Robert Sumner Mars

Robert S. Mars Jr., age 90, passed away in his family home surrounded by four generations of loved ones on July 10, 2016. He was born on May 21, 1926, and gave his heart to his family, work and community.

The love of his life was his wife and family. Bob married Ann Lachmund in August of 1949. With her, he raised seven children, creating an incredible life while teaching them the value of hard work, caring for others and a good handshake. Among his treasured memories was a four-week camping trip with his family of nine across the country in a station wagon pulling a U-Haul trailer. Bob always encouraged his family to do their very best and helped them believe they could overcome every obstacle. He had a great sense of humor.

Upon graduating from Shattuck Military School at the age of 17, Bob became the commanding officer of a landing craft transport (LCT) in the Marshall Islands. He completed Carleton College in 1948 where he excelled in hockey, golf, and baseball and, by the way, earned a bachelor’s degree in Economics. In June of 1949, he graduated from Babson School of Business with an MBA in Economics. Shortly after, he joined his father, Robert, and his brother, Bill, in the Duluth-based WP&RS Mars Company, launching a lifetime of dedication to the mining industry of Minnesota’s Iron Range. He and Bill founded Conveyor Belt Service Inc., in Virginia, Minnesota in 1951.

As a leader in the community, Bob was on numerous boards. These included Animal Allies, the Duluth-Superior Area Community Foundation, the Iron-Mining Association, Men as Peacemakers, the Metropolitan Airport Commission, the Minnesota Power Board, Lake Superior Railroad Museum and the St. Louis County Historical Society. He was also a member of the Masonic Ionic Lodge No. 186. He was inducted into the Duluth Hall of Fame in 1976.

He had a soft spot in his heart for the Duluth Aerial Hockey Team which he and Max Ramsland coached from 1974 through 1979. His teams were in the state championship for all six seasons. They won it three times.

Anybody who knew Bob knew of his commitment to education. Over the years, he served on boards for the Duluth Public Schools, Marshall School, the College of St. Scholastica and State Community College and served on the board of Woodland Hills.

As a strong supporter of the Boy Scouts of America, he embraced trustworthiness and kindness to one another. He was an Eagle Scout (Troop 43 Congdon Park).

A source of strength to Bob was his church. He served on the Vestry and in the Men’s Club for many years. He and his wife kept prayers on a daily basis for family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Sr. and Dorothy; and his brother, Bill.

Bob is survived by his wife, Ann, of almost 67 years; seven children including Sue (Dave), Linda (Don), Bob (Jan), Judy (Dennis), Steve (Linda), Jeff (Jackie), and Bruce (Katie); twenty grandchildren; seventeen great grandchildren and his beloved Springer Spaniel, Becky.

Memorials may be given to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Union Gospel Mission, or one of your choice.

Visitation : 5-7 p.m., Friday, July 22, at the Jarvi Dowd Funeral Home, 925 E. 4th Street.

Service: 11 a.m., Saturday, July 23, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 1710 E. Superior Street with visitation one hour prior. Please leave a memory of Bob or words of support for the family at www.bellbrothersjarvidowd.com