Robert Allen MacEachern's Obituary
Robert Allen “Bob” MacEachern, age 98 of Irons Michigan, and Traverse City, died peacefully on Monday, September 15, 2025. Bob was preceded in his death by his adoptive parents Hugh and Marguerite (Harter) MacEachern, his wife Lillian E. MacEachern, and his grandson Brandon MacEachern.
Bob will be greatly missed by his eight children Deborah Hoseit of Iron Mountain, Robert H. MacEachern of Mesick, Michael J. (Penny) MacEachern of Harrietta, Bruce D. MacEachern of Mesick, Mark P. (Deborah) MacEachern of Wellston, David A. (Amber) MacEachern, Barbara M. (Kevin) Braley both of Mesick, and Mary M. MacEachern (Barry) of Traverse City. He will also be remembered by many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Bob was raised in Hermansville, Michigan, and spent summers in Wellston with his family. He enlisted in the Navy in January 1945, serving aboard the USS Lexington in the South Pacific during WWII. For his service, Bob was awarded several medals, including the Presidential Unit Citation for extraordinary heroism.
After the war, he served as a lifeguard, attended Michigan State University, and worked various jobs. On June 6, 1953, he married Lillian Kabur and they celebrated 61 years together before Lillian’s death in 2014. His career was spent with Consumers Energy; seven years as lineman, then 40 years as hydroelectric operator for Hodenpyl and Tippy dams. Bob often reflected, “I’ve had a good life” and “I am very fortunate.”
He played basketball three times against the Globetrotters with legends Meadowlark Lemon, Marques Haynes, and Curly Neal from 1944 to 1953. Bob hunted with his father using beagles, and then deer hunting with his sons. He also enjoyed gardening and continued tending to his vegetables until this summer.
After raising his family, he and his wife traveled every spring to Sarasota Florida. He brought chuckles to the other timeshare staff and owners with his jokes and quick wit. For example, during the morning coffee provided by the timeshare office for guests, he would bring in one donut from his own condo. He would turn to the next guest who entered the office and would say, “oh, I’m so sorry, I took the last one.” At the age of 95, he was reprimanded for glueing a quarter to the sidewalk to watch people stop to try to pick it up.
He engaged people. Bob was both humble and vivacious. All enjoyed his humor and charm. Bob encouraged others to “not take life too seriously.”
Dad, you were a one-of-a-kind human being, and you will be dearly missed. May you rest in peace.
Graveside services will be held for Bob with Honor Guard rites at 11:00 am on Saturday, September 27th at Eden Cemetery in Irons, where Bob will be laid to rest next to his beloved Lillian.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Orchard Creek Assisted Living, Munson Medical Center staff in the ER, B4 and D5 for their care and kindness.
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