ROBERT JOHN CLUTE

Robert John Clute of Hillman, Michigan passed away Friday, April 25, 2025, at 83.

Born in Petoskey, Michigan, Robert spent most of his growing years in both Gaylord and Alpena. In his youth, he could often be found flying remote control airplanes or delivering newspapers for his paper delivery route. He graduated from Alpena’s Catholic Central High School, where he met his wife, Sarah Cronk.

Known as Bobby to family and friends, Robert began his adult work career at the Chevy Automobile Plant in Flint. He would also work for the Detroit Free Press in Gaylord. Eventually, Bob found his way into the civil service as a commissary employee at Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Oscoda. He worked his way up to Meat Department Manager, a role assigning him to places around the world, including Biloxi, Mississippi; Yokota, Japan; and Spokane, Washington. In 2003, Robert retired to Hillman, where he and Sarah built a beautiful home. Bob enjoyed spending his day outdoors as an avid gardener, followed around by his faithful golden-doodle, Abby.

Robert is survived by his wife, Sarah; daughters, Lisa Baker (Chris), Renee Grass (Mark) and Allison Clute; siblings, Mary Rickelmann (Norb), Margaret Doherty (Dan), Ginny Frank, Donald Clute (Mary) and Doug Clute(Patti); brothers-in-law, Nick Rupus and Patrick Cronk (Trish); sisters-in-law, Rosemary Kenyon (Robert), Connie McDonald(Rick) and Brenda Clute; eight grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Robert is preceded in death by his son, Alan Clute; father, Estel Clute; mother, Anne Clute; brother, Jim Clute; sister, Cindy Rupus; father-in-law James Cronk; mother-in-law Ann Cronk; brother-in-law, Richard Frank; and sister-in-law, Kay Bissonette.

Robert’s family will hold a private ceremony in his honor, with arrangements under the direction of Bannan Funeral Home in Alpena, Michigan.