Robert "Bob" Karla

April 19, 1938 - July 13, 2021

Robert "Bob" Karla, age 83, resident of Shelby Township. On July 13, Robert Karla passed peacefully in his home surrounded by family. Bob was an avid and experienced outdoorsman and participated in numerous activities, most notably fishing, golfing, and ice hockey. Throughout his life, Bob traveled extensively throughout his home state of Michigan and Canada in pursuit of the perfect fishing hole. Bob was a member of a men’s hockey league for many years and shared his enthusiasm and talent for hockey with his great-nephew Ethan and great-niece Maggie. Bob was a member of the Denby High School (’56) swim team. From 1956 to 1962, Bob served in the US Navy with the rank of Petty Officer, assigned to the USS Boston, serving in Atlantic and Mediterranean waters. Post-military, Bob served as a professional fishing guide in eastern Canada before establishing a career in home appliance sales in Macomb County. Throughout his years living in Shelby Township, Bob was a devout member of Trinity Lutheran. Bob enjoyed a game of chance. For Bob, gambling was not only a hobby, it was an art form. He was notably lucky at Caribbean Stud poker, playing a casual game of Keno, and enjoying his ever-present Lotto and scratcher tickets. The State of Michigan Gaming Commission was grateful to hear of Bob’s departure. Loving father of Jeanne (John) Alspaugh. Dear brother of Barb (Fred) Wirth. Dearest uncle of Lori (Bryan) Poirier, and Heidi (Dan) Stoudt. Great-Uncle of Ethan Stoudt, and Maggie Stoudt. Instate on Tuesday, July 27 at 10am from Trinity Lutheran Church 45160 Van Dyke Utica until the time of service 11 am. Interment Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Traverse City. In lieu of flowers Mr. Karla's family requests donations to: Hospice of Michigan https://www.hom.org/donations or LAMP Ministries https://www.lampministry.org/#/donate-lamp Arrangements by Wm. Sullivan and Son Funeral Home-Utica Please share a memory at www.sullivanfuneraldirectors.com