Robert Keippela

Robert Melvin Keippela (Bob), age 86, of Elo, MI and Grand Rapids, MI, passed away on Monday, January 15, 2024.

He was born May 29, 1937 in Hancock, MI; son of Oscar and Svea (Kyro) Keippela. Robert graduated from John A. Doelle High School in 1955. He proudly served in the Army and carried that pride throughout his life as a veteran. He married Patricia Van in 1962 where they resided in Baraga for several years before moving to Elo.

Robert was a member of Grace Free Lutheran Church in Pelkie, where a memorial service will be held in the Spring. He was well known in Baraga and Houghton County as a talented musician, avid fisherman, outdoorsman, photographer, artist, handyman, and carpenter. He was also a member of the Freemasons. Robert loved being with family, and many gatherings over the years included live music where his wife Patricia sang with him. He was a key member of several music groups including The Vagabonds, Bob and Ray, The Buckhorneers and The Otter River Ramblers. Other talented family musicians joined in for numerous jam sessions, and Robert enjoyed playing music at every opportunity.

Surviving are his children, Richard (Theresa) Keippela, Pamela Keyt, Tamara (John) Wanhatalo, Tracy Keippela; grandchildren, Robert Wanhatalo, Viktoria (Brian) Hess, Haley Wanhatalo, Kirsten (Alan) Johnson, Casey Keippela; seven great grandchildren; and his four sisters, Shirley Tapio, Carol Petrelius, Doris (Carl) Grussendorf, and Donna (Kevin) Ruohonen.

Preceding him in death are his parents, wife Patricia Keippela, son Michael Keippela, grandson Will Drake, and brothers Donald Keippela and David Keippela.

No services will be held at this time, and the day and time for the memorial service in the Spring at Grace Free Lutheran Church in Pelkie will be provided at a later date.