Robert Peter Houle

1924 - 2018

Houle, Robert Peter of Chelsea, Michigan Age 93, died Monday, June 11, 2018 at Brittany Manor in Midland. He was born November 18, 1924 in Escanaba, Michigan, the son of Peter F. & Lillian A. (Benette) Houle. Bob was the 5th of 7 siblings. He served in the US Army during WWII, and was a POW, earning 3 Bronze Battle Stars. Bob became a Millwright/Electrician for Rockwell International, and retired from there. He was very devout in his faith. Bob was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church; the Franciscan Third Order for several years, and the Knights of Columbus. He toured the Midwest with the Shroud of Turin. Bob was President and caretaker of Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Chelsea for many years. He loved fly-fishing, camping, golfing, and enjoyed watching his grandchildren play sports.On January 20, 1948, he married Colleen T. Rappette in Gladstone, MI, and she survives. Other survivors include four sons, Gary (Liz) of Ann Arbor, Rodney (Kathy) of Mississippi, Anthony (Cathy) of South Lyon, and Kevin (Mary) of Midland; two daughters-in-law, Annette and Rachel; 12 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two sons, Daniel and Lynn, and all of his siblings, Al, Gladys, Reynold, Donald, Irving, and Raymond. A Funeral Mass will be held Friday, June 15, 11:00 am at St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea, with the V. Rev. Dr. William J. Canon Turner officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Chelsea. The family will receive friends at Cole Funeral Chapel Thursday from 6-8 pm with a Rosary at 8 pm, and at the church Friday 10-11 am. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church, St. Louis Center, or the Alzheimer's Association.