Robert Louis Laramie, age 84, passed away January 9, 2025, in Chesterton, Indiana. He was born on September 2, 1940, in St. Louis, Missouri to the late Ralph and Marie Laramie. Robert married Rhea Laramie on May 29, 1967. They were married 56 years and raised 7 children. Robert began working in the Blast Furnace Maintenance Department of Youngstown Sheet and Tube Mill at the age of 19. He worked his way up from millwright to area foreman and then on to general foreman and later becoming a Spares Manager. In 1994, Robert retired after 35 years at the mill and began working as a Project Manager for the engineering company, R.J. Mycka, where he worked until he retired in 2018. Robert enjoyed woodworking for many years and made rocking chairs, tables, trucks, cradles, rocking horses and many other items for his family. For many years, he grew a large garden of vegetables that he often shared with friends, family, and the local food bank. Robert was very involved with the local soccer in Northwest Indiana, between coaching at Portage High School, playing and refereeing. Robert enjoyed many years of golfing with his friends and brother.

He is survived by his loving children Rebecca (Mark) Murphy, Robert (Diane) L. Laramie, Jr., Jim (Linda) Castaldi, Ken (Beth) Castaldi, Kat (Rob Hultgren) Castaldi, Randi (Thomas) Gift; grandchildren, Brandi Bartman, Kyle (Brianna) Laramie, Anthony Laramie, Stephanie Laramie, Jessi (Jeff) Dewberry, Nathan (Nina) Castaldi, Mike (Jenn) Castaldi, Jason (Alexis Wilson) Castaldi, Christi Dawson, Tara (John) Nicholson, Justin Murphy, Ryan Hanell, Amber (Mitch Williams) Hanell, Drew Hultgren, Eric Hultgren, and Jakob Hultgren; 28 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren; brothers, Ray (Sharon) Laramie, Jack (Pat) Laramie, Ralph (Carol) Laramie; sister, Patricia (Robert) Mareachen.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Marie Laramie; his beloved, wife, Rhea Laramie; his son, Joseph Laramie; sisters, Mary Underwood, Dorothy Gray, and Elizabeth Cooke.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Robert's name may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital or the Portage Township Food Pantry.

Visitation will be held Saturday, January 18, 2025, from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, 5341 Central Ave., Portage. A celebration of Robert's life will take place Saturday at 12:00 pm at the funeral home. He will be laid to rest at McCool Cemetery in Portage. For more information, please call (219) 762-3013. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.