Robert L. Janisse

Robert L. Janisse, 84 of Gaylord passed away Sunday, January 12, 2025, at Aspen Ridge with his loving wife Patty by his side.

Bob was born October 28, 1940, in the Detroit area. He was the son of Orville and Mabel Janisse. Throughout his childhood and high school years he excelled in sports. His favorite sport was baseball. He played Little League and Babe Ruth and upon his high school graduation from Denby High signed to play minor league ball with a team in Baltimore, Maryland. His parents supported him throughout his baseball years and were so proud of him when he made it to the minor leagues.

Following his baseball years he moved back to the Detroit area and became a firefighter. He married and had his three loving children, Bobby, Kevin and Sandra. While spending time off in northern Michigan he decided to make the move there and accepted a job at Great Lakes Gas and Transmission as a mechanic/technician. Bob worked for Great Lakes until his retirement.

In 1995 he married Patty and moved from Boyne Falls, MI to Gaylord, MI where they built their home. Bob loved the outdoors and he and Patty golfed, kayaked, and took many canoe trips with friends and family. In their retirement years they purchased an RV and traveled throughout the country. Summer camping trips to Big Bear Lake and the Ausable River campgrounds were some of their favorite times. Bob also was a big University of Michigan football fan taking many trips to Ann Arbor with his son to watch the games, and in his later years he never missed a game on TV. Bob also was on many golf leagues, bowling leagues and enjoyed playing many card games and even played some hockey in his younger years.

Bob is survived by his wife of 30 years, Patty; his children, Bobby (Carol), Kevin (Debbie), Sandra (Dan); his love was his grandchildren, Samuel (Sierra), Matthew, Tristan and Christianna; many nieces, nephews, his brother-in-law Jim, mother-in-law Lucille, and many step grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Orville and Mabel; a brother, Ron; grandson, Connor and father-in-law, Jim.

A celebration of his life is being planned for this summer. Those who wish to make a memorial contribution in his name can be made to the Otsego County Commission on Aging. 

Please share your memories and personal messages with the family on her guestbook below.