Robert J. Peyla

 Funeral Mass for Robert (Robbie) Peyla, 63, of Biwabik will be held at 11:00 am Monday, February 17, 2025, at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church in Aurora with Father Daniel Hammer celebrating. Visitation will be one hour prior to Mass at the church. Interment will be in the Lakeside Cemetery in Biwabik, with arrangements by Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home of Gilbert.

 Robbie died surrounded by family on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at his home after a long and courageous battle with brain cancer.

 Robbie was born on July 29, 1961, to John and Frances (Korpi) Peyla in Eveleth, MN. Robbie grew up and attended school in Biwabik, graduating from Biwabik High School, Class of 1980. Robbie was united in marriage to Sally Mattson on July 10, 1982, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Biwabik. He was a lifetime resident of Biwabik, where he and Sally raised three children.

 Following high school, Robbie attended Hibbing Technical College, graduating with an associate’s degree in electrical maintenance. Robbie worked for many years at the IGA grocery store in Biwabik, stocking shelves while in high school and working his way up to store manager. Robbie then worked for LTV until its closing in 2000, when he moved to the Cliffs Northshore Mine in Silver Bay and Babbitt, where he worked as a locomotive engineer until his retirement due to illness in 2013.

 Robbie was an EMT in the Biwabik Volunteer Fire Department for 20 years and served as treasurer of the Fireman’s Relief Association. He volunteered with the Biwabik Recreation Department and coached little league baseball and pony league basketball. He was also Parade Director for the Biwabik Calithumpian Parade for several years. 

 Robbie was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother who met everyone with an engaging smile and infectious laugh. He especially loved spending time with his eight grandchildren, whom he adored. An avid outdoorsman, Robbie enjoyed camping, hunting with family and friends at the Peyla shack near Tower, fishing on the Pike River with his father, relaxing with his family on long summer days on Bass Lake, and gardening. He faced his illness with remarkable optimism that impressed even his doctors and encouraged his family. He was courageous and cheerful to the end.

 Survivors include: His wife of 42 years: Sally; three children: Sean (Kristina) Peyla of Lakeland, Andrew (Shaina) Peyla of Lakeland, and Justin (Sarah) Peyla of Embarrass; eight grandchildren: Ariah, Nolan, Cameron, Asher, Chase, Levi, Connor, and Nico; one brother: Paul (Janet) Peyla of Elkridge, Maryland; two sisters: Susie (Tony) Licari of Embarrass and Cathy (Dan) Peterson of Tower; one brother-in-law: Tom Mattson of Lakeland; one sister-in-law: Sue (Rob) Kurak of Lino Lakes; nieces: Danielle Peterson of Lake Vermilion and Anna Peyla of St. Paul; nephews: Ethan (Julia) Kurak of Rochester, Reed Kurak of Lino Lakes, Adam (Sarah) Licari of Wadena, Brent Peterson of Tower, Bradley Peterson of Vermilion Township, James Peyla of Elkridge, Maryland, and John Peyla of Grand Chute, Wisconsin; and numerous aunts and uncles. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Frances Peyla, and his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Eino and Helen Mattson.

 In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.