Robert G. Montavon

Robert George Montavon, 86, of Port Charlotte, Florida, formerly of Grand Rapids, Minnesota, passed away on March 11, 2026. Born on July 13, 1939, in Sublette, Illinois, Bob was raised on a farm in North Central Illinois near West Brooklyn by his parents, Fred and Dorothy (Hoerner) Montavon.

In high school he met the love of his life, Lavonne Bonnell, and they married on December 31, 1960. A proud U.S. Army veteran, Bob carried a lifelong passion for fishing that began during childhood summers in northern Minnesota. In 1965 he fulfilled a promise to Lavonne by moving the family to Minneapolis, eventually settling in Grand Rapids, where he built a successful career in the automotive industry. He worked as a parts manager before taking the opportunity to sell oil and lubricants in northern Minnesota. Later, he and Lavonne purchased the Ford dealership in Coleraine and built a new Ford store in Grand Rapids, operating the business together for thirty years until their retirement.

Bob’s greatest joys were his family, friends, his beloved pug Spanky, fishing, and his faith. After retiring, he and Lavonne discovered their next favorite fishing spot at Burnt Store Marina in Punta Gorda, Florida, where he spent thirty rewarding years on Charlotte Harbor and became known as an expert fisherman. His summers were happily spent guiding fishermen at the Hook’n Horn on Rowan Lake in Ontario, a place filled with cherished memories. He and Lavonne shared many wonderful travels and adventures with dear friends.

He is survived by his wife of sixty-five years, Lavonne, and their four children: Lori (Dan) Petermeier, Sheri (Jeff) Wright, Jodi (Peter) Brazerol, and Dan (Jacque) Montavon. He also leaves behind his grandchildren Tiffany (Sam) Decker, Kelsey (Jay) Anderson, Gina (Bryan) Weber, Lauren (Eric) Peterson, Jacob Wright, Dakoda, Angel Johni, Bailee, Ryker (Jadae) Brazerol, and Robbie (Meghan) Montavon, as well as great-grandchildren Jack, Blake, Gracie, Oliver, Noah, Sawyer, Violet, Felix, and Sullivan.