Dr. Robert O. Nara
September 18, 2015Share using:
Bootjack: Dr. Robert Owen Nara, DDS, 79, of Bootjack, passed away on September 18, 2015 at The Houghton County Medical Care Facility after a long illness.
Robert was born on October 10, 1935 in Detroit, a son of William O. and May (Monk) Nara. He was a 1953 graduate of Lake Linden-Hubbell High School. He attended Michigan State, and graduated from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry in 1959.
He was married to Ruth Kersch on June 22, 1957 in Staunton, VA.
Robert enlisted in the U.S. Navy serving a 10 year commitment in the Dental Corp, being the Navy’s first specialist in Preventive Dentistry. He returned to the area 1961 to open a dental practice in Houghton. He started the Oramedics Program of stopping the cause of cavities and gum disease, while allowing the cavities to heal and healthy gums to grow back. He lectured on this concept internationally.
Together with his wife, Ruth, they wrote many books. Their lifetime motto was: “Generosity, common sense, and always do the right thing.” They donated the land that would become the Nara Nature Park in Houghton. Robert served on many boards throughout the community. He was very generous and truly wanted to make the world a better place.
He was an avid forester. He enjoyed his property in Bootjack and improving the health of the trees there. He always had a positive attitude and was loved by many.
He was preceded in death by: his parents, two sons-Dr. William O. and Dr. David A. and a brother-John Nara.
He is survived by: his wife-Ruth; a daughter-Susan (Michael) Lutz of Houghton; 7 grandchildren-Tyler Nara, Tiffany (Dane) Kelly, Brent Nara, Ross Nara, Thomas Nara, Danielle (Cole) Herning, Travis Smith; 5 great-grandchildren; a brother-in-law-Donald (Anita) Kersch; and other relatives.
The funeral service will be at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday September 24, 2015 at Saints Peter and Paul Lutheran Church in Houghton with Pastor Aaron Gehrke officiating. Visitation will occur from 9 to 11 A.M. at the church prior to the funeral.
Burial will be at Lake View Cemetery. Pearce funeral home of Lake Linden is assisting the family with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers or other expressions of sympathy, the family suggests donations to the Nara Animal Shelter or Sts. Peter and Paul Lutheran Church.
Online condolences may be left at pearcefuneralhome.com