Robert Kari

Obituary of Robert Kari HoughtonRobert R. Kari, 71, a resident of Houghton passed away Sunday afternoon February 12, 2012, at Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital where he had been a patient for the past two days.He was born on July 24, 1940, in Superior, Wisconsin, a son of the late Reino and Eva (Kokko) Kari. He attended Superior Central High School in Superior, WI through his junior year and then relocated and graduated from Houghton High School.On July 2, 1960, he was united in marriage to the former Rose Marie Vincent. The couple raised seven children in Houghton and celebrated 51 years together. Rose preceded Robert in death this past September 6, 2011.Mr. Kari had worked as an auto body technician for several years in the area before attending Northern Michigan University and earning an associates degree. He then took a position as a lab technician for the Portage Lake Water and Sewage Authority, from which he retired.Robert enjoyed spending time with his family, had a great appreciation of nature, and with his sparkling sense of humor always had a joke to tell. The family has many fond memories of time spent together motorcycling, fishing and camping at area parks. Gatherings at the camp included skiing, snowmobiling and lots of food and laughter. Many memories were also made in the old station wagon on trips to the drive in theater and mini trips to Copper Harbor for a fall color tour or to see the bears at the dump and experience"tickle bellies" from traveling the winding roads. The day often ended with dad carrying each of seven kids up to bed as they pretended to sleep and withheld their giggles until their head hit the pillow. His other hobbies included reading, collecting coins, target shooting , working on cars and visiting light houses, water falls and historical sites. He was an avid Red Wings fan, and enjoyed watching many games with his much loved dog Bandit in his lap.Robert was deeply loved and will be sadly missed.Preceding him in death were his wife Rose, his parents and his brother Don.Surviving are:His children: Dave (Kirstie) Kari of El Portal, CADebbie (Joe) Bossenberger of HoughtonDean (Kathy) Kari of HoughtonDarcy (Scott) McDowell of TapiolaDan Kari of Crystal FallsDawn Kari of Casco, WIDaron (Brandy) Kari of Atlantic MineHis grandchildren: Jack Kari, Leo Kari, Robin (Dave) Lowney-Lankton, Christy Lowney, Rebecca (John) Schutz, Nicholas (April) Stevens, Brent Kari, Aedan McDowell, Makenna Kari, Adelie Kari, and Braden KariHis brother: Rick Kari of Hickory, NCNumerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.Services for Robert will be held at 6 pm Thursday, February 16, 2012, at the Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Hancock. Spring burial will be in the Forest Hill Cemetery of Houghton.Friends may call on Thursday, February 16, 2012, from 5 to 6 pm at the Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Hancock.In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, the family suggests that memorials may be given to the Alzheimer's Society, the Omega House or the Humane Society in Memory of Robert R. Kari.To view Robert's obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net.The Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Hancock is assisting the family with the arrangements.Service Information To send flowers to the family of Robert Kari, please visit Tribute Store