Robert W. Trudeau

Bob was the youngest of three brothers and both of his parents were deaf. He learned sign language at an early age. His father, Archie, passed away when he was 9 yrs. old, and his family struggled financially thereafter.

Bob graduated from Ironwood High School in 1959 and enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving in Germany in 1960-61.

Upon his return, he entered college, graduating with a BBA from Northland College in 1965, and an MBA from Michigan State University in 1966. During his college years, he married the late Anna Tapio Slade, also from Ironwood (Erwin Township). They had their first child, Todd, in 1963, and second child, Laurie, in 1968.

The early years of Bob’s career focused on sales and marketing of industrial products for General Electric, Ansul, and A.O. Smith. In 1974, he left industry to accept a position as V.P. of Sales and Marketing for Detroit and Northern Savings and Loan of Hancock, thus enabling his children’s upbringing to occur near family in the Upper Peninsula. In 1981, Bob relocated to Illinois where he met his dearest, Betty Jaenicke, and in 1985 they were married. In the latter part of his career, he rose to leadership, first as V.P. of A.O. Smith Water Products Division, then President of Robert Shaw Controls, and lastly, President of American Water Heater Co. of Johnson City, Tennessee. He was a great negotiator and very successful leader of industrial companies, all of which improved greatly in competitiveness and profitability under his leadership. Bob was also a loving father who spent time with his children and taught them his values. He enjoyed the great outdoors via hunting, fishing, and motorcycling, as well as running and hiking. Bob and Betty also enjoyed their retirement years in Johnson City and Largo. Florida. His life is a great American success story.

Robert is survived by his beloved wife, Betty; two children, Todd Trudeau (Betty Ann) of Menominee, Michigan, and Laurie Contratto (Tom) of Niceville, Florida; three step-children, Alan Jaenicke (Kris) of Bourbonnais, Illinois, Cathy Jaenicke (John) of Kankakee, Illinois, and Marie Jaenicke of San Antonio, Texas; three grandchildren, Robert, Sophia, and Liza; eight step-grandchildren, and five great step-grandchildren; two brothers, Walter Trudeau of Janesville, Wisconsin, and Alvin Trudeau (Marilyn) of Novi, Michigan; many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his uncle and mentor Vaino Enkkeli of Hurley, Wisconsin, and his first wife, Anna. He will be greatly missed, but his legacy will live on.

A Celebration of Life for Robert will be held in Ironwood, Michigan in the summer. The burial will be in the Ironwood Cemetery per his request.

This obituary was lovingly written by the family.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.tetrickfuneralservices.com.

Tetrick Funeral Services, Johnson City, is honored to serve the Trudeau family (423-610-7171).