Robert A. Reames

Robert “Bob” Arnold Reames passed away on December 26, 2017 in Alpena, at the age of 89. Bob was born in Mikado, MI, on March 18, 1928 to the late Ira and Flossie (Mallory) Reames. In June 1945, he graduated from Oscoda High School and shortly after, reported for his basic training in the U.S. Army at Houghton, MI. Bob was a WWII veteran, being discharged in January 1947. In April 1948, Bob married his wife of 52 years, Genevieve M. Waskiewicz. After Jenny died in 2000, Bob remarried in 2010. His second wife, Ethel (Moore) Reames died in 2013. After his discharge from the Army, Bob operated a successful dairy farm operation for many years. He also built and managed a vacation rental resort in the Mikado area. Bob worked for Alcona Seed Growers for several years before working for the U.S. Forest Service. He retired from the Forest Service after working 25 years at his “dream job”. Bob also found time to volunteer with the Michigan DNR, the Alcona Historical Society, and served as the Mikado Township Clerk, and as a 4-H leader in his community. Bob was a life-long resident of Alcona County in the Mikado and Glennie areas. Bob is survived by two daughters, Mary (Charles) Harmon of Mikado, Sally (Ray) Gingrich of Midland, two sons, Dr. David R. (Marcia) Reames of Temperance, MI, and Alan A. (Debbie) Reames of Charlotte, MI. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Bob was preceded in death by one son, Richard A. Reames of Hubbard Lake, one grandson, David Harmon, and six brothers and sisters. Bob’s love of history and “everything outdoors” was the incentive for him to build a traditional trapper/logger cabin. Using only minimal tools, Bob handcrafted the log cabin, which has been recently moved to the Lumberman’s Monument, in Oscoda, where it will be put on display and used for educational programs for visitors. In lieu of flowers, the family is suggesting that contributions be sent to: The Reames Cabin Educational Fund, established through the Eastern National Forest Interpretive Association. Checks can be written to ENFIA and mailed to Mary Harmon, 433 E. F-30, Mikado, MI 48745. While no funeral service is planned at this time, a memorial service will be announced at a later date. Cremation arrangements were made through Gillies Funeral Home, Lincoln. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Robert A. Reames, please visit our flower store.