Robert "Bob" Ross LaPorte Sr.

September 21, 1934 - November 23, 2018

Robert Ross LaPorte Sr. (Bob) Age 84, lost his battle with cancer on Friday, November 23, 2018 near his home in Largo, FL. Bob was born in Chicago, IL on September 21, 1934 to Victor and Mary (Cutrera) LaPorte. He worked at, and later owned, the family business, LaPorte’s Liquors, located in Chicago on the north end of Western Ave. He later sold that and bought a Class A musky fishing resort on Butternut Lake in the North Woods outside of Park Falls, WI called Bob’s Northern Pines. Bob was a loyal Packer fan & enjoyed snowmobiling and other outdoor adventures, bowling, softball, cribbage, bocce and numerous card games and puzzles. He retired 20 years ago and later moved to Largo, FL. Until recently, he was a volunteer Care Van driver for Morton Plant Hospital. Bob shared the last several years of his life with, and is survived by, his very special best friend, Gail Yetter, formerly of the Park Falls, WI area. Bob is also survived by: His children & step-children: Mary (Ted) Elliott, Robert, Jr (Mary Beth) LaPorte, Dennis (Carol-D) Uecker, James (Stephen) LaPorte. Kelly (Joseph) Medd & Jennifer (Patrick) Bornhoeft. His grandchildren and step-grandchildren: Amanda (Pier) Asproni, Christine (Jeremy) Lundh, Lindsay (Nick) Sharpenter, Lauren Laporte, Robert, III (Katie) LaPorte, Matthew Elliott, Adam (Zack) LaPorte and Ashley Uecker. Hannah & Caleb Medd. His great-children: James Snevely (9), Luca (9) and Lorenzo (3) Asproni, Lillian (8) and Owen (4) Sharpenter & Robert, IV LaPorte (1). His former wives: Patricia (William) Waterman and Becky Pepper. His brothers: Victor (Judy) LaPorte and Tom (Nancy) LaPorte. Also, cousins, many LaPorte and Hale nieces and nephews & uncountable friends from everywhere he ever lived. Bob was preceded in death by: His parents, daughter Carol (Dennis) Uecker, brother John LaPorte, sister-in-laws Eileen (Victor) & Marie (John) LaPorte & boyhood best friend Bob Eichelman. A Celebration of Life luncheon will be held at the Aloha Clubhouse at Teakwood Village in Largo, FL on Sunday, December 2 at 1 pm. Another Celebration of Life will be held in May of 2019 in Butternut, WI. The Novitzke Funeral Home in Park Falls, WI is assisting the family. www.novitzkefuneralhome.com There's a peace I've come to know Though my heart and flesh may fail There's an anchor for my soul I can say "It is well" There's a day that's drawing near When this darkness breaks to light And the shadows disappear And my faith shall be my eyes Jesus has overcome And the grave is overwhelmed The victory is won He is risen from the dead And I will rise when He calls my name No more sorrow, no more pain I will rise on eagles' wings Before my God fall on my knees And rise - I will rise