Robert Keith Dentel

Robert Keith Dentel, age 82, of Ida Michigan, passed away peacefully in his home on Saturday, March 20, 2021. Born to Harold J. Dentel and Florence Mae (Cosner) Dentel on September 7, 1938. Bob was the 5th of ten children raised to value family and hard work. He attended Lulu School and Ida School. His life was centered around a strong faith in God, and he served as a member of Lulu and Grace United Methodist Churches. It was at Church Youth Fellowship that Bob met Nancy Stiles, the love of his life. They were married on June 9, 1962, and raised two children in Ida, across the road from the family farm. They celebrated 36 years of marriage before her passing in 1998, and he spoke of what a glorious reunion it would be when they would meet again. Bob was an avid gardener, a lifelong farmer, and worked as a set-up man for 40 years at General Motors in Toledo before retiring in 1998. In his retirement, he became well known for his cookie baking. Bob loved fishing, the thrill of U of M Football, and spending time with family. He found joy in helping others and even in his final days he asked, “Is there anything I can do for you?” He created strong bonds with everyone he met and the love he had for the four who called him “Grandpa Bob” was incredible. He expressed how blessed he was, and all who knew him felt just as blessed.

He is survived by a son, Keith (Carla Nichols) Dentel; a daughter, Susan (Brian) Porter; grandsons, Stephen Porter, David (Abby) Porter, Matthew (Stephanie) Porter, Andrew Porter; brothers, Richard (Janet) Dentel, James (Sue) Dentel, Dean Dentel; sisters, Phyllis (Norbert) Sedelbauer, Janice Simon, Ruth Stoianowski, Jean Rorke; sister-in-law, Carolyn Bair; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Nancy; in-laws Calvin (Carrie) Stiles; brothers, John (Josephine) Dentel; sisters, Sharon (Charles) Sullins; brothers-in-law, Bernard Simon, Paul Stoianowski, Larry Rorke.

In-person services for Robert will be private. A taped version of the services will be available later. Please contact the family for a private link.

All family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life Gathering at noon on June 26th at the home of Robert Dentel.

Memorial contributions can be made to Lulu United Methodist Church.