Robert Lloyd 'Bobbie' Eilo

CAREY, Wis. - Robert Lloyd "Bobbie" Eilo, 84, of Carey, died at his home on Dec. 16, 2018.

Bob was born in Mellen, the fifth of nine children of Sulo and Pearl (Peterson) Eilo. Raised in Iron Belt, he graduated from Iron Belt High School with the class of 1952. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1957, joining the Company A, 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry, returning stateside after serving overseas in Germany. He proudly remained in the Army Reserve until his honorable discharge in 1962.

Bob began work with the Wisconsin Conservation Department in 1956 as a tower man at Pleasant Lake Tower in Upson, and ended his career with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources as a mechanic after 33 years of dedicated service, most of it at the Trout Lake Forestry Headquarters in Boulder Junction.

Bob was skilled in many ways and was fortunate to be able to continue many of his hobbies until the time of death.

Bob was a quiet, gentle, unassuming family man. He married Carol (Gustafson) Peterson on Sept. 1, 1962. They celebrated 49 years of marriage before she preceded him in death on Dec. 3, 2011. He was also preceded in death by two great-grandchildren, Morgan Marie and Gage Christopher Gerard.

"Bapa" as we lovingly called him, is survived by three daughters, Debbie (Jim) Gerry of Hurley, Dawn Pelkowski of Mercer, and Deanna (Randy) Huybrecht of Winchester; six grandchildren, Anna (Chris) Gerard of Greer, S.C., Donald Pelkowski (Sara) of Mercer, Alysia Pelkowski of Milwaukee, Ryan Eilo of Montreal, Lucas Huybrecht of Madison and Adeline Huybrecht of Winchester; five great-grandchildren, Hunter, Parker, Natalie, Hadleigh and Everly; as well as his best friend, Buddy. He is further survived by one brother, Wendell Eilo of Hurley; and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Out of respect for Bob's wishes, cremation has taken place. Private family services will be held at a later date.

Bob was always willing to lend a hand or assist with a project, when Carol's "Honey Do List" allowed or the Green Bay Packers were not playing. He was a skilled carpenter and woodcrafter by hobby and more than a competent mechanic, even spending an occasional family vacation under the hood of the family truck in a distant parking lot making repairs.

If he couldn't find what he needed, he would build it.

He was a Finlander, through and through, and his "sisu" enabled him to live life on his terms until his last breath.

Bapa will be sadly missed.

McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home, Ironwood, is assisting the family.

For more information or to give online condolences, please visit rangefuneralservices.com.