Robert Maxime Asselin a.k.a Aslin departed this life (8th day of January, 2015) at the age of 91 years having been born 07/11/1923 in Calumet, Michigan’s ‘Copper Country’ on the shores of Lake Superior. His parents Maxime and Margaret Asselin were of French Canadian descent. Asselin and Ancelin’s were of the first 40 families to arrive and permanently settle the ‘New World’ on an island in the St. Lawrence River in the early 1600’s. In his own words, these were his life accomplishments:
‘I entered service in August ’42 as Active Reservist, Corps of Engineers at Michigan Tech., Houghton, Mich. Had basic training in ’43 & OCS in ’44 at Ft. Belvoir, VA. Received B.S. degree from Michigan Tech. between training sessions. In July ’44, assigned to Co. C., 56th Arm’d Engr. Bn., 11th Armored Div. as platoon leader at Camp Cook, CA. Shipped out with Division from NYPE in Sept. ’44. Continued training at Melksham, England until crossing Channel to Cherbourg, Dec. ’44. Made dash to Belgium to help stem German Ardennes “Bulge” attack. Fought through Luxembourg, Germany & Austria in support of various CCR units. Participated in liberation & cleanup of Mauthausen/ Gusen concentration camps and reconstruction of Austrian transportation/ rehabilitation/ housing.
Left Division in July; reassigned to 1277 Combat Engr. Bn., at Grundisee, Austria, training for Japanese Mainland invasion. Thank God for VJ Day, we were spared the inevitable.
Transferred to 467th Engr.depot Co. in Linz, Austria and late in ’45 became Company Commander of this major USFA supply base. Fell in love with Austria during this one year stay. Returned to States in May ’46, was discharged and married Ellen Norman in August ’46.
After a 40 year career with Rexnord Inc., I retired in 1987 and continue living in Brookfield, WI. Ellen and I keep busy traveling about the world plus keeping in touch with our four sons (James, Richard, Thomas, William) and a daughter (Maureen) who are scattered across the eastern U.S. and Canada.’
From the family:
We thank you for being a good provider, strict but fair, giving us the opportunity for each of us to grow and follow a path of our own choosing. We also want you to be remembered for your other accomplishments of heart research, board of director volunteerism, civic pride and giving.