Robert J. "Bob" Mathews

Robert J. Mathews, 94, of Marquette, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 2, 2023 at Michigan Veterans Home, D.J. Jacobetti in Marquette.

Bob was born on June 4, 1928 in Marquette, one of six children born to the late Francis and Rhea (Malbeauf) Mathews and had been a lifelong Marquette resident. He was a 1946 graduate of Bishop Baraga High School and served with the U.S Army during the Korean Conflict in Stuttgart, Germany.

Bob and his late brother, Bill, founded Mathews Linoleum and Tile Company in Marquette in 1965, which later became Mathews Floor Fashions along with their partners, Ron Baggett and Andy Frieberg. The four of them successfully operated the business until its sale in the early 2000's.

Bob was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Big Bay. In his free time, he enjoyed 4-wheeling, fishing, hunting, and gardening. He was an avid cribbage player and belonged to cribbage leagues in Marquette and Big Bay. He was a longtime member of the 30-06 Club where he enjoyed picking blueberries and spending time with family and friends. Bob was a member of American Legion Post #44, Marquette Elks Lodge # 405 and the Over the Hill Gang in Big Bay.

Bob was known for his sense of humor and often pulled practical jokes on family and friends.

Survivors include three children, Pamela Strahl of Negaunee, Christopher Mathews of Big Bay and Curtis (Susan) Mathews of Marquette; one step-son, David (Susan) Savitski; of Taiwan; 9 grandchildren, Katelyn (Mark) Loretti, Nolan Mathews, Demi Mathews, Jim Pearson, Stu Pearson, Danielle Johnson, Ian Savitski, Jingshan and Jinghan Savitski; two great grandchildren, Cameron and Chloe Savitski; two siblings, Mary Catherine Mathews of Marquette and Jeanette (Jerry) Klit of Gladstone; also several nieces and nephews. Preceding Bob in death besides his parents was his first wife, Catherine in 1959 and his wife, Estelle, two days after his passing; an infant daughter, Pamela Ann Mathews in 1951 and a son, Mark Mathews in 1968; one step-son, Stephen Savitski; three siblings, Ann Heitman, Elizabeth Hill and William Mathews on December 28, 2022; also a son-in-law, David Strahl.

The Mathews family will greet relatives and friends on Thursday, June 8th beginning at 11 a.m. in St. Mary's Catholic Church, Big Bay where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for both Bob and his wife, Estelle at 1 p.m. in the church with the Rev. Msgr. Michael Steber officiating. Burial will take place in the Holy Cross Cemetery.

Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy are kindly asked to consider Michigan Veterans Home, D.J. Jacobetti Life Enrichment Fund, 425 Fisher St., Marquette, MI 49855 or to St. Mary's Catholic Church, 305 Bensinger St., Big Bay, MI 49808 in Mr. Mathews' memory.

Canale-Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the Mathews Family where memories of Bob and Estelle may be shared at canalefuneral.com.

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