Robert J. "Bob" Mantta

Obenhoff: Robert J. Mantta, 57, self-proclaimed Mayor of Obenhoff, passed away March 14, 2019 at the Omega House, with family by his side.   Bob fought a courageous battle with Esophageal cancer right to the bitter end.

Bob was born in Hancock, MI to the late Ed and Helen Mantta.  He was a 1980 graduate of Hancock High School.  After high school, Bob joined the Navy, serving on the USS Dixon.  After service, Bob was employed with Siirotola Well Drilling for 20 years.  He then worked for Moyle Construction, U.P. Oil, K.R.C., and most recently Superior Sand & Gravel.  Workaholic that he was, he had several other jobs.

On September 17, 1988, he was united in marriage to Elin Karkkainen at Holy Family Catholic Church in South Range.  Bob was very active in the church, teaching Sunday school, lay reading, in charge of altar servers, custodial duties, chicken BBQ and spaghetti dinners. 

In his spare time he enjoyed hobby farming, butchering, sausage making, neighborhood beautification and enjoying life.

Bob was a loving husband and father, a man of many hats and took pride in everything he did.

He was proceeded in death, by his mother, father, uncle, infant daughter Carolyn Ann and the love of his life Daisy Mae.  Surviving are his wife, Elin; son Matthew; daughter LeeAnn; brother James (Judy)  Mantta and his good buddy Mary Hart; mother-in-law Agnes Karkkainen; brothers-in-law, Steven (Sally) Karkkainen, Arne (Jill) Karkkainen and step-daughter Leah Ruotsala; sisters-in-law, Ann (Kurt) sons Jesse and Josh Schultz; Sue (Rob, daughter Sienna; son Seth Wilson) daughter Elizabeth and son James Campbell.  Niece Lisa (Ken) Kipina son Tyler; daughter Hannah; nephew Daniel (Deanna) Karkkainen and numerous cousins.  Bob had many friends and special friends Joe, David, Cooper, Monk, Jonny, Andy, Dave and Paul.  To know him was to love him. 
 

Visitation will be held on Tuesday at the O’Neill-Dennis Funeral Home in Hancock from 5-8 p.m.  Mass of Christian Burial will be on Wednesday, March 20th at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church in South Range with a luncheon to follow.  Father John Martignon officiating.  Spring burial at Liminga Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Holy Family Catholic Church, South Range.

Special thanks go to Dr. Geddes and staff; the Omega House and the caring staff; and the numerous supporters throughout his illness.

To leave online condolences, please go to www.oneilldennisfh.com.

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