Robert Sibilsky

Twin Lakes, MI

Robert L. Sibilsky, age 78, of Twin Lakes, entered eternal life Thursday, September 29, 2022, at UP Health System Marquette.

He was born October 4, 1943, in Hancock, a son of Elmer “Patsy” and Arbutus “Boots” (Hearn) Sibilsky. Bob was raised in Hurontown and graduated from Houghton High School in 1961 while volunteering as a fireman with the Hurontown Fire Department. He graduated from Suomi College with an associate degree in 1963. From 1963 to 1967 he was employed at Michigan Technological University as an assistant purchasing agent. In 1967, he relocated to Marquette where he again served as a purchasing agent for Northern Michigan University. During this time, Bob continued his education at NMU, receiving his Bachelor’s Degree in Business in 1975, and continuing to work in the Purchasing Department with his final position serving as Manager of Logistic Services until his retirement in 1998. In the course, of working at NMU, Bob along with his brother Dennis co-founded Country Plumbing and Heating, Sibilsky & Sibilsky Inc and then opened the first Plumbery Home Center in Marquette and Munising, along with operating Lakeside Tire. Bob was very active with the local Elks Club, bowling, softball and hardball teams where he played various positions especially pitcher. Bob’s loyalty to NMU goes far beyond the usual. He was affiliated with the NMU Golden Wildcat Club, Development Fund, Blue Line Club, Alumni Association, Great Lakes Olympic Training Center, Forest Roberts Theatre and WNMU while building many relationships with athletes, students and their parents. In 1995 he was honored by NMU with the Distinguished Alumni Service Award. His pride for NMU and the service he had provided was above and beyond the call of duty. He was well known for his efforts to make NMU athletes and their parents feel “at home” with hosting reunions at their family home along with organizing hockey reunions and opening up employment channels for many graduates. After 31 years of service to NMU, they moved to Twin Lakes, where Bob worked at his cousin’s golf course, Wyandotte Hills. He served the Elm River Township for many years as Township Clerk. Bob was an avid outdoorsman enjoying fishing, snowmobiling, riding his ATV “Mule”, golfing, bird and deer hunting. Bob and Darlene enjoyed traveling to many areas throughout their years together, especially to follow their grandchildren’s events, sporting activities, concerts and programs. Bob loved his retirement home on Sandy Lake where he enjoyed having morning coffee with his wife in the hot tub and spending winters in Tucson, Arizona.

Bob is survived by his wife and high school sweetheart, Darlene (Krym), of 58 years; his children, Donald (Significant other, Dominique DePas) and Joni (Russ) Tripp both of Marquette; four grandchildren, Scott (Caro) Tripp of Marquette, Ashlee Tripp of Marquette, Britnie Sibilsky of South Korea, and Dylan Sibilsky of Marquette; a brother, Ronald Sibilsky of Lake, MI; brother-in-law, James (Gwen) Krym of White Pine, MI; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; mother-in-law, Martha Krym Manninen; a son, James Sibilsky; a brother, Dennis Sibilsky; and a sister-in-law, Gerry Sibilsky.

The family will receive relatives and friends at Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services, Marquette, on Friday, October 7, beginning at 9:00 am with coffee, donuts and bagels until the time of service at 11:00 am. Following the service, Interment with graveside service will be at Forest Hill Cemetery, Houghton, at 3:30 pm Friday afternoon.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the charity of donor’s choice.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.memorialchapel.net