Robert "Bobby" P. Jetty

Robert Paul Jetty, known by his friends and family as Bobby, passed away on Wednesday, October 20, 2021 at Eventide Devils Lake Care Center at the age of 84. He was born on July 12, 1937 to Rose (Morin) and Max Jetty, and was raised on their farmstead in the St. Michael area. He attended primary and secondary school at St. Michael’s Little Flower School at the mission. He enrolled in the US Air Force when he turned 18 and served until July of 1956. After returning home he met and soon after married Doris Ann Davidson in 1957. Bobby and Doris had five sons, and years after their marriage ended he fathered a daughter and son with Elizabeth Poorbear. He lived his life close to his family, never leaving the Devils Lake and Spirit Lake area.

Bobby was a good natured and kind hearted man, and he had many friends. In his early years he developed a passion for music, taking guitar lessons and honing his singing skills with a desire to perform. He joined a group of fellow musicians from the reservation and formed the Rhythm Chiefs, playing engagements all over the local area and beyond. Bobby was also sought after for solo performances frequently. He was famous among his fans for his rendition of Muleskinner Blues by Jimmie Rodgers. While playing concerts in the early days of Elvis and The Beatles, it was not uncommon to see girls screaming and crying at Bobby’s performances. 

Bobby was an avid outdoorsman and loved fishing and hunting. He was also a man of many talents, and worked as a farmhand on the Jetty farm and as a carpenter and handyman over the years after leaving the farm. He was a philosophical man and had a knack for making his own rules. He lived a humble life full of enjoyment and laughter. He was also a respectful man, especially towards the elders and their beliefs and customs. He was considered a family member in many homes throughout the area over the years. In his later years he earned the nickname of “Jesus” among the younger generation of the reservation for his likeness and no doubt his good-natured disposition. His generosity was boundless and he cared deeply for family.

Bobby is survived by his children with Doris; Jamey, Vernon, Robert Jr., William, and Dean; by his children with Elisabeth: Connie and John: by his siblings Billy Joshua, Eunice (and David) Davidson, Ella Isackson, Joseph Blackboy, Christine Colley; and by his niece Janet Whiteside; along with many grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents Rose and Max Jetty, sister Rebecca Geezer, siblings Stanley and Richie Abraham and Joseph Blackboy, and by his granddaughter Leann Jetty.

Active Pall Bearers for his funeral service include Bobby’s sons Jamey, Robert Jr., William, and Dean and his grandsons Chris and Jonathan Jetty. Honorary Pall bearers include Ole and Marie Olson, Dave and Eunice Davidson, Joann Miller, Elaine Robinson, the Jetty family, the Green family, the Morin family, the DuBois family, and the Joshua family.

Visitation will be held at St. Michael's Catholic Church, St. Michael ND on Friday, October 29, 2021 beginning at 9:00 a.m. with a time of sharing at 10:30 a.m. and Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m.  The procession to St. Michael will leave at 8:30 a.m. on Friday from City Plaza.  Military Honors will be accorded by the Spirit Lake Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #6547. 

Special thanks go out to Eventide Care Center, Gilbertson Funeral Home, Spirit Lake Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #6547, Father Paul Schuster of St. Michaels Catholic Church, Spirit Lake Nation Drum Group, and Robert Jetty Jr. for special music.