Robert William Torvinen

Robert "Bob" W. Torvinen, age 73, of Navarre, Florida, was born on July 23, 1952, in Ontonagon, Michigan, to Wilfred and Hazel (Coponen) Torvinen. He peacefully went home to be with the Lord on January 20, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Bob spent his early years in Ontonagon, Michigan, until the age of 12 on his family's farm, where he learned the value of hard work and developed a lifelong love for the outdoors. He later moved into the town of Ontonagon and graduated from Ontonagon High School in 1970, remaining deeply connected to his Finnish roots throughout his life. Bob had the biggest heart and was known for giving the very best hugs. A faithful member of the Apostolic Lutheran Church, his strong faith guided every part of his life. With his faith, Bob witnessed countless people throughout his lifetime, sharing the Word of the Lord with everyone he knew. His life's mission was to be the hands and feet of Jesus, serving others with humility, kindness, and love. He prayed for those he met and hoped that one day they would meet again in Heaven.

Bob was a devoted husband, father, and Papa who cherished every moment spent with his family. One of his greatest joys was teaching his children and grandchildren about Jesus, sharing his faith through both words and the way he lived his life. He loved joking around, laughing with them, and creating memories together. Time spent outdoors was especially meaningful to Bob, and nothing made him happier than going places and making memories with his family-moments filled with conversation, laughter, and quiet reflection.

Bob welcomed his first daughter, Nicholl, in September 1978, and his second daughter, Candace, in October 1982. On December 22, 1984, he married the love of his life, Priscilla Turner, and together they built a life rooted in faith, love, and family. He was overjoyed to become a Papa when he welcomed his first and only grandson, Gavin, in January 2002. His heart continued to grow with the arrival of his granddaughters: Zoey in November 2008, Abigail in January 2013, and his youngest granddaughter, Sadie, in September 2017. Bob treasured each of them deeply and was proud of the family he and Priscilla built together.

A hardworking entrepreneur, Bob founded Great Lakes Steam Cleaning in Livingston County, Michigan, which he proudly operated for more than 40 years. Later, he continued his work through Clear Water Property Services, always known for his integrity and strong work ethic.

Bob was an avid fisherman, hunter, and outdoorsman, always ready to catch a big brook trout, get the next trophy buck, or be the better partridge hunter than his wife, Priscilla. He loved old cars, music, sports-especially rooting for the Detroit Lions, the Detroit Red Wings, and the University of Michigan. He enjoyed golfing with family and friends, gardening, watching birds, collecting and finding golf balls, and telling corny jokes. Bob never knew a stranger and truly enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Wilfred and Hazel Torvinen; his brother, John Torvinen; his sisters, Judith Torvinen, Barbara Therrian, and Julie Thompson; his niece, Shannon Thompson; and his great-nephew, Kailum Hupp.

Bob is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Priscilla Torvinen of Navarre, Florida; daughters Nicholl Chay of Cleburne, Texas, and Candace Turner of Navarre, Florida; grandson Gavin Putman of Burleson, Texas; granddaughters Zoey Putman of Cleburne, Texas, and Abigail and Sadie Chay of Cleburne, Texas; brothers James (Joyce) Torvinen of Campobello, South Carolina, and Michael Torvinen of Farmington Hills, Michigan; sister Michelle (Kevin) Hupp of Atlantic Mine, Michigan; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Bob will be deeply missed by everyone who knew and loved him, but his legacy of faith, love, service for his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and laughter will live on through all of us who were truly blessed to have known him. To close, we say in the famous words of Bob Torvinen, "and goodbye!"

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Lewis Funeral Home, located at 7794 Navarre Parkway, Navarre, Florida. Visitation will be held on January 30, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., with the funeral service immediately following at 11:30 a.m. Brother in Christ Matti Valitalo will officiate. A graveside service will follow at 1:30 p.m. at Beal Memorial Cemetery, 316 Beal Parkway NW, Fort Walton Beach, Florida. A luncheon will be held afterward.

Additionally, sometime this summer, we will have a celebration of life for Bob in lower Michigan. Details to follow.

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