Robert Shorter

On Friday, April 20, 2018, Robert J. Shorter passed from this life surrounded by his family at McLaren Northern Michigan in Petoskey. 

His family will remember and honor his life during a funeral service that is planned for 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 26th, at Stone Funeral Home; Rev. David Behling will officiate.  Visitation will be Wednesday evening at Stone Funeral Home from 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Bob was born on June 10, 1929 in Pellston, Michigan to Irving and Johanna (Bosma) Shorter.  He grew up in Pellston and was a graduate of Pellston High School, Class of 1947.  As a member of the Class of 1947 Bob was a proficient athlete and held a number of High School records that still hold a place of honor at the school to this day.

He married the love of his life, Norma Mae Davenport at the Pellston Methodist Church on November 27, 1948.  Together, Bob and Norma raised two daughters, Cathy and Diane.  For a couple of years as a younger man Bob worked for the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad, helping to maintain the track.  Following a short time in Petoskey, Bob and Norma moved to Detroit where Bob found work in 1952 as a Teamster Driver for Ernst Fuel and Supply Company, hauling concrete; he retired in 1986.  In 1987 he and Norma moved back north settling on Burt Lake and later Alanson.  Bob’s daughters, their husbands and children will remember a father and grandfather who was forever the gentleman in every sense of the word.  He was known by coworkers and friends to be a man of true integrity, who always tried to treat those around him with respect and kindness.  He was a loving husband who honored the vows he made to his wife on their wedding day to his last breath.  He was deeply loved and will truly be missed. 

Those that knew him best could also attest that Bob had just a little competitive streak.  This competitive nature was honed as an athlete in his younger years at Pellston High and remained with him throughout his life.  It came in handy both on the golf course and it also helped him to weather the health setbacks he endured near the end of his life. 

Bob is survived by his wife of 69 years Norma and by his daughters, Cathy Lynn (Gerald) Filion of Riley, MI., and Diane (Kenneth) Lamb of Petoskey.  Also surviving are his grandchildren, Stephanie Mae Dudek (Patrick “P.J.” Reedy), Robert Dudek, and Katherine “Katie” Dudek (Terrance “Terry” Elizonda) and great grandchildren Alexis and Jade.  Preceding Bob in death were his parents and four brothers, Carl, Lester, Willard, Lloyd and his sister Lucille Isaksen.

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