Robert L. 'Bob' Lahti

IRONWOOD TOWNSHIP, Mich. — Robert L. “Bob” Lahti, 83, of Mount Zion Drive, Ironwood Township, longtime downtown Ironwood auto dealer, died peacefully Saturday, Oct. 19, 2013, in his home, with his loving sons and caregivers, Frank and Steve, by his side.

Bob was born Aug. 11, 1930, in Ironwood, son of the late Lauri and Saima (Hakala) Lahti, and graduated from Luther L. Wright High School as valedictorian of the Class of 1949. He furthered his education at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in history in 1953, then returned to Ironwood and joined his father at Lahti Chevrolet-Cadillac, operating the dealership for many years until his retirement in 1992.

Bob was a member of the Norrie Amateur Sports Club in Ironwood and the former Ironwood Elks Lodge, and served as past board member of the GM Car Dealership Association, Green Bay Region. He enjoyed hunting and fishing in his younger years, loved socializing, and thoroughly enjoyed life. He will be dearly missed.

On July 30, 1955, he was married to the former Lois R. Holmes at the Zion Lutheran Church parsonage in Ironwood. She preceded him in death on June 8, 2004.

Surviving are two sons, Steve (Lori), and Frank (Debby Benjamin), both of Ironwood; four grandchildren, Kevin (Amy) Lahti, Ironwood Township, Nichole Lahti, Jerome, Ariz., Rachel Lahti (Erik), Marquette, and Nicholas Lahti, Ironwood; two great grandchildren, Tia and Breleigh Lahti; and a cousin, Brian Ahnger, Saginaw.

Besides his parents and wife, Bob was preceded in death by his beloved dog, Kirby.

Out of respect for his wishes, cremation has taken place and no formal services will be held.

Private interment will be in Riverside Cemetery, Ironwood.

Arrangements have been entrusted to McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ironwood, where condolences may be given online at mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.