Robert Lee 'Minnow' Morzenti

ESCANABA, Mich. - Robert Lee "Minnow" Morzenti, 80, of Montreal, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully with his loved ones by his side on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024, at the OSF St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba.

Robert was born on Dec. 9, 1943, to Albert C. and Pauline (Cornetto) Morzenti in Ironwood. He was a graduate of the J.E. Murphy High School in 1961 before attending Gogebic Community College. After finishing school, he followed in his brothers' footsteps by serving his country. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1965 and completed his first tour of duty in Vietnam. Upon his return, he joined the U.S. Air Force, with which he did another tour in Vietnam. After returning, he still wasn't finished with the military and went on to join the U.S. Army Reserve.

Robert was proud of the country he fought for and, after his honorable discharge, continued to help others who have served by advocating for veterans as the Iron County Veterans Service Officer. For over 20 years, he helped make sure both veterans and their families were taken care of.

Robert also was a member of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 529 in Hurley. During his time with this organization, he helped facilitate the dedications of Iron County's Vietnam War Memorial features, an M60 tank and a Huey Cobra attack helicopter tilted on a pole in firefight mode.

In addition, Robert was a member of the Hurley VFW Post 1580 and the American Legion Post 58.

Robert was not only a proud marine but also the mayor of Montreal from 1996-2010. During his 14 years, he helped Montreal with anything that needed to be completed - everything from plowing city streets to replacing lights. He wanted Montreal to be a great place for residents and visitors.

Robert was a great friend to many and an amazing father, grandfather, brother and uncle. If there was anything his children, family or friends needed, he was right there for them.

He loved to take his trips to the casino, or as he would say, his "tour of casinos." If he wasn't advocating for veterans or hanging at the casino, you could always find him putzing around outside. He was never good at sitting still or having patience.

So, what does one do in Hurley when bored? He bought a bar...or two. He bought Mac's in the 90's and ran it for a few years before selling and buying the bar across the street. He appropriately named this bar "Minnows," the bar "where you can drink like a fish and land the catch of your life."

He is survived by his two children, Christina Morzenti of Montreal, and Jason (Le) Morzenti of St. Paul, Minnesota; his brother, Ron; sisters, Carol Ann (Tim) Boyle and Karen (Dale) Sann; and grandson, Aidan (fiancée, Grace) Morzenti.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Jerry, Albert and James "Dewey," three brothers and three sisters who passed in infancy or early childhood; and sisters-in-law, Carol Jean and Charlotte Morzenti.

A visitation will be held from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12, at the McKevitt Patrick Funeral Home, 305 N. Lowell St., Ironwood, MI 49938. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Hurley, Wisconsin. Military rites will be conducted by VFW/American Legion Post 58 and the Honor Guard. A celebration of Robert's life will continue at the Hurley Memorial Building.

The family has chosen the McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home in Ironwood to honor Robert's legacy of life. Condolences may be made to mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.