Robert J. Shurlow

Robert J. Shurlow, 71, of Cadillac, died peacefully in his home after a brief illness on Jun 24, 2015. Mr. Shurlow was born Jun 9, 1944 in Edmore, Michigan to Robert M. Shurlow and Jane A. Thomas. He was a football and basketball star at Montabella High School before he honorably served his country for four years in the United States Navy. Shortly after he returned to Michigan he met and married his forever wife -- Karen E. Maddox on August 21, 1973 and she preceded him in death on Sept. 28, 2009. Bob was a respected telephone expert at several private telephone companies all over the state of Michigan. He worked in Carson City and Kingsley before he was very happily employed by Kaleva Telephone Company as a Plant Manager for 21 years and retired in 2014. Bob was adored, admired and respected by his children, was a friend to everyone he met and was affectionately known as Ã¢â‚¬ËœBob', Ã¢â‚¬ËœBobby', Ã¢â‚¬ËœDaddy', Ã¢â‚¬ËœPops', Ã¢â‚¬ËœPapa', Ã¢â‚¬ËœUncle Bob', (and the list goes on because he always made a special connection with each individual Ã¢â‚¬â€œ inviting their own special name for him.) He was an active member of the American Legion and really enjoyed the burgers he shared with great friends on Wednesday nights. He was a golf enthusiast and had the patience of a saint to play with those of us that did not have the same skills he had in the game. His biggest passion was providing unconditional love and support to his family and friends. Bob and Karen were married for a deep 36 years and he created an extraordinary emotional bond with his wife, while he provided unprecedented loving care during her lengthy terminal illness. Daddy also guided his children to success while imparting endless loving memories of cheering them on at every sporting event, camping, boating, and just laughing at his silly jokes. Papa was the best of the best Ã¢â‚¬â€œ winning the hearts of all ten of his grandchildren practically before they were born. And everyone who has ever spoken of him has only kind words to say. He was an amazing man. Survivors include his four children: Kimberly K. Shurlow of Miramar Beach, Fl, Robert J. Shurlow, II of Marinette, WI and Charles F. Shurlow of Menominee, MI, and Candace L. (Michael) Smith of Bellaire, MI; ten grandchildren: Anthony Shurlow, Danielle Shurlow, Anna May Shurlow, Riley Holik, Sarah Kay Shurlow, Jared Holik, Delanie Munn, Savannah Shurlow, Tucker Smith and Leo Shurlow; and two his sisters: Sally Shurlow and Judy Shurlow-Dowell both of Edmore. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by two brothers: Bill & Tom Shurlow and a sister, Pat VanWagner. Funeral services will be held 1:00 p.m. Monday June 29, 2015 at the Peterson Funeral Home in Cadillac with Mr. Michael Smith officiating. Friends may meet the family Sunday from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. His final resting place will be Maple Hill Cemetery in Cadillac. Memorial contributions may be made to C.A.S.A. An online guestbook is available at www.petersonfh.com.

Robert J. Shurlow

June 9, 1944 - June 24, 2015