at 5:00pm on Monday June 16, 2008 at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home with Dan Hintsala officiating. Interment will take place at the Ishpeming Cemetery. A luncheon will follow the services at the Ely Twp. Hall.


Memorials may be directed to the Independent Apostolic Lutheran Church in Bob's memory.


Honorary Pallbearers will be his grandchildren.