Obituaries

Robert Paul Aldrich, age 82, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, died on January 4, 2026, at Marquette General Hospital in Marquette, Michigan. He was born on November 5, 1943, in Sault Ste. Marie to Paul and Virginia (McCondra) Aldrich.

Robert was a graduate of Sault Area High School and Central Michigan University. After completing his Master of Arts degree, he returned home to the Sault and purchased his childhood home from his parents, so they were able to retire to Florida. Bob taught at Sault Area High School and Lake Superior State University. In 1991, Bob married Dawn Marie (Curtis) Sare and they both continued working for Sault Area Public Schools until their retirement.

Bob was very active in several musical groups over the years as both a singer and accompanist. He was active in the Sault Historical Society, Salvation Army, Hospice of the EUP, Episcopal Diocese of Northern Michigan, local ministerial groups, Michigan Retired Teachers, Stars, Music in the Park, The Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, Whitefish Point Lighthouse and other local organizations. He was a music director and played the organ at St. James Episcopal Church for over forty years. He taught organ and piano to many individuals and shared his love of music and his talent throughout the area. Bob was ordained an Episcopal Priest at St. James in 2006. He was always eager to serve and contribute to his community. He practiced his faith by respecting others with love and patience and suppressed his personal feelings to avoid confrontations.

Bob enjoyed traveling and especially enjoyed the times he took his French classes to France and Quebec sharing its history and culture. He and Dawn traveled to Alaska, New York, France, Hawaii, and made numerous visits to his parents in Florida.

Bob is survived by his “son”, Dennis (Lesa) Vierra, step-children, Donald (Michele Fritz) Sare, Jr., Debra Weinrick, and Doug Sare; grandchildren, Caylee (Adam) Anderson, Lauren (Jacob) Clouse, Daniel (Erika) Weinrick, Rachel Weinrick, Brian Sare, Caitlin (Max) Bauer, and Lucy (Kole) Hale; and great-grandchildren, Wyatt Anderson, Blayke Anderson, Lucia Anderson, Elizabeth Weinrick, Emma Weinrick, Myles Bauer, Nora Bauer, and Blake Hale.

Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Dawn; and his parents, Paul and Virginia.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2026, from 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon at St. James Episcopal Church, 533 Bingham Ave., Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783, where he was both the priest and organist. The Funeral Service will begin at 12:00 Noon. A reception/luncheon will immediately follow at the First United Presbyterian Church, 555 Bingham Ave, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783.

Interment will be at Riverside Cemetery in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Bob to the Chippewa Animal Shelter, 3660 S. Mackinac Trail, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783, Chippewa County Historical Society, 115 Ashmun Street, Sault Ste. Marie, or the St. James Episcopal Church, 533 Bingham Ave, Sault Ste. Marie.

Condolences may be given to the family at www.familylifefh.com.