Robert John Smagner, Jr., age 77 of Gaylord, passed away at his home on Saturday, June 9, 2018.
Robert was born in Canonsburg, PA on November 6, 1940 to Robert and Elizabeth (Duchi) Smagner. As a twin, he grew up with a deep appreciation for his family. He worked as a systems analyst for Ford Motor Company and was a proud member of the Michigan Sherriffs’ Association. In his spare time, Robert was a gun enthusiast, a hobby he had developed since his shooting competitions in high school. As a member of the National Rifle Association and the Dalzell Rod & Gun Club in Illinois, his friends and family would say his collection resembled something of a small armory. In addition to his firearms, Robert enjoyed spending time in the woods, golfing, and frequenting Timothy’s Pub in Gaylord, the city where he lived out the last 18 years of his life.
Robert is survived by his children, Mark (Lisa) Smagner of Colorado Springs, CO, Dan (Mary) Smagner of Dalzell, IL, and Tracy (Tate) Frig of La Salle, IL; grandchildren Eric, Raymond, Brad, Holly, Natasha, and Brody, and five great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his son, Brad Smagner; and twin sister Betty Jones.
A funeral service will be held at the Nelson Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 13, 2018 at 12pm, followed by burial at Hayes Township Cemetery.
Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday from 11am until the time of service.
Donations in Robert’s memory may be made to the Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Northern Michigan.
Arrangements were entrusted to the Nelson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, P.O. Box 1548, Gaylord, MI 49735.
5 comments on “Robert Smagner”
A good friend, lots of golf and softball memories.
Bob had a lot of friends at Ford Motor Company who are shocked at his passing. He always had a good healthy look when we saw him in the Gaylord area. He will be missed. He sure loved life and enjoyed it. I will always remember one play in a FORD league softball game when I tried to score and he was the catcher. He stood his ground and I couldn’t slide so I ran into him at speed and I held on because I did not want him to get hurt. I asked and he said he was not hurt and we all kept playing. But I have to say I was a lot bigger in everyway and he was not going to let me score. He was a real tough MAN.
I worked with Bob many years at Ford and played softball with him even longer. He was a great guy and good friend. We’ve kept in touch mostly via email the last several years but it was evident he loved his family and his life in Gaylord. He will be missed!
We have only known Bob for about 6 years. He would come into our Gun Shop ALWAYS with a smile and sometimes toting some donuts or coffee cake to go along with our coffee we always had available. He would always tell us that the sweets were for us and he would pass. When our wholesalers couldn’t get any 22LR he would bring us some after a visit to his son. He was a great man! We loved hearing his stories he would tell or the email jokes he would send. He will be missed. May you Rest In Peace our friend.
I know this is late, but I just found out about it – I was there when Bob hired into Ford – he worked for me, socialized with me and played on our softball team. He was a one-of-a-kind absolute true good guy. His droopy stash earned him the nickname “Yo” for Yosemite Sam. RIP – Yo