Robert James Sylvester

Robert James Sylvester, 84, and just short of his 85th birthday, of Negaunee, entered eternal life early Friday morning, October 11, 2024 at UP Health System Marquette with his loving family by his side.
Bob was born October 17, 1939 in Negaunee to Russell and Martha (Ammesmaki) Sylvester and graduated from Negaunee High School, Class of 1957. He then earned his Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Education from Northern Michigan University.
In the fall of 1967 shortly after their marriage, Bob and Maxine moved to Colorado Springs where he taught sixth grade in the Mark Twain School. When their daughter, Mindy, was born, they returned to Negaunee. For the next 32 years, he was a teacher in the elementary grades and also involved with the driver's education program for Republic-Michigamme Schools. He certainly enjoyed those years with the students and fellow teachers. Upon retirement, Bob worked with his cousin Joe maintaining apartment buildings in Marquette.
Bob was a very kind and generous man and a faithful member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Negaunee where he served on the church council and property committee. In recent times, he always looked forward to attending the Tuesday morning Bible class.
In his younger years, Bob was involved with the Peninsula Pistons Antique Car Club, working alongside other members organizing yearly car shows at the Ishpeming Armory, which was always well attended. Several members remained close, special friends throughout his life.
Bob was a talented woodworker. He made hundreds of crosses for church members, family and community, and some were sent to Africa to Immanuel's sister congregation in Tanzania. He also loved making birch bark baskets for selling at craft shows.
For many years, Bob, Maxine, Mindy and family and friends enjoyed their cottage on the Dead River Basin. In later retirement years, they enjoyed winters in Arizona, but were eager to return to the UP by the end of March. Bob also looked forward to visits from the Granddogs when he could spoil them with treats. Another favorite pastime was feeding the birds.
Surviving are his loving wife of 58 years, Maxine (Repola) Sylvester; daughter, Mindy Sylvester of Iron Mountain; his siblings: Marie Lyons of Negaunee, Ruth (Robert) Boyce of Marquette and Russell (Kathy) Sylvester of Ishpeming; brother-in-law, Steve Repola; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Ronald (Judith) Sylvester; brothers-in-law, Vance Borum and John Lyons; sister-in-law, Mary Repola; nephew, Robert (Lisa) Lyons
Visitation will be held from 10-11 am on Monday, November 11th at Immanuel Lutheran Church. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 am. Luncheon will follow in the fellowship hall. Interment will take place in the Negaunee Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed in Bob's memory to Immanuel Lutheran Church.
Mr. Sylvester's memorial page may be viewed at koskeyfuneralhome.com.