Robert "Bob" Lee LaJoie

Robert “Bob” Lee LaJoie of Caro, age 87, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday, November 7, 2026, in the comfort of his own home. He is now reunited with his beloved wife, Maxine. Bob was born on September 8, 1939 in Caro, Michigan to the late Raymond and Ellen (Walsh) LaJoie. His younger years were spent with the family business, LaJoie and Sons, where he perfected the art of bulldozing amongst other talents. His time there continued through his working years and even into his retirement after being employed for 33 years at Eaton/Grede Foundry in Vassar.

Bob met who would become the love of his life, Maxine Simmons, in the summer of 1954 and the pair would elope to Sneedville, Tennessee where they were united in marriage on June 10, 1957. She preceded him in death on February 5, 2026.

Bob was a hard-working man. He knew how to build or fix just about anything. He was known for his endless knowledge and skills along with a bit of thinking outside the box when needed. He used that knowledge to build two family homes, maintenance for his many cars over the years and a complete teardown and rebuild of a Kenworth semi-truck project for his son. The Kenworth project was Bob’s final accomplishment.

Bob has left a lasting impression on anyone that knew and loved him. He gave respect where it was due and passed on his kindness and good humor to the family left to keep his legacy alive. He truly was one of the good ones.

Left to cherish Bob’s legacy are his children, Rick (Lisa) LaJoie and Kelli LaJoie (Mitch Steele); grandchildren, Corey Robert LaJoie and Nicolas Roger (Allie) LaJoie; great granddaughter, Sophie; sister, Esther (Jack) Smith; brother-in-law, Orvil Simmons; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Bob is reunited in death with his beloved wife, Maxine; brothers, Walter “Bud” LaJoie, Tom LaJoie, Eddie LaJoie, George LaJoie, Charlie LaJoie and Donald LaJoie; sisters, Margaret Kemp, Bernice Bashton, Elaine Phillips, Maryellen Asay and Roseanne LaJoie; and siblings-in-law, Winnifred Wilson, Betty Baer, Alfred Simmons and Glen Simmons.

The family would like to give thanks to the people who helped Bob navigate the final months of his life, including the amazing teams at Americans Home Health & Hospice Care, the Tuscola County Medical Care Community and the nursing staff at McLaren Caro Region Hospital. In addition, a heartfelt THANK YOU to Ashley LaJoie and Kristen Hunter for their love and care for Bob at home.

In keeping with Bob’s wishes, cremation has taken place, with a celebration of life for Robert and Maxine planned for the spring of 2027. Their cremated remains will be inurned at the family plot in Almer Township Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Tuscola County Medical Care Community, 1285 Cleaver Road, Caro, MI 48723.