Robert Hall

December 22, 1922 - December 22, 2008

Crystal Falls - Robert J. Hall 86, of Crystal Falls, Mi passed away at the VA Medical Center of Iron Mountain surrounded by his loving family. He was born January 3, 1922, in Iron River, Mi, the son of Jesse and Marion ( Mulewski) Hall. On October 2, 1959 he married Faith Carlson of Crystal Falls, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Merrill, Wi. At the age of 17 Robert served one year with the CCC 3611th Company (Camp James Lake). A Marine Corp reservist, he entered acive duty in the US Marine Corp, VMB611 Squadron, on Jan 14th, 1943 attaining special proficiency as a Aviation Radar Radio Gunner, Aviation Radio Gunner, Radio Operator Aviation. He was awarded the distinguished Flying Cross for service in the Philippine Islands from April 29 to May 9, 1945, the Air Medal with silver star in lieu of 5 gold stars for service in the Philipine Islands from Dec 23, 1944 to July 1945, the Navy Unit Commmendation with ribbon bar and one bronze star awarded Marine Aircraft Group 32 for service Jan 23 to March 15, 1945, and MAGS Zamboanga March 10 to June 30, 1945 for exceptionally meritorious service and outstanding heroism in support of elements of the EIGHTH Army during operations against enemy Japanese forces on Mindanao, Philippine Islands and in the Sulu Archipelago, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with one bronze star, Victory Medal, World War II, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one bronze star. He saved many lives and was thanked many times at the VMB611 reunions. After his honorable discharge on Nov 7, 1945 he went back to his job as Ass't shop maint Mech at American Flange in Chicago, Ill. He then returned to the Iron River area where he owned and operated a dairy farm in Stambaugh until 1959. He then worked for MPM Corporation for twelve years and then along with his wife and son, owned and operated Printing Machinery Service, Inc, Grafton, Wi, moving, erecting and repairing large printing presses for Rand Mcnally, Western Publishing, instrumental in setting up the first computerized press in Wisconsin for W. A. Krueger, until his retirement in 1982. In 1983, along with his son, he set up a pellet plant in Birch Creek MI. Again retiring to Texas in 1990. He returned to the area in 2003, owned and operated Crystal Laundromat along with his son in Crystal Falls, until 2007 and again retired due to ill health. Bob lived life to the fullest, got his commercial pilots license in 1971, owned two airplanes, a V tail Bonanza, and lastly a 310 Cessna. As well as a avid read he was a very adventurist person. He accomplished many things during his life time. He was a lifetime member of the VFW post in Belton, Tx. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Leon. He is survived by his wife Faith, son Gregory (Bonnie), Crystal Falls, grandchildren, Erik and Ashley, two great grandchildren, Cherish and Autumn, Jacksonville, Fla, siblings, Lorraine Turner, Upland, CA, Dorothy (Bert) Hall, Eagle Rock, CA, nieces and nephews, Annette, Monica, LeeAnn, JaneAnn, Daniel, David, Robert and James Visitation will be Monday December 29 from 10-11:00am at the United Lutheran Church in Crystal Falls. Memorial services will be at 11:00am at the church. Rev Michael Laackko officiated. The VFW Post 2891 of Crystal Falls conducted military honors following the service at the church. Burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery. The family has entrusted The Nash Funeral Home of Crystal Falls with the funeral arrangements.