Robert Brian Dalpra

Robert "Bob" Brian Dalpra, 88, passed away peacefully on Monday April 8, 2024, at the Iron County Medical Care Facility while surrounded by his immediate family.
Robert was born June 7, 1935, in Crystal Falls, son of the late Rudolph and Anna (Martinson) Dalpra. He was a lifelong resident of Crystal Falls and lover of the U.P. and its people. He attended Crystal Falls schools and graduated from the "Old School" in 1953, and afterwards, he attended Michigan Tech University.
He married Gail Friestrom in 1964 and during their years together they raised their own family, in addition to many foster children and exchange students who were all equally cherished as members of the family.
Bob was a well-liked and respected member of the community. He thoroughly enjoyed all the things that life offered and had a fond admiration and appreciation for everyone. His family and their well-being were the most important thing to him.
He worked for decades as a gifted writer and photographer for the family-owned Diamond Drill newspaper where he entertained and delighted readers with his sense of humor and legendary wit. His strong affection towards his hometown, the community traditions and friendly folk he encountered was evident in all his work. He authored the legendary "Buck Horns" column for "the Drill", which had a strong following of admirers. Outside of work, he enjoyed participating in a wide range of outdoor activities. He was a talented and avid canoeist, bowler and golfer at the Crystal Falls Golf Course where he once hit a hole in one while a member of the men's club there. He also water skied, cross-country skied and downhill skied. He took more than one trip to Colorado with friends to ski in his earlier years. Back in the 1960's, Bob and his good friend, Ray "Rip" Anderson, started a weekend trip down the middle branch of the Ontonagon River, which has grown into an annual tradition and has spanned many generations of friends and father and sons on Father's Day weekend. It is a time-honored event that is still going strong today. Bob's ability to read a river was beyond the ordinary according to many observers.
He enjoyed snowmobiling, riding his Honda 90 motorcycle, camping, fishing, cutting and piling wood in his younger days and spending time at the camp he built with help from family back in the early 1970's. As the "social director" at Camp Listening Point, he preferred not to take the life of any creature. He spent his days befriending the many types of birds and wildlife, sometimes, legal bucks, which intuitively felt safer around him near the camp.
Bob was also a great admirer of aviation and more than once enjoyed, with his son Rob, the EAA shows in Oshkosh. His dream of one day flying his ultralight aircraft was put on hold when he suffered a stroke nearly a quarter century ago, but he never let go of his fascination and appreciation for all kinds of aircraft.
He was a decent accordionist and a fan of a local musician in that art. He regularly attended the local Crystal Theatre performances for many years as a season ticket holder. He was also a great fan of all athletic programs at his alma mater, Crystal Falls Forest Park, where he was a strong advocate for equal playing time for all participants. He particularly loved attending his son's and grandson's sports and music programs as they were growing up. As a big fan of the Packers, he stood by them through their many years of mediocrity and the more successful ones as of late.
Bob was a kind and compassionate husband, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin and friend who brought optimism, laughter, and happiness to those who had the good fortune to know him. He will be fondly remembered by all.
He is survived by his children, Jennifer Hand and Rob (Mary) Dalpra of Crystal Falls, Larry Maenpaa of Iowa and Victor (Sylvia) Nilo of New Jersey; former wife, Gail Dalpra; brothers, Rudy Dalpra of Safford, Arizona, and Paul (Arlene) Dalpra of Crystal Falls; grandchildren, Connor and Christopher Dalpra, Caden and Jason Hand of Crystal Falls; dear friend, Gary Friestrom; and many special cousins, nieces and nephews and extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Mary, and brother-in-law, Lawrence Hegstrom; sister-in-law, Doreen Dalpra; his 2-year-old son, Timothy Erick; and son-in-law, Michael Hand.
A Celebration of His Life will be on Friday, May 3, 2024, at the Nash Funeral Home in Crystal Falls. Friends and family are welcome for visitation from 9:00 am -11:00 am followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home with Pastor D.J. Rasner officiating.
Condolences to the family of Robert B. Dalpra may be expressed online at wwwnashfuneralhome.net
The family has entrusted the Nash Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Crystal Falls with the arrangements.