Robert Ruohonen

Robert (Bob) Edward Ruohonen, 87, of Paw Paw, Michigan passed peacefully away of natural causes on 27 May 2016 with his daughter, Lori (Ruohonen) Chiaberta, by his side. Bob was born 06 November 1929 in Houghton County (Liminga), Michigan. He was the son of Charles Ruohonen and Elizabeth (Perala) Ruohonen. He was one of eleven children and is survived by his twin sister Ruth (Ruohonen) Karkkainen. Bob graduated from Houghton High School. He was married to Shirley (Pomroy) Ruohonen from 11 November 1950 until her death in 2006. Following his wedding, he was inducted into the army where he spent two years in occupied Europe. The highlight of his European tour was a private audience with Pope Pius XII when he and two buddies visited Vatican City. Upon discharge, he entered the Michigan State Police Academy graduating as a State Trooper. Bob spent 27 years in the Michigan State Police achieving the rank of Lieutenant in the Fire Marshal Division. Bob was active in retirement obtaining an Associate Degree, teaching at Kalamazoo Community College, and conducting insurance inspections as a consultant. Later he was employed as a groundskeeper for a golf course. He considered this his dream job in retirement. He was an active member of the Paw Paw United Methodist Church and later the Oshtemo United Methodist Church. He excelled at sports in his youth playing baseball and hockey. Later, he enjoyed the game of golf with family and friends. He was passionate about his family especially his three granddaughters, Kathryn (Chiaberta) Bamford, Kristyn Chiaberta, and Maria Chiaberta. A memorial service will be held 16 August 2016 at 11:00 AM at Maple Hill Cemetery in Lake Linden, Michigan with the Pastor Jesse Aho presiding. A luncheon will follow at the home of Gail (sister of Shirley Ruohonen) and Bill Koskela. Bob will be lovingly remembered by his daughters, Lori Chiaberta and Robyn (Ruohonen) Sendelbach, his son in laws, Michael Chiaberta and Lou Sendelbach, his three granddaughters (Kathryn Bamford and husband Zach, Kristyn and Maria Chiaberta), great-grandson (Axle Bamford), his twin sister (Ruth Karkkainen), sister-in law (Gail Koskela) and brother-in laws (Bill Koskela and Doug Morin), numerous nieces and nephews and extended family and friends. Donations in his memory can be made to Michigan State Police Troopers Association fund (MSTAF) (www.mspta.net).