Robert L. Symmonds

Robert L. Symmonds, age 90, of Iron River, MI, passed away on Sunday, February 12, 2023. He was born on March 1, 1932, in Iron River, MI, the son of the late Frank Lloyd and Gertrude (Baume) Symmonds. Bob attended the Iron River Schools and graduated with the Class of 1951. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan in 1956 and later earned his master’s degree in special education from Eastern Michigan University in 1966. Bob married Marylee Burke on April 25, 1951, at St. John’s Episcopal Church of Iron River. The couple moved then made their home in Ann Arbor, MI. They returned to Iron River in 1981 and celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary in 2010. Marylee preceded him in death on May 14, 2010. He was employed as the inpatient Administrator for the Department of Mental Health in Champaign, IL and then for the Department of Mental Health in Coldwater, MI, where he developed homes in the community for the mentally challenged. When he and Marylee returned to the area, Bob became the Hospital Administrator in Crystal Falls. He later became involved with the River House as the Administrator and set up the first residential group home in Iron County in Crystal Falls and later established one in Iron River. Bob also became the owner of Big Chill Ice in 1990. Bob was a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church of Iron River. He was active in the Iron River Elks Lodge #1671, serving as treasurer and later as secretary. Bob was named Elk of the Year in 2010. He was also a member of the Engineers Club. Bob also enjoyed flying, earning his pilot’s license in 1995, spending time with family especially his grandchildren, bee keeping, building model airplanes, hunting, fishing, and archery. Bob is survived by his son David Symmonds of Crystal Falls, MI; grandchildren, Amanda Zambon, Lindsey (Grant) Erickson, and Nicholas Gaglio; great grandchildren, Amber Lynn and Kane Gaglio, Kyla Jay and Karter Jon Erickson, and Wyatt David Zambon; sisters, Carolyn Orchard of Crystal Falls, MI, Helen (Jerome) Smith of Grand Rapids, MI, and Priscilla (Bill) Povilus of Las Vegas, NV; special friend, Barb Norman of Iron River, MI; nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. He was also preceded in death by his son, Robert J. Symmonds; daughter, Allison Gaglio; and grandson, Matthew Gagilo. Visitation will be held on Friday, February 17, 2023, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Jacobs Funeral Home. A memorial service will follow at 1 p.m. with Pastor Peg Padilla to officiate. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Robert L. Symmonds, please visit our flower store.