Robert C. Symons Sr., age 87, of Bessemer, passed away on Thursday, July 27, 2017 at Gogebic Medical Center in Wakefield. He was born October 12, 1929 in Ironwood, the son of the late Philip and Kate (Nichols) Symons. Robert attended Luther L. Wright High School, graduating with the Class of 1947. He served in the U.S. Army from October 8, 1948 to October 7, 1949 with the Company A, 15th Infantry Regiment. On May 24, 1952 he married Lois M. Ellis at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Ironwood. Robert worked for over 30 years as a machinist at the White Pine Mines. He also owned and operated his own repair shop known as "Symons Machine Shop" in Bessemer for many years. He loved to tinker'' in his shop and manufactured his own wood processor. In his younger years, he was a coach for the Bessemer Little League. Robert was a proud supporter of the Green Bay Packers. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Lois; two sons, Robert (Wendy) Symons Jr. of Bessemer, and John (Yvonne) Symons of Richfield, MN; his daughter, Nancy Blodgett of Superior, WI; his grandchildren, Kayla, Kyle and Joseph Blodgett, Lonnie (Dawn) and Douglas Niemi, Dana (Kevin) Rodriguez, Ian, Nicole, and Courtney Symons; and many great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his daughter, Karen Niemi; five sisters, June Symons, Betty Pollari, Doris Wertanen, Beverly Schirmacher and Darla Lazowski; and his brother, Philip Symons. A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 5, 2017 at the Frick-Zielinski Funeral Home in Bessemer. Pastor Jean Rencontre will officiate. Robert''s family will receive relatives and friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home on Saturday. Full Military Rites will be accorded by American Legion Post #27 and VFW Post #3673 combined Honor Guard of Bessemer.