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Robert F. Morrell

Robert F. Morrell

KINGSFORD — Robert F. Morrell, 92, of Kingsford, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2017, at the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center in Iron Mountain.

He was born May 9, 1925, in Iron Mountain, son of the late Frank and Emogene (Elliott) Morrell.

Bob grew up in Kingsford, and graduated from Kingsford High School, Class of 1943. He proudly served our country in the United States Army Air Force during WWII, where he received his aviation training. He was trained to fly the B-24 bomber. Upon his honorable discharge, he returned to the Iron Mountain-Kingsford area. Bob married Ruth Paquin on Sept. 11, 1948, in Iron Mountain. She preceded him in death on Sept. 29, 2006. He began his employment at the Kimberly Clark Paper Corporation for 17 years in Niagara, Wis. Bob later worked for Inland Steel Company as copilot, working in Iron Mountain and later relocating to Marquette. During this time and throughout his career he was a flight instructor and trained many pilots. Bob worked for Fontana Aviation as a mail route carrier and operated charter flights. He and his wife moved to Virginia, Minn., where he was a private pilot for a construction company for a few years before moving back to the area and taking a position with Superior Aviation until he retired.

Bob was an active member of the Iron Mountain-Kingsford Masonic Lodge, Order of the Eastern Star, the Ahmed Shrine Temple in Marquette, a member of the Pilots Club, member of the Civil Air Patrol, an officer for many years with the Dickinson County Veterans Affairs Office, the Kingsford American Legion Carpenter-Clash Post 363, Kiwanis Ski Club member, and most recognized as the flag man for the traditional Pine Mountain Ski Jumping Classic for more than 50 years.

Survivors include one son, James (Wende) Morrell, Duluth, Minn.; two daughters, Nancy (Robert) Vassar, Florence, Wis., and Judith Morrell, Orlando, Fla.; two grandchildren, Meaghan (Patrick) and Mallory; six great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents and his wife Ruth, Bob was preceded in death by one grandson, Jeremy Morrell.

In accordance with Bob’s wishes, private family services were held.

Burial will be in Breitung Township Cemetery, Quinnesec.

You may light a candle in remembrance of Bob or leave a condolence for his family online at www.jacobsfuneralhomes.com.

The family has chosen the Jacobs Funeral Home, Iron Mountain, to honor Bob’s legacy of life.