Robert Mette, 90

Born: Aug. 5, 1922

Died: Oct. 4, 2012

 

Robert F. Mette, 90, of Edwardsburg, passed to his rest Oct. 4, 2012, in Grand Rapids, where he and his wife were living near his son.

Bob was born Aug 5, 1922, in Iron Mountain, the third of five children born to Walter and Welmet Mette. He was a middle child with two older brothers and two younger sisters. At age 1, the family moved to Kingsford in the Upper Peninsula, near the Wisconsin border.

Bob attended E.G. Kingsford High School, graduating in 1940. In fall 1940, he traveled downstate to attend Western Michigan College at Kalamazoo. His education was interrupted by World War II, when he was enlisted into the Army in 1943.

He spent 37 months in the Army as a staff sergeant in the infantry and anti-aircraft units. After the war, he served six months in Korea as a military policeman. In March 1946, he resumed his studies at WMC, graduating in 1948 with a bachelor of arts degree in education. In fall 1948, his teaching career started in Edwardsburg. Along with classroom teaching, he also coached baseball, basketball and sponsored student council and was a class adviser. He spent nine years in this position.

Bob completed his master’s degree from Western Michigan University in spring 1957, and was offered the position as assistant superintendent, which placed him in charge of transportation and principal of the elementary school building. This consisted of kindergarten through sixth grade and school bus operations.

This position continued for several years and as enrollment was rapidly increasing, the school board hired a principal for the New Eagle Lake Elementary, and a full-time transportation director. Robert continued as the Edwardsburg Elementary principal another 16 years. The last three years of his career at Edwardsburg were spent in the high school, one year as assistant principal and two years as principal.

He retired on June 30, 1985, with a total of 37 years in the Edwardsburg school district.

Robert has belonged to various organizations in the community, including the American Legion, Masonic Lodge, Lions Club, Golden Agers and Historical Museum; served on the Village of Edwardsburg Council; was a Cub Scout leader; and was a member of the Cass County Library Board for 48 years. He was active member of the Edwardsburg Presbyterian Church since 1953 and served as both elder and deacon.

On Aug. 6, 1949, Robert was married to Mildred in Royal Oak. They were blessed with three sons, John (Lisa) Mette, Robert C., (Kim) Mette and David (Lisa) Mette; and six wonderful grandchildren, John (Amanda) Mette, Erin Mette, Michael Mette, Lindsey Mette, Samantha Mette and Steven Mette. Also, a loving great-grandson, Landon John Mette.

In honor of Robert F. Mette’s long service to the school district, family and friends gathered Sunday, Oct. 7, from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Atrium of the Performing Arts Building on the campus of Edwardsburg Public Schools, 69410 Section St., Edwardsburg where the family received his friends and fellow students.

The service of remembrance was Monday, Oct. 8, at 11 a.m. at Edwardsburg Presbyterian Church, 68961 Lake St., Edwardsburg.

The visitation was from 10 to 11 a.m. at the church. Officiating was the Rev. Scott Scheel, pastor.

Burial followed in Edwardsburg Cemetery with graveside military rites by the United States Honor Guard, for taps and folding the flag.

Arrangements are by Paul E. Mayhew Funeral Home, Edwardsburg.