Robert Henry "Bob" Lajoie

Ret. MSgt. Robert Henry "Bob" Lajoie, 88, was welcomed into Eternal Life on Wednesday, February 7, 2018 after leaving this world at the Battle Creek Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

Bob was born February 19, 1929 in Chicopee, Massachusetts to Ernest N. and Florence L. (Benoit) Lajoie. Upon graduation from Chicopee High School, Bob enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served his country for 22 years. After being stationed throughout many different countries and states, Bob was transferred to Battle Creek where he finished his military career and retired as a Master Sergeant. After the service he used the GI Bill to attend Kellogg Community College and later earned his Bachelor's Degree in Education from Western Michigan University. He worked for McDonald's, as a letter carrier for the United States Post Office and later retired as a bus driver for Battle Creek Public Schools.

Robert Henry Lajoie was united in marriage to Helen M. Lapointe on December 30, 1950 in Willimansett, Massachusetts. Surviving are Helen, his wife of 67 years; two daughters, Elizabeth A. (Tom) Akers of Battle Creek, Gloria J. (Jeff) Stone of St. Petersburg, FL; seven sons, David E. (Paula) Lajoie of Tucson, AZ, Robert J. (Pam) Lajoie of Battle Creek, James E. (Leslie) Lajoie of Rochester, NY, Thomas N. Lajoie of Battle Creek, John A. (The late Diane) Lajoie of Bartelsville, OK, Paul E. (Joyce) Lajoie of Battle Creek, Christopher M. (Lauren) Lajoie of St. Louis, MO; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and their families. Bob was preceded in death by a daughter, Katherine M. Marker; his parents, two sisters and their husbands, Irene and Roger Ball, Estelle and David Lee; and a brother, Ernest Lajoie.

Bob was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and a former member of St. Philip Catholic Church. He enjoyed playing Cribbage, traveling with Helen and spending time in his garden growing vegetables. Bob will be remembered as a man of God with an undying faith.

Friends will be received 6:00-8:00 p.m. Monday at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. Christopher Ankley at St. Joseph Catholic Church 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 13, 2018. Military honors and interment will follow at Ft. Custer National Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in memory of Bob may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church or Battle Creek VA Medical Center Palliative Care Unit. Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.