Notable Locals: Robert L. Forgette — The Menominee Range Historical Museums

Robert L. Forgette and one of his “toys”.

Founding Footprints and Family Forever of Iron Mountain.

Robert L. Forgette "Senior" was born on May 22, 1925 to Joseph & Marie (LeBlanc) Forgette. His childhood was fairly normal but he always showed ambition and a sense of venture. Even so, no one could have foreseen what he would achieve and the legacy he would leave behind. Among many attributes, Senior was a Veteran of the US Coast Guard, a notable businessman and philanthropist. His first notable risk was dropping out during his early years of high school to pursue his own path.

As a teenager, Senior tried out different ways to earn a living. In his early twenties, he went into business with his Uncle Gene plastering homes. In 1951, they created Bob’s Auto Salvage which expanded to selling used cars. In 1963, Senior took on Toyota, initially an unestablished foreign car franchise. Years later, he gave the franchise entirely to Adrian Bergeron, not even for a dollar! This allowed him to start the sales of Mobile homes, adding Modular homes and evolving into Bob’s Homes and White Birch Village of Iron Mountain. Later opening satellite offices in Crivitz and Peshtigo.

Even though it would seem that Senior was focused solely on business, in 1945, he and Rose (Grimord) Forgette became parents to Robert G. Forgette, followed by Candice and Debra. Seems history would repeat itself, because no one could have foreseen the importance of his growing family. Even after their divorce, Rose still gracefully worked with Senior. Eventually, all of the children worked with each other running the business for well over thirty years before selling it. Though successful, it wasn't without hardship, sacrifice and timing. One of the pivotal events was his son returning home to began their lifelong partnership.

Robert G. Forgette (aka JR) is the only son and eldest of his siblings. In 1963, he married his high school sweetheart, Patricia, and went to Purdue University for Industrial Management. Initially, he came back in 1967 after graduation to work with his dad, but it only lasted for about 6 weeks. It was "not working how either of us would like" (JR), and so, JR went to work for Trans World Airlines based in Kansas City. There, he did staffing and documented maintenance service on aircraft during their down time. After a few years, the family moved to Minneapolis and he worked for Toni division of Gillette, where he worked on manufacturing processes.

In the Spring of 1970, Senior reached out to JR to explain that he either needed to move back home to work together or he was considering selling the business. At times difficult, their commitment to a common goal kept their partnership flourishing. JR concentrated on office, sales, and employee management. Senior’s main jobs were heavy equipment (his toys), land development and buildings.

Later Robert Rochon (Debby's husband), who had been managing White Birch Village, took on managing the home deliveries and the outside work crews for Bob’s Homes. JR recalls, "We were fortunate that all of the family members knew what to do, and knew we had to get it done. We had faith and trusted each other explicitly. We had difficult moments and disagreements, but nothing we couldn't overcome. We all shared the same commitment."

Together the father and son duo started and ran many businesses, notably the nostalgic Fire Alarm bar, built in 1980, which was owned and operated for about ten years. Senior developed all of the land where Home Depot currently sits to just beyond the K-Mart Plaza. He also platted, brought in utilities, and sold homes in the quiet town of Quinnesec with his cousin Jim Beauchamp. These complete turn key homes sold for under 20,000 including the land. Eventually he developed a large portion of Quinnesec and donated the beautiful Forgette "baseball" Field. At one point he even owned a cemetery, Dickinson County Memorial Gardens, which was adjacent to White Birch Village. The lake that separates the West section and White Birch East of White Birch Village is named after his eldest granddaughter (JR’s oldest), “Dawn’s Lake”. Business and family intertwined perpetually. “How wonderful it is that I can come to work and see my son and daughters every single day.” Senior (As recalled by his youngest, Debby)

It's well known that Senior’s drive in life was business, but he was also passionate about travel and flying. He was a very accomplished private pilot, especially for it being a hobby. He held Amphibious (Seaplane), Multi engine and Instrument (difficult) aircraft ratings. Over the years he bought and sold over a dozen airplanes. Many would say it was safer to fly with him than to drive with him.

In May of 1977, Senior married his partner of 40 years, Barbara Wagner and became a stepfather to her daughters, Connie and Cindy. His loving wife became a great support for him to be able to focus on his dreams. She took great care of him in life and continues to protect his memories.

Senior had quite the entrepreneur spirit and was willing to sacrifice everything for business. Senior and JR shall always be known for creating economic development in the community for both residential and commercial spaces. There is still land today that continues to be developed and sold by JR and the girls. JR speaks for all siblings, "the best part of working with my father was being able to have all the memories of the years working and spending time with each other and mutual respect."

Both men shared sentiment for, and were quietly generous in contributing to this community, and it's people. Jr has served on the board for the Salvation Army for 25 years. He and his wife traveled to New Orleans and aided people affected by Hurricane Katrina twice and he commits his time yearly to bell ringing. Among many private donations and volunteering hours, JR is one of the original organizers of the Dickinson Area Community Foundation in 1995. By creating funds with the DACF, it ensures continued contributions made by all siblings and the family’s future generations. *See Robert L. Forgette’s obituary for his detailed accolades and memberships.

It was especially evident the outreach of generosity, witnessed at Robert Senior’s funeral. The service was filled with friends and family, but also flooded with strangers showing respect and gratitude. For hours, the receiving line streamed memories and stories of how Senior helped them personally and professionally. "In one of life's most uncomfortable moments, what an honor to be associated with such a person." Ashley Ellis (Senior’s Granddaughter)

Senior was a pioneer and lifelong esteemed community member of Iron Mountain, Michigan. The Forgette family is a testament to faith, hard work and dedication to a purpose.

Ashley Ellis (Candy’s Daughter) - October 21, 2025