Robert Male
January 6, 1922 — March 15, 2015
Captain Robert S. Male
Robert Scott Male, 93 of Two Harbors died Sunday March 15, 2015 at Ecumen Scenic Shores with his family by his side.
He was born January 6, 1922 to Edwin and Laura (Scott) Male in Lorain, Ohio. As a young boy Robert sailed the Great Lakes with his father who was a Captain on many ore boats; his final boat being the Benjamin Fairless. He grew up loving the water and worked for the Pittsburgh Steamship Company in various jobs aboard Great Lakes vessels following his high school graduation in 1940.
On April 2nd, 1945 Robert graduated from the New London Merchant Marine Academy and served aboard oceangoing merchant ships during World War II. He visited several ports in France, Panama, Philippines, Belgium, Cuba, and Italy; ending his service on September 17th, 1946.
He met and soon married the love of his life, Irene Svee on Sept. 20, 1946 after meeting her in port one summer day in Two Harbors. They celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary last year. Robert was by her side as she passed away on January 21st, 2015.
Robert worked many jobs to support his family. He was employed by the DM&IR in 1952 in various positions and worked as a Linesman and was one of the Captains on the Edna G Tugboat. In 1963 he was employed by Great Lakes Towing for 24 years as a Captain on various tugboats in the Duluth Harbor, retiring in 1987.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Irene; daughter, Debbie Gustafson; sisters, Margaret Smith and Kathryn Male; and brother, Edwin K. Male Jr.
Robert is survived by his children, Daniel (Connie) of Carlton, and Peggy Pruden of Duluth; son-in-law, Berndt Gustafson, sisters-in-law, Sonja Soderstrom, and Nancy Male; seven beloved grandchildren, Anthony and Justin Male, Bjorn and Leif Gustafson, Sean Pruden, Jody Turek, and Julie Atkinson; 9 great-grandchildren; and many other loved ones.
His family would like to thank the caring staff at Barross Cottage and Ecumen Scenic Shores for Robert’s care during his final time with us.
VISITATION: Saturday at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Two Harbors from 9:00 a.m. to the 10:00 a.m. funeral service. Burial will follow at Lakeview Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Bethlehem Lutheran Church.