Robert Eisenlohr
Formerly of Bear Lake, Michigan, Dr. Robert L. Eisenlohr, 92, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 2, 2024, in the care of Tidewell Hospice in Bradenton, FL.
He was born June 23, 1931, in Hart, Michigan, to the late Verlin “Bud” and Mattie (Campbell) Eisenlohr. Robert married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Dawne Postema, on Oct. 6, 1951.
Robert was a Korean War veteran, serving in the Navy from 1950-1954.
He graduated from Michigan State University with a teaching degree. His first teaching job was at Bear Lake (MI) High School. He would later earn his Master’s and then Doctorate Degrees in Education, and serve as principal and then Superintendent of Schools in Bear Lake, until 1975, when his last child graduated. He then served as Business Manager at Scottville (MI) schools and ending his 33 year education career as Superintendent of Benzie (MI) school district.
He returned to Bear Lake full-time when he retired in 1991 to the home he and Pat built on the lake. They began spending a few months each winter on Anna Marie Island, moving to Terra Siesta Retirement Community in Ellenton in 2003 and becoming full-time Florida residents in 2019.
He loved golfing with friends at Bear Lake County Highlands, a golf course he co-founded (and was the first member) in the early 1960s and at various golf courses in Florida. He also enjoyed woodworking, making several pieces of furniture for his children, and, in recent years, taking up wood carving.
He was a member of the Bear Lake United Methodist Church, Kaleva (MI) VFW, South Haven (MI) American Legion and Moose Club, and a past member of Bear Lake Lions Club, Scottville Optimist Club, and Crystal Lake Kiwanis Club.
He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Pat; three children, Mark (Judy), Michael (Carmen), and daughter Deborah; five grandchildren, Jason, Jodie, Jamie, Jon, and Jared; and nine great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Kathryn and Priscilla, and brother Richard.
Memorial services will be held at a later date in Bear Lake. Cremation has taken place, and the final interment will be in Fairview Cemetery in Bear Lake.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to Tidewell Hospice of Bradenton, FL, or Bear Lake Community (formerly United Methodist) Church, 7861 Main St., Bear Lake 49614.
Arrangements are by Oak Grove Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Manistee (MI).
