Dan (Gobie) Gobert

Resided in Rapid River, MI
Died December 26, 2017

Dan (Gobie) Gobert, 67, of Rapid River passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Tuesday December 26, 2017 at the DJ Jacobetti Home for Veterans in Marquette following a lengthy hard fought battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Dan was born January 18, 1950 in Escanaba, the son of Francis Xavier and Thelma Wihelimina (Swenson) Gobert. He was raised in Gladstone and was a 1968 graduate of Gladstone High School. Dan served his country proudly in the United States Marine Corps and was a Vietnam War Veteran. He was united in marriage to Peggy Murphy on September 28,1974 in Gladstone. Dan worked at Mead Paper for over 30 years. He was a hard worker and “one of a kind”. He loved to run, be active and support his children at their athletic events.

Dan and Peggy made their home in Rapid River on, “The Farm”. They purchased and old rundown cabin and sawmill and made it into a welcoming gathering place where many nieces, nephews and friends made it their second home. Dan loved to work on the farm and support his wife and children in their love of horses.

Dan was a member of the U.P. Roadrunners Club and competed in numerous races, triathlons and marathons. He was often seen all over Delta County on a bike or run after long hours at the mill before a sporting event for one of his children. People often called him, the energizer bunny, he was always on the move. He completed nine marathons before Parkinson’s took away his ability to run. His dream was to compete in the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington D.C. In the fall of 2006 his son, Jake, pushed him in a wheelchair in the Marine Corps Marathon finishing 747th out of 33,000 participants. It was a journey that the community, family and friends helped in fundraising to make it possible for the entire family and some friends able to be there to enjoy and support him in his final race. The memories from that adventure are priceless like many are with Dan.

For the last three years Dan was a resident of the DJ Jacobetti Home for Veterans. The affection and devotion from all of the nurses and staff made them all be a part of the family. The family would like to express its sincere appreciation and gratitude to the nurses and staff for the loving care they gave Dan during his time there.

Dan is survived by his wife, Peggy of Rapid River; his children, Rhonda (Pavel) Sitnakau of Green Bay, WI. Jamie Gobert of Crivitz, WI. Jill (Casey) VanDamme of Brookings, SD. Jake (Jamee) Gobert of Ishpeming,MI. Jordan Gobert of Rapid River; Grandchildren Petra Sitnakau, Chad and Trey Branstrom; Madelyn,Claire,Andrew and Elizabeth VanDamme; Ava,Daniel and Milo Gobert. His brother, Mike (Vicki) Gobert of Flat Rock; sister, Cindy (Rick) Koehler of Zumbrota, MN and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a nephew, Eric Gobert, sister-in-law Mary Lou Hanson and mother and father-in-law, Betty and James Murphy.

A celebration of Dan’s life will be announced at a later date.

The Skradski Funeral Home of Gladstone is assisting the family.

21 Tributes for “Dan (Gobie) Gobert

    Uncle Dan, you got me started in triathlons, and a lifetime devoted to fitness and for that I thank you. Running in the Marine Corps marathon with you and Jake is something I’ll never forget, especially driving the RV in downtown DC! Throwing bales of hay around or digging fence post holes in the summer was always hot and dirty, but you made it tolerable with a cool refreshing dip in the river or horse tank afterwards, or maybe a stop at the A&W. And who can forget the Swedish loves songs you used to sing at weddings while playing the idiot stick. You provided us with a lifetime of memories and will be sorely missed. God Bless you Dan.

    Running at the farm and getting to know the whole Gobert family is priceless. Dan always was kind, welcoming, and funny. I loved his energy and love of life. Enjoy running in heaven!

    -Steve Ostrenga

    Dan, your were “da MAN!” I always enjoyed visits and you always made me feel welcome. You and Peg were a perfect team! I really loved your sense of humor and recall you coming to Cases once when you hopped on the organ and made up a funny song as you randomly played the organ. You were a true delight for all who knew (and loved you dearly) God Bless you Dan. My heart aches for your family now. Rest In Peace.

