Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
IRONWOOD, Mich. - Robert Michael "Boom Boom" Cannon, 88, of Ironwood, died peacefully on Friday morning, Nov. 15, 2024, surrounded by his family.
Bob was born on Dec. 17, 1935, in Ironwood, a son of Felix and Irene (Olson) Cannon. He attended Ironwood schools and graduated from Luther L. Wright High School in 1953. Bob enlisted in the U.S. Army and proudly served his country from 1954-1957.
On Nov. 1, 1955, he was married to his high school sweetheart, Shirley A. Kleimola, in Iuka, Mississippi.
After being honorably discharged from the military, he lived in Duluth, Minnesota, from 1957-1964. Bob returned to Ironwood, where he worked at the J.C. Penney Company until 1969. Then, he went to work at the U.S. Postal Service until he retired in 1999. Bob enjoyed his job working with the public.
Bob was a faithful member of Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Ironwood, where he liked to sing in various choirs. He was a supporting member of the American Legion Post 5 of Ironwood.
Bob took pleasure in volunteering his time and talent in various community events; he particularly looked forward to singing the National Anthem and watching his beloved Minnesota Vikings. Bob's greatest joy in life was spending quality time with his family.
Surviving are his six children, Kevin (Paula) Cannon, Germantown, Wisconsin, Kathy (Geno) Udd, Junction City, Wisconsin, Keith (Betty) Cannon, Ironwood, Kris "Dino" (Diane) Cannon, Hurley, Wisconsin, Karin (Michael) Rimkus, Ironwood, and Karlyn (Kevin) Cannon Williston, North Dakota; 13 grandchildren, Aaron, Jennifer, Jessica, Nina, Samantha, Veronica (Dennis), Emily (Joey), Tera, Amanda (Nathan), Nicole (Chris), Kimberly, Tyler and Jared "JD"; nine great-grandchildren, Victoria, Sophia, Zander, Lena, Linden, Lincoln, Lorelei, Avery and Landon; and several nieces and nephews.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife, Shirley, on June 7, 2012; a sister, Mary Katherine McDonald; and two brothers, Edward "Red" and Jim.
The family will greet relatives and friends on Friday, Nov. 22, from 10 to 10:45 a.m., in the St. Joseph Family Room at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, 108 S. Marquette St., in Ironwood. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Brian Gerber, celebrant.
Following the Mass, full military rites will be accorded at the church under the auspices of the Ironwood American Legion Post 5 Honor Guard, assisted by the U.P. Funeral Honors Team.
Rite of Committal and interment will take place at the Riverside Cemetery in Ironwood.
Luncheon will be served at the Aurora Athletic Club, 101 Penokee Road, in Ironwood, immediately upon return from the cemetery.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.
