OBITUARIES

Contributions from four people have been incorporated into this obituary.

The Man, the Myth, the Legend……

Robert L. “Bob” Mirauntz, age 92 did as he always said “I’m only leaving”, which he did so peacefully on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at his Geneva residence with loved ones, at his side. Born at home in Rock Creek, OH. on July 10, 1934 to Emil and Sally E. (Burgett) Mirauntz.

Robert served his country in the US Navy in the 1950’s on the USS Yosemite. He spent 8 years in the Navy, two of those years were active duty.

He was an active member of the Perry, Cork and Thompson United Methodist Church, active in the Kiwanis Club and 4-H. Bob led people to the Lord and to help them choose the right path for their lives. He took young people to the Mountain Top Project and had them help the Appalachians build houses, fix roofs, fences or anything that needed repair. It was a learning experience, that changed these young peoples lives.

He was talented in so many areas such as a Master Machinist, but mostly known for his Carpentry work. Every road you would travel in Ashtabula County you will find some type of carpentry work done by Bob. The mark Bob left, even when he traveled across the states to Four Corners, New Mexico, is still evident.

Associated with the Thompson Methodist Church, was the Four Corners Native American Ministries. Bob felt the calling to go there to build the Battered Women’s Shelter and would return each year as he touched many lives.

Living at his Trumbull home, Bob enjoyed gardening, raising sheep, growing corn, making and baling hay, wood-working, walking in his woods, fishing in his pond, target shooting, hunting along Trumbull Creek, and in later years, became a “stripper” (furniture). Being outdoors brought him such contentment, joy and peace. Bob loved music, his favorite genre was country and bluegrass. He really liked the songs “The Yellow Rose of Texas” and “My Way”.

Bob was a very simple man ( like quiet waters --- that runs very deep)-- he didn’t need any frills—but offered so much, to those who were willing to listen. A running joke was that he should have a sign offering philosophical advice. He was a steward of goodwill and gesture, kind-hearted, not judgmental and accepted people as they were, never holding a grudge. Bob valued all living things and loved to feed his “critters” daily, taking time to enjoy their beauty. He taught that we all serve a purpose. As Bob would say, “it’s the simple things in life that matter most”.

Bob smoked a pipe for many years and people were drawn to the smell of his pipe as it brought back favorite memories. You could always find Bob by following the smell of his pipe.

He honored his Native American Heritage of coming from the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Martha’s Vineyard) – as they were the first Indians to meet and help the Pilgrims to survive and live in this new land.

Bob lived his belief as he walked hand in hand with Mother Earth. Creator ( God) made the Earth (air, water, soil,) to sustain our lives and we need to protect it. In Bob's view, all the living things had a spirit, since God himself is a spirit. Bob’s spirit connected with Mother Earth and Mother Nature as he took care of the birds and wild life.

Many people may know Bob as “the Bear Spirit”, which means Strength, Healing, Courage, Protection, Introspection, Renewal.== all which define Bob. The bear is called “mato” represents a blend of physical strength, deep knowledge, and a balance between aggressive power and gentle care. Bob looked forward to the Pow Wows – a gathering/reunion to renew friendships and to be encouraged in strength.

Survived by his Soul-Mate, Cora Walker; Shirley Mirauntz, the Mother of their children, Jeanne (Tom) Higgins; Debbie (Dana) Browning, all of Geneva.

Remembering also many relatives; friends; the every-day-friends (Leah, Diane, Tippy, Chuck, Susan, Josh, Cousin Doug) as he traveled along his journey of life.

Preceded: His Parents; His Brother, Richard Mirauntz; his canine companions, Lexie, Foxy, Rosina, Bear

Bob lived a life well lived, and his daughters have years full of wonderful memories, many adventures and laughs. He will be greatly missed. He is with his Saviour, Jesus Christ, in his spiritual home, and has finished his race. Love is eternal. His spirit is free.

Special thanks and much gratitude and love to Cora, Leah, Adoration Hospice and to all his friends that came to visit him and made his days a little brighter.

At Bob’s request, there will be no calling hours or funeral.

To honor his memory, plant a tree or feed the birds.

Please share your “ BOBisms “ Your favorite Bob sayings.

From Bob:

“Walk in balance”

“You never say goodbye, but see ya”

“Powder and paint makes a woman what she ain’t”

“As long as you have a good input & output, you have the world by the ass”

“It’s mind over matter, if you don’t mind, it don’t matter”

“Do whatever the hell you want to do”

“You’re never happy, just content”

“There are birds in my cup……swallows”

“There is a crack in my coffee cup…………because it is empty”