    Dan , God broke the mold after he made you ! One of a kind ! My whole family has been forever touched by you and your family. I would say rest in peace, but I know better ,REST ? Really. Will miss you buddy. Love, Mark and Laurie Branstrom and family.

    I have nothing but fun and great memories of Dan ( first knew him in 7th grade) and Peg, as well as the 4 children. Very proud of his service, his strong character and to have known him.
    Gobert family, God bless you all as you move forward from here.

    Peg and family, Lou Ann and I are very sorry for your loss and I have a lot of great memories work and playing as a good friend from the mill. I know Dan went through a lot and is in peace now.

    Dan:
    I don’t know what to say. We met in a very unfortunate way on Ishpeming’s football field in 1966. A letter of apology, a common friend in Janice Jarvala and a re-acquaintance led to a friendship from afar. I asked about you often of friends from Gladstone. I feel badly I was in Jacobetti visiting and did not know you were there. RIP

    We are so sorry to hear of Dan’s passing, Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. Just know that there is lots of love and support for you all, find strength in God during your time of grief. God Speed Dan.

    To the family of Dan Gobert,please accept my sincere condolences for the loss of your dear loved one. I only knew him a little but the stories I hear tell me he was a great guy I am sorry I missed his funeral, I was out of town.Rest in peace Dan

    Dan was a classmate and was always a fun guy to be around! He was a great husband,dad,and brother. I was so glad I got back to the U.P. and see him 2 summers ago. I walked in and I whispered, Do you know who I am? And he whispered, “Linda”. I sat next to him the entire time and he never let go of my hand. He would get excited as we talked about old times with his brother Mike, and Mary and Gary Bjorkquist. I told him not to strain to talk but squeeze my hand if he knew what we were talking about. He had a great time and I will always have that wonderful memory. A great long time friend! Linda (Johnson) Dittburner

    Peggy and family,
    So sorry for your loss. I got to know Dan over 40 years ago and competed with and against him for many years. Nobody played with more effort and passion than Dan. He won a lot of fastpitch softball games by stretching hits or making memorable catches using his speed. But what I always remember best, was the fun times afterwards. He was always in the middle of the party …. in a very nice way. Everyone liked him. I admired him as an athlete, family man, fellow worker, and friend. i will keep him in my heart and prayers. RIP.

    I too am a classmate of Dan. I am very sorry to hear of his passing. Thru Military service, and over the years I lost track of Dan. But never forgot him. A couple years ago I talked with Gary, and found out Dan was in Marquette. I brought him a 50th Anniversary pin of the Viet Nam War. I truly think he knew me then, even after all the years.
    Rest in Peace, Dan.

    Gobert Family, Our heartfelt sympathy, I’m sure Dan beat the deer running to Corner Lake or anywhere else in the Hiawatha Forest…Love,Jim and Sue Raredon.

    To the entire Gobert Family,
    I am so very sorry and saddened to hear of Dan’s passing. My memories of him in high school were always of a kind, smiling, fun-loving person with a zest for life. I followed his life’s journeys through my sister. Thank you again for your service, your passion for life, and memories you gifted to everyone.
    May God’s blessings give your family peace and comfort.

    I wish I had known You and Your Beautiful Family earlier in life!!!!!! I am Grateful to have had the Honor to know You Dan. Rest In Peace and Semper Fi Jarhead

    I wish I had known You and Your Beautiful Family earlier in life!!!!!! I am Grateful to have had the Honor to know You Dan. Rest In Peace and Semper Fi Jarhead

    Danny was my teammate in High School Football, and for years on our Murph’s fastpitch softball team. He was so much fun to be around! I was so happy to see him 6 or so years ago at another old teammates funeral. My heartfelt condolences to his brother, Mike; sister Cindy; and to Peggy and the entire family. He will be missed by all who knew him.

    We didn’t get to know Dan, but we met him through Peggy, their beautiful home and wonderful cabin. God bless and keep you.

    Craig & Deb Johnson

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