John Lloyd Roberts

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the unexpected death of John L. Roberts, at his home on December 28, 2024, at the age of 74. John was born on September 9th,1950 in Marquette, to Lloyd and Evelyn (Dionne) Roberts. He graduated from Marquette Senior High School. John then enlisted in the United States Army and served in Vietnam for two years as an E4 Specialist, artillery. John was always extremely proud of his voluntary decision to enlist. Upon returning home, he studied at the NMU Skill Center, earning a degree in waste water operations. He then worked the remainder of his career for the City of Negaunee as a wastewater operator. John met the love of his life, Ann (Comensoli) Engstrom, in 1987. They married in 2002 and lived in Negaunee raising Ann's three children Erik, Andy and Kathy. John was passionate about hunting and fishing. He cherished many happy days fishing in his boat with Ann. John's favorite place on earth was his camp in Witch Lake. He enjoyed his sauna, hunting, and riding his four-wheeler. He also loved to have family cookouts at camp. Medical issues impacted John's quality of life in the last seven years, leaving him confined to a wheelchair. As a result, John did not let his disability slow him down from being able to drive, plow, ride his four-wheeler, and hunt. Thanks to help from brother, Dennis and brother-in-law, Ken, they built a handicap accessible hunting blind, so John could enjoy his favorite time of year in the woods. John also loved to spend time with his grandkids and his grand dogs, Koda and Kato. John enjoyed frequent visits to Big Boy for breakfast and then to the Casino to socialize. The kindness shown by people at both of these establishments meant so much to John. John is survived by his wife Ann Roberts; children, Erik (Andrea) Engstrom of Farmington, Minnesota, Andrew (Sarah) Engstrom of Negaunee; and Kathy Engstrom of Depere, Wisconsin; grandchildren: Trecia Brady, Jaylyn Niemi, Ian, Isla, Joseph, Emilia, William, Oliver and Cullen Engstrom. Brother, Dennis (Barb) Dionne of Phoenix; sister, Kathy (Ken) Johnson of Gulf Shores; two nephews; Steven Dionne of Kalamazoo and Thomas Dionne of Marquette; niece, Michelle Johnson of Gulf Shores; great-nephew, Mason; aunt, Eileen Toumi, and several cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; step-father, Thomas Dionne; and brothers Steven Roberts and Randy Dionne, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Special thanks to his cousin Dan Bussiere and his wife, Cecilia, for being John's helpers whenever he needed work done at camp. John's family would like to express their gratitude to the Veteran's Administraton, the D.J. Jacobetti Home workers, and the community, for their kindness shown towards John. Honoring John's wishes, a private family celebration will be held. His memorial page may be viewed at koskeyfuneralhome.com.