Robert L. "Gramps" Plunkett, 91, passed away Thurs., Nov. 11, 2010 in St. Mary's Hospice, Duluth, Minn. He was a resident of Harmony House in Superior for over three years following the death of his wife of sixty-seven years.

He was born July 23, 1919 in Washburn, Wis.

Bob served his country in the U. S. Army during WW II.

He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Vivian A. Johnson on Nov. 11, 1938 in the Saron Lutheran Church, Ashland, Wis., where they made their home until moving to Superior in 1950.

While living in Ashland, Bob started his gravel truck business and when they moved to Superior he worked for Indianhead Trucking and retired from Jeno's Wilderness Express in 1977.

He and his wife, Vivian were co-owners of the Curiosity Shop Antiques, which allowed them to travel cross country while working antique shows.

He was a member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church, the Superior Senior Center, the Superior Police Auxiliary, and the Teamsters Union Local No. 346.

He enjoyed fishing and hunting. After retirement he kept his boat "Rainbow Runner" at Barker's Island Marina where he and his brother-in-law, spent many hours fishing on Lake Superior. Although he enjoyed hunting he was better known as the "camp cook". He also loved car races and faithfully helped his grandson, Tim in the pits until he finally had to take a place in the stands with the rest of the family.

Bob is lovingly remembered by his two children, Robert A. (Susan) Plunkett and Sharon A. (Alex) Kotter all of Superior; one granddaughter and six grandsons, Tami (Mike) Susens and son, Cody Spencer of Superior, Brian (Peggy) Plunkett and their family, Maranda, Kayla and Aleah of Dubuque, Iowa, Michael Plunkett of Superior and his daughter, Kristen of Minneapolis, Minn., Patrick (Diane) Plunkett and their family, Britney and Ross of Onalaska, Wis., Timothy (Melodee) Kotter of Superior, Robert (Laurie) Plunkett and their family, Chelcie and Bryce of Champlin, Minn., Greg (Celeste) Plunkett and their family, Vance, Tyler and Olyvia of Superior; and many nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Mabel Faulk, who died at the age of 104; his father, Louis Plunkett; his beloved wife died on Feb. 4, 2006; brothers, Duane and Donald Faulk; and a sister, Bernice Cebula.

Visitation will in Downs Funeral Home on Sat., Nov. 13, 2010 beginning at 5:00 p.m. His funeral service will be in Our Savior's Lutheran Church Sun., Nov. 14, 2010 at 1:30 p.m. with Rev. Sarah Kerkes officiating. The committal prayers take place at Greenwood Cemetery.

The family wishes to thank all of his special friends and the staff at Harmony House, who cared for him through the good and bad times of aging. They spoiled him with smiles, coffee and homemade cookies warm from the oven. They always made him feel special every day.

The family also wishes to express a special thank you to the St. Mary's Hospice staff and to Pastor Sarah Kerkes for their warm and gentle care.