Robert Gerhard

Born to Betty and James Gerhard on Sept. 17, 1966, Bob lived with an open heart and a boundless spirit, giving laughter, love, and light to everyone who knew him.

Bob was a proud and devoted father to Adam (Miranda) Gerhard, Abby (Tristan) Poss, Nathan Gerhard (Makayla Meise), and Charles Gerhard (Faith Bal). He was a grandfather whose joy overflowed for River Gerhard, and for the two little ones he was eager to meet in the months ahead. He is survived by his loving sisters, Beth (Milan) Coburn, Susan (Jeffrey) Saholt, and Judy (Daniel) Ryan; the mother of his children, Barbara Crispigna-Scheibe; as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews who will carry his memory forward with deep affection.

Bob graduated from Iron Mountain High School with the Class of 1984. He went on to attend Northern Michigan University, where he played football. One of his greatest joys was cheering on his children in their athletic endeavors throughout high school and college. Bob was kind, funny, and endlessly energetic.

He gave each of his children the freedom to dream, teaching them not just how to work hard and strive, but how to feel, laugh, and play. He had a gift for making the simplest of moments — whether a shared meal, long car ride, spirited conversation, or a long day in the kitchen — into a memory that lingered like comfort and song. Cooking was one of his love languages, and he delighted in making meals that stretched for days, feeding both the body and the soul.

He lived his life as a giver of joy, a collector of stories, and a believer in possibility. To know Bob was to feel seen, cared for, and lifted up. He had a way of making people feel like the world was wider and more open than they imagined.

Those who knew him will remember the way he turned ordinary days into celebrations, the way his laughter carried through a room, and the way his kindness was never in short supply. He leaves behind not only his family, but also a legacy of love, humor, and the freedom to dream — gifts that will ripple on for generations.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, James and Betty Gerhard. Though our hearts are heavy, we are grateful for the years we were given with him, and we will continue to honor his life in the ways we love, laugh, dream, and gather around the table.

“We don’t just ‘play hard,’ we play Gerhard.” — Bob Gerhard, #44

Visitation will be Saturday, Sept. 6, from 9 until 11 a.m. at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Iron Mountain. The funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. The Rev. Nicholas Hopman will officiate. Burial will be in Cemetery Park in Iron Mountain.

Friends may leave a tribute for Robert’s family at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

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