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Robert Edmund Laurence, 62, passed away on July 30, 2024, in Kalkaska, MI. Son of Sharon Kay Laurence (Rymut), and Victor John Laurence, he was born February 16th, 1962, in Belleville, MI. Growing up with his brother and sisters, their grandfather had a habit of giving them all nicknames as kids. Instead of him growing up as a traditional Robert or Bobby, he became known as “Sonny Boy.” It is not coincidental that that became his nickname, because he was truly a bright ray of light in everyone’s lives. He was known by this name for years and many families and friends still refer to him as such to this day. Later in life that he began to introduce himself as “Bob.” So, in a way he became known as “Sonny Bob”! As a child, he was full of life and wonder. He was oh so fun, a prankster, and always loved to laugh, and was always the one with a smile on his face. As he grew up, these traits became etched into his personality. He became so personable and relatable that strangers always felt welcome. He always made friends easily throughout his life because he was always a friend that anyone could count on. He was the highlight of the family and of course his mother’s favorite. He received his G.E.D. in 1980 and began his career in the automobile industry due to his passion for mechanics. He eventually became a millwright at an automotive supplier as a maintenance mechanic for many years. When he met his wife Karren, Bob decided to make a career change when he met his wife Karren and they moved up north to take ownership of Dingman’s bar together. When Dingman’s burned down in January 2019, Bob was resolute to provide the community a gathering place. Bob and Karren reopened as Bear Lake Inn & Dingman’s Beer Garden with the community’s support in September 2020. They have become an important staple in their northern Michigan community. He was an avid Elvis Presley fan, and the lucky of us were treated to one of his many Elvis karaoke performances. He also enjoyed outdoor activities, spending time playing with his precious dogs (especially his boxers), travelling, and spending time with his loved ones. Oh, and let’s not forget his passion for good beer. One of his most famous lines: “One more and I’m out of here”! He was a deeply beloved father, husband, grandpa, brother, and friend. While we are extremely saddened to lose such a bright light in the world, let us all cherish the time we had with him and the blessing to have known such a great man and kind soul. He was preceded to heaven by his mother, father, and brother Rick Laurence. He is survived by his wife Karren Laurence and her 3 children: Christopher Skinner and his wife Chelsea, George Skinner, Sloane Skinner and her husband Sean; former wife and mother of their children Leslie Laurence of Belleville, MI; their children: Robert (Bobby) Laurence and fiancé Cayla Rose of Romulus, MI; Ashley Laurence and fiancé Jonathon Trzeciak of Ypsilanti, MI; 4 grandchildren: Alijah and Cooper Trzeciak, Rayden Laurence, and Jacob MacNeil; sisters Tammy Robinson of Romulus, MI and Ann Clemmons of Kalkaska, MI as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Family, friends, and everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him are invited to his celebration of life memorial at his favorite place, Bear Lake Inn (19 W. Bear Lake Rd SE, Kalkaska, MI 49646) on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to Tyson’s Love and Hope on Wheels at tysonsloveandhope.com Arrangements provided by Wolfe-O'Neill Funeral Home, our family serving yours.

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Robert Edmund Laurence

February 16, 1962 - July 30, 2024