"My condolences to all of the Bell family. RIP Mr. Bell"
In loving memory of
ROBERT W. "BOB' BELL
October 2, 1927 - April 6, 2021
Robert W. "Bob" Bell, 93, a nearly lifelong resident of Marquette, died Tuesday morning, April 6, 2021 at his home.
Bob was born on October 2, 1927 in Marquette to the late Robert R. and Elizabeth "Sis" (Artz) Bell. After graduating from Graveraet High school, he proudly served his country with the U.S. Navy at the end of World War II.
Upon his honorable discharge, he attended NMU, graduating in 1953. After working in Lower Michigan for two years, Bob returned to the UP where he spent his career in civil service at KI Sawyer AFB.
Bob was an avid skier and shared his love for the sport with his children. Each summer the station wagon was loaded for some kind of road trip, driving every mile himself while sporting the best left arm tan. Summers at the lake and taking everyone waterskiing were favorite past times. He also volunteered many hours at St. Vincent DePaul while living at Bass Lake, and in Naples, FL.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, the former Marlene J. Versailles whom he married on August 31, 1957 at St. John's Catholic Church in Marquette; four children, Cindy (Mike) Menucci of Gwinn, Rob Bell of Marquette, Kathy (Loren) Drake and Mike Bell, both of Suamico, WI; six grandchildren, Tony and Tyler Menucci, Ian Bell and Haylee Muller, Cam and Nick Drake; also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death besides his parents was a sister, Betty Fitz Henry.
A private graveside service will be held at a future date at the Holy Cross Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the charity of your choice.
And finally, "Take your hat off in the house" and GO BLUE!
Canale-Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the Bell family where memories may be shared at canalefuneral.com.
Tributes
"My prayers and deepest sympathy goes out to the Bell family. "
"To the Bell family! Was sorry to hear about Bob! My favorite memory of both mom and dad is way back in the day at the College avenue home, there would be Friday nights when I would stop in to pick up Rob for an evening of ??. Anyway mom and dad would be having a mixed drink and they always offered one up to me as well!! Just a good memory that stays with me! Sincerely, Dave Furlott.."
"Extending to you and your family this heartfelt assurance of deep sympathy, Marquette Area Public Schools Board of Education and Employees"
"Auntie Mar, Cindy n Mike, Rob, Kathy n Loren, Mike and all your grandkids...please accept my deepest sympathies in the passing of Uncle Bob. May your wonderful memories sustain you during this journey. Love you. ?? Dusty Versailles Juidici"
"Mrs Bell, you are in my thoughts and prayers as well!"
"My lasting memories of both Mr and Mrs Bell is how they would always welcome me in to their house and treat me as if I were family. This was true both at the College Avenue house as well as Bass Lake. My heart goes out to Cindy and Mike, Loren and Kathy, Mike and of course my friend Rob. All of you are in my thoughts and in my deepest prayers!"
"I have so many great memories both at the family home on College Avenue and camp at Bass Lake. My sincere condolences to all of the Bell family. Erick Riekkola"
"There\'s getting to be quite a congregation of good people in heaven. RIP Uncle Bobby. My sympathies to the Bell family. \"Best left arm tan\". LOL Love, David Aartila"
" So sorry to hear of our Uncle?s passing...many fond memories of the big blue house on College Ave. and summer trips up to go to ?camp? with our cousins Cindy, Rob, Kathy and Mike on various lakes. Motorboat rides and fresh trout for dinner... Our condolences to the Bell family."
"To our College Avenue neighbors of long ago, sincere condolences to all of you. Our thoughts and prayers. Dave and Alena Forsberg, Barbara Forsberg and Allison (Forsberg) O\'Neill. "