"I just want to extend my deepest condolences to Monica, her children Laurie, Todd, Heidi, Jacqueline, as well as their families. I didn't know Mr. Neldberg that well personally, but I will always remember his and Mrs. Neldberg's kindness while visiting my father at Brookridge heights in Marquette. You are in our thoughts and prayers. God bless..."
In loving memory of
ROBERT CHARLES 'BOB' NELDBERG
January 1, 1931 - May 31, 2015
The UP lost a visionary leader, dynamic personality and quintessential family man when Robert "Bob" Neldberg died peacefully on May 31st at his home in Palm Desert, California. He resided in Marquette from 1968 until March of 2015. Born in Iron Mountain, MI on Jan 1, 1931 to Clyde and Mary (Rose) Neldberg, Bob led a life full of love, family, travel and business successes.
A lifelong advocate of hard work, his career included many management positions including the Army National Guard in Kingsford where he achieved the rank of 1st Sergeant. In 1965 he was hired by Lake Shore Inc., serving as Assistant Personnel and Marketing Director.
In 1968 he moved his family to Marquette where his career in healthcare administration began at St. Luke's Hospital. Bob ascended the management ladder guiding the merger of St. Mary's and St. Luke's hospital in 1973 subsequently forming Marquette General Hospital. In 1974 the hospital's Board of Trustees named him CEO/Administrator, a position he held until his retirement in June of 1996.
During his tenure as CEO, growth of the medical staff from 40 to 200 brought well trained specialists to the UP for the first time allowing the formation of the Heart Institute, Cancer Center, Behavioral Health Center, Rehabilitation Center, Neuroscience Center and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Growth of the hospital's workforce from 660 to 2400 was a great source of pride including the fact that there had not been a lay-off during his watch. Michigan Hospital Association honored Bob with the prestigious Homminga Award in 1984 as the Outstanding Michigan Hospital Administrator, a testament to his passion for the important work MGH was achieving.
Under Bob's leadership there were many "firsts". First cardiac cath' lab in 1977, first open heart surgery in 1978, first CT scanner in 1979, first linear accelerator in 1984 and one of the nation's first MRI's in 1987. He was honored at his retirement with the naming of the Robert C. Neldberg Building (formerly the north building)
Community service was a hallmark of Bob's life. He served as President of the Iron Mountain Kingsford Jaycee's, Chairman of the Board-Dickinson County Road Commission, Chairman of the United Way of Dickinson County, member of the Rotary Club of Marquette and a Paul Harris Fellow and co-chair of the Marquette County United Way. He served on many boards such as the Michigan Board of Medicine, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Michigan Hospital Association, President of the Marquette Economic Club, Chairman of the Marquette County Republican Party and President of the Upper Peninsula Health Education Corporation. In 1991, he was named NMU Outstanding Citizen. He attended NMU and graduated the St. Louis University Hospital Executive Management Program.
Bob and his wife Monica traveled the world including China, The Baltic States, and Europe. The most memorable trip, in his view, was the 2003 50th wedding anniversary cruise to the Caribbean. All 18 members of the family joined in the celebration, a family memory of joy and conversation for many years after. Bob loved to grocery shop and cook. His was known for his delicious "huge" pasties and spicy pork tenderloin. Playing cards and an occasional trip to "ching-a-ling" (casino) brought hours of fun and socialization for Bob and Mon'. Bob loved reading Louis L'Amore novels while his beloved pug, Rodney, rested nearby. He was a former member of St. Peter Cathedral.
Bob married Monica Ann Gunville of Kingsford in 1953 and would have celebrated 62 years of marriage on September 5th. Bob is survived by wife Monica of Palm Desert, CA, daughter Laurie Neldberg (Doug) Weesen of Marquette, son R. Todd (Ady Cazaraz) Neldberg of Palm Desert, CA, daughter Heidi (Michael) Walsh of Grosse Pointe, MI, and daughter Jacqueline (Bill) DePetro of Prescott, AZ. Grandchildren Drew and Tyler Weesen, Elizabeth and Monica Drettmann, Cole, Olivia and Rachel DePetro, and great grandson Jackson DePetro and of course, his pal Rodney.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Clyde and Mary Neldberg, Gertrude Moroni, Clyde Neldberg, Jr. Ronald Neldberg, Patricia Packham and Mary Sinks. He was also preceded in death by his grandson Robert Dane Neldberg.
Visitation will be held on Saturday at the Canale-Tonella Funeral Home from 9:00 until 11:30 a.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12:15 p.m. Saturday in St. Peter Cathedral with the Rev. Msgr. Michael Steber officiating. Entombment will take place at Northland Chapel Gardens Mausoleum.
Tributes
"The first time I met Bob Neldberg, January 1979, I was a Paramedic at MGH EMS, fresh in from Detroit. It was Sunday, and blizzard was raging outside..back-to-back 19" Alberta clippers. My partner and I had just come in from putting snow chains on two vehicles. Man walks in behind us, full blizzard attire. Asks how things were going..were we staying safe in the blizzard, etc.. we chatted for a few minutes, he thanked us for our dependability in the weather, and he continued into the hospital. My partner said, "Do you know who that was?" I did not. He said "That's Bob Neldberg, the Chief Administrator. He's here all hours, holidays, everything, to check on how things are going."..That said it all. He had the human touch. He began referring to patients as "Our Customers" long before it became part of the lingo. Later, as a middle manager I could lock horns and disagree, but we could walk away friends, and have cocktails after work, without ever mentioning work. Laurie, Monica, and the whole family, you have my sincerest condolences. Bob was a force of nature, and he will be missedFred Leopold, Saint Hedwig, Texas."
"I CAME TO WORK FOR MARQUETTE GENERAL HOSPITAL IN 1994 IN THE I.C.U. I WAS SO IMPRESSED WITH THE BEAUTIFUL HOSPITAL AND IT\'S CEO MR. NELDBERG. WAS SO KIND & CARING ABOUT HIS EMPLOYEES. AND YES THERE WERE NO LAYOFFS UNDER HIS WONDERFUL MANAGEMENT.ALL HIS GREAT CONCEPTS MADE M.G.H. TRULY AFABULOUS REGIONAL HOSPITAL FOR THE U.P. I REMEMBER WHEN CAME TO I.C.U. TO HONOR ME WITH THE EMOLOYEE OF THE MONTH. YOU COULD RUN INTO HIM OUT AND ABOUT AND HE WOULD ALWAYS SMILE & SAY HI!! GOODBYE AND GODSPEED!."
"Laurie and dougo - all these years we've been friends I never had the pleasure of meeting your dad. I guess he was never invited to the hunters widow party!! By reading his obituary most US presidents don't have a bio as impressive as your dad! Sorry for your loss but heaven certainly gained a top notch man! Cindy and Norm Johnson"
"I worked at MGH from 1992 until 2005 - met with, and talked to Bob and Monica, and Laurie and Doug often. Bob was a strong driving force, and, without that force, the UP would not have the excellent medical facilities they know have. God's blessings on his entire family."
"I would like to offer my condolences to the family. Bob was CEO at Marquette General when I started working there in 1981. I retired in 2008 and left the area but was saddened to hear of your loss. Our Heavenly Father is so good and I am sure Bob is resting in His arms. God bless and keep you all."