Robert Carl Delker

Robert Carl Delker, 88, of Temperance, MI, died on Monday, January 12, 2026, in the home where he grew up, under the care of Heartland Hospice and Taylor’s Homecare - Heart to Home. He was surrounded by family and friends. Cremation has occurred. Friends and family may visit Capaul Funeral Home (Ida, MI) on Friday, January 30, 2026, from 2 PM to 8 PM. Robert’s memorial will take place at Capaul Funeral Home on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 9 AM, with the service commencing at 10 AM. The burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park (La Salle, MI) immediately after the memorial service. Bishop Joseph W. Stull Sr. will officiate the memorial.

Better known as Bob, he was born on August 28, 1937, in Monroe, MI, the son of Ralph and Martha (Bower) Delker. He graduated from Ida High School in 1955, where he held football running back records for decades. Bob then attended Michigan State University from 1955 to 1957, playing football on what he affectionately referred to as the “rinky-dink squad.” After the distance from his hometown sweetheart became too much to bear, he left college, returned home, and married the love of his life, Carol Lee Hoppert, on May 31, 1958, at East Ida Immanuel Lutheran Church in Monroe, MI. That same year, he and his new bride purchased his mother's gas station on the corner of Morocco Road and Lewis Avenue.

For the next 45 years, they worked tirelessly to transform the three-bay gas station into a dedicated six-bay automotive repair center.  Bob invested in a grassroots workforce, hiring young individuals willing to work and training them into dedicated professionals. The old saying at the shop was, “If you hang around for more than 15 minutes, you will be put to work!”  He accepted all as family.

Bob was an entrepreneur, a devoted father and husband, a community leader, and a committed Christian. He was a member of Stewart Road Church of God (Monroe, MI) and was heavily involved in their youth ministry. Most recently, he became a beloved member of the historic Morocco Road United Brethren Church.  At one time, he was also part of the Ida Township Planning Commission, advocating for smaller parcels of land to allow new families to move into Ida Township while enabling farmers to retain the majority of their land.

Work was his passion, and the guys would always cringe at his saying, “It’s a good day to work!” Bob enjoyed hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, dirt biking, and watching Ida football throughout his life. Boating with his brother and family on Lake Erie, as well as with his brother-in-law and family on Clark Lake, were experiences he cherished deeply.

And most who knew him,  knew one more passion… his sweet tooth!

Bob was a man with a LION'S HEART, a true LOCAL LEGEND. He always fought for the weak, protected what he loved, and stood up for what he believed. He taught us all how to love, laugh, and work, never letting us forget the man above.

At 88, he will be missed.

Survivors include his wife, Carol; his son, Rodney (Cheryl) Delker; his daughter, Rev. Cheryl (Bishop Joe) Stull; his son, Randal (Wendy) Delker; and his daughter, Cyndi (Douglas) Spotts. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Connie (Arnie), Joe Jr. (Niki), Becky, Chelsea (Art), Gavin (Amanda), Devon, Cameron, and Landon, along with his nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Dale, his sister Jean Vergiels, and an infant brother, Richard.

GOD SPEED, DAD…WE LOVE YOU...   White Knight… out.

Memorial contributions can be made to Morocco United Brethren Church (Temperance, MI).