Obituary of Robert McIlvenna Jr.

Robert “Bob” McIlvenna was born on May 27, 1948 in Wyandotte, Michigan. He was one of six children born from the union of his parents: the late Robert McIlvenna Sr. and the late Dorothy Alice (Shaul) McIlvenna. He attended school in Wyandotte and graduated from Theodore Roosevelt High School. He later attended trade school where he trained to become a welder. Bob enlisted in the United States Navy in 1967 and proudly served his country until he was honorably discharged in 1971.   

Bob married the love of his life, Debra “Debbie” Jean Bowman on June 20, 1981 in Monroe. It was from this union that came the birth of three Children: Bambi, Jesse and Bridget. To support his family, Bob worked as a welder for 38 years, retiring from Northstar Steel. He was a member of Rapha Christian Center in Erie. He also was involved in Children’s ministry at his previous church in Luna Pier.

Bob loved fishing and pontoon boating with his family at their vacation property in Orland, Indiana. He also enjoyed reading, especially science fiction and Christian books, and watching television. Bob was also a big fan of war history. He enjoyed get-togethers with the family, especially with his grandchildren. Bob is remembered by his family as a very caring and easy-going person who always put his family first. He also loved to talk about the importance of God in his life.

Robert McIlvenna Jr., age 70, of Monroe, passed away on Friday, June 8, 2018 at VA Hospital of Ann Arbor. His passing is preceded by his parents.

To cherish his memory, he leaves his wife of 37 years: Debbie McIlvenna; his children: Bambi (Michael) Lymond, Jesse McIlvenna and Bridget (Benjamin) June; his five siblings:  Dorothy “Dottie” Jedynak, Phil McIlvenna, Patrick McIlvenna, Kerry McIlvenna and Mary Barnes; four grandchildren: Chloe June, Isabella June, Logan June and Ethan Michael; and many other extended family members and friends.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street, (734) 384-5185. An inurnment service with military honors will be held on Wednesday, June 20, 2018 at 11:30 a.m. at Great Lakes Memorial Cemetery, 4200 Belford Road, Holly, MI.

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