Robert Victor Leppanen

WAUSAU, Wis. - Robert Victor Leppanen, 81, of Ironwood, Mich., passed away peacefully Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2016, at Wausau Aspirus Hospital in Wausau surrounded by loving family at his side.

Robert was the father of three children, a grandfather to nine and a great-grandfather to five.

Robert was a good man, very serious, hard-working and old-school. He wasn't a man of many words, but his word was as good as gold. He loved his family very much. He also had a great love for animals, especially his pal, Lacey. He loved feeding the deer and the birds. He also loved being in the woods, fishing on Lake Superior and walking the shores.

Robert was born on June 30, 1935, the son of Victor and Agnes Leppanen. Robert grew up on and around the shores of Lake Superior and Black River Harbor. Robert attended Roosevelt School and graduated from Luther L. Wright High School in 1953. After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the Korean War.

Robert married Ruby Mae Ohman on July 27, 1957. They were married for 58 years. Robert greatly missed his life-long partner who passed away last July.

Robert worked in Anchorage, Alaska, then returned to the U.P. to work as a power plant operator for over 30 years at White Pine.

Robert had a quirky sense of humor and loved a good laugh. He enjoyed playing Yahtzee, working on his mathematics, watching his science programs and spending time with his family.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents; mother- and-father-in-law; his loving wife, Ruby; his brother, Kenneth; two brothers-in-law; and a sister-in-law.

Survivors include his three children, Roland (Jessica) Leppanen, of Neenah, Wis., Lynn Leppanen, of Ironwood, and Jean (John) Jackson, of Ironwood; nine grandchildren, Nicholas and Sophie Leppanen, Jaime, Frank, Joshua, Daniel and Nicole Medina, and Kristle and Shawna Jackson; and five great-grandchildren. Robert is also survived by a sister-in-law; and nieces, nephews and several cousins.

Out of respect for Robert's wishes, cremation has taken place. Private family services will take place in the spring. Arrangements have been entrusted to Ketola-Burla Funeral Home.

Robert's family wishes to thank the many doctors, nurses and staff at Wausau Aspirus Hospital who took such good care of our father while he was in their care. We would also like to thank local paramedics and local law enforcement officers for all they did trying to save our dad. We are very grateful.

Robert will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved him.