Robert James St. Onge Sr.

Robert (Deacon) St. Onge Sr., of St. Ignace, Michigan, and formerly of Mackinac Island, Michigan, passed away Saturday, December 17, 2022, at Hiland Cottage in Petoskey, Michigan, at the age of 98. He was born in Detroit, Michigan, to Francis and Doris St. Onge on November 23, 1924. Robert met Elizabeth LaPine on Mackinac Island where they wed in 1950 and raised 9 children. Robert worked many jobs which included working for Arnold Line, running a painting business, and he was a caretaker of the many homes on the West Bluff. He also worked for Packard Motor Co. In Detroit, until he was drafted in the Army. Up until the ripe of age of 79, he could be seen daily riding his yellow bicycle with a huge basket up the Grand Hotel Hill with little effort. Robert was a WWII veteran. He served in Europe and the Pacific Theater in preparation of the invasion of Japan. He was a member of the Chapman-St. Onge-Dankowski American Legion Post 299 on Mackinac Island. Robert enjoyed spending time with his many friends and family, golfing or socializing at the Mustang Lounge. He moved to St. Ignace in 2004, where he resided for the remainder of his life. He enjoyed going to the casino where he made many friends who enjoyed seeing him playing the dime slots. In addition to his parents, Robert is predeceased by his wife, Elizabeth (Pecky) St. Onge; brothers, Junior, Clayton, and John; sisters, Helen, Judy, and Gloria; sons, Robert St. Onge Jr., and Herbert St. Onge; daughters, Amanda Wandrie and Susan Green. Robert is survived by John St. Onge of Mackinac Island; Joseph and Annie St. Onge of Tracy, California; Catherine Thomas of St. Ignace; Margaret and Ed Nielson of Port Charlotte, Florida; William St. Onge of Mackinac Island; son-in-law, Paul Wandrie of St. Ignace; and daughter-in-law, Mary St. Onge of St. Ignace. Robert was very proud of his children whom all together gave him 19 grandchildren and 31 great grandchildren. He also had many nieces and nephews whom he cared for deeply. A Spring Service will take place on Mackinac Island in June 2023. Date and Time will be in the St. Ignace News and the Mackinac Island Town Crier. Donations in Robert’s name can be made to Hiland Cottage Hospice House in Petoskey. Galer Funeral Homes & Cremation in Pickford, Michigan, is serving the family. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.galerfuneralhomes.com.

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Robert James St. Onge Sr.

November 23, 1924 - December 17, 2022