Robert D. Markell

Bob was born in Marquette, on Oct. 4, 1934, the son of Gail and Fern (Wyland) Markell. After graduating from Iron Mountain High School in 1953, Bob served his country in the U.S. Air Force from Feb. 2, 1954 until his honorable discharge on Oct. 4, 1957.

He then spent the next seven years working as a roofer for his brother Mark in California and attending Northern Michigan University where he served as the president of the Young Republicans and earned a bachelor’s degree in business in 1964. After graduation, Bob decided to go into the family business with his father, Gail, brother-in-law, Ward, and good friend, Don Sericati. Collectively the four of them established the largest roofing, HVAC, and sheet metal company in the Upper Peninsula.

On June 19, 1965, he married Ann Elizabeth Klein at St. Mary & St. Joseph Catholic Church in Iron Mountain. They were married for 56 years before her passing in 2021.

After his 50 plus year career in roofing, Bob retired in 2016 as president of the company, and he was highly respected in the roofing industry across the U.P. He was a member of the Jaycees, the Elks Club, U.C.T, Pine Grove Country Club, Apache Wells Country Club, and served on the I.M. City Council. He enjoyed golfing, trips to the casino, traveling and going to camp.

He is survived by his son, Jim (Kristie) Markell of Iron Mountain; a daughter, Bobbi Ann (Jeff) Carroll of West Bloomfield, Mich.; a sister-in-law, Sandra Markell of Galt, Calif; grandchildren, Eddie (Ashley) Sundquist, Nick Markell, Nate Markell, Noah Markell (Laura Jacobson), Cory Marcouiller, Ethan and Mason Carroll; two great-grandchildren, Kailey and Mathew Sundquist; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Along with his wife, Ann, Bob was preceded in death by a brother, Leighton Markell; sister and brother-in-law, Lona and Phil Crispigna; sister and brother-in-law, LaVaughn and Ward Alquist; sister-in-law, Laurie Walstrom; and grandson, Matthew Marcouiller.

Visitation will be held on Saturday from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain. A memorial service will follow at 1:30 p.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Michael March officiating. Burial with military honors will be in Iron Mountain Cemetery Park in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial to Pine Grove will be established in his memory.

Condolences to the family of Robert D. Markell may be expressed online at www.ernnashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home with the arrangements.