Robert L "Ike" Isaacson

On September 18, 2019, Robert Lee “Ike” Isaacson Sr. passed on to heaven with grace and kindness in the very same way he touched the lives of all who he knew and loved. He made this last journey exactly 18 years to the day after the passing of his beloved wife, Barbara Jean (Ennis).

He was born September 13, 1925 in Fort Dodge, Iowa to Clarence and Hilda (Anderson), and had three siblings, Clarice (deceased), Kern (deceased) and Lorene. He met Barbara in Hillsdale, Michigan. They raised their family in Ypsilanti, Michigan, and enjoyed many retirement years together in Dunedin, Florida. Most recently, he resided in Fort Gratiot, Michigan.

Robert enlisted in the Navy in 1943, serving in World War II in the Navy Submarine Force Pacific Fleet aboard the USS Tunny (SS-282), which patrolled and fought in the Sea of Japan. He was honorably discharged in 1946 after the end of the war.

He married Barbara while on leave shortly after basic training. They were married for 56 years until Barbara’s death on September 18, 2001.

Robert was also a proud UAW member, working as a millwright for over 30 years at Kaiser-Frazier and Ford Motor Company. He and Barbara raised five boys, Robert Jr. (Judith), Richard (Carol), Barry (Peggy Werth), Garry (Patricia), and Randall (Lynn). Richard preceded him in death, as did daughters-in-law Sharon Isaacson and Lynn Isaacson. Robert had 12 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren, along with a large and loving extended family.

Robert and Barbara were founding members of St. Mark and Samaria Lutheran Churches in Ypsilanti. Throughout his 94 years, his hard work, humor, friendship, and deep love for family guided him and made the lives of all who knew him full and happy.

Dad, Ike, Bob, Uncle Ike, Uncle Bob, Bobby Lee, Grandpa I., Papa Ike, Great Grandpa Ike, Great Papa -whenever you called his name, he was there for you. He will be dearly missed, but leaves an enduring legacy of a life well lived and well loved.

A celebration of his life is planned for a later date.

His cremated remains, along with those of Barbara, will be interred at Allied Veterans Cemetery in Port Huron, Michigan.

Arrangements are by Karrer-Simpson Funeral Home. To send condolences, visit karrersimpson.com.