Robert Bo Max Bernthal

On March 3, 2014, at 4:15 a.m. (EST), Robert "Bob" Max Bernthal, 82 years old of Leesburg, Ind., residing at Mason Healthcare & Rehab in Warsaw, Ind., went to be with our Lord. Bob was born on Dec. 9, 1931, in Stuttgart, Ark., to the Rev. Herbert T. and Lorena Bernthal, and was the youngest of four children. He grew up and attended St. John's Lutheran School in Stuttgart where he graduated from High School. During his life, he lived in Panama, served in the Air Force at Camp Kilmer, N.J., two years and later lived in Oregon, California, Arkansas, Washington, Arizona, and finally, Indiana. His quick wit and contagious smile brightened anyone's day, having had many friends both in and out of the workplace. Some of his most memorable jobs were Aerojet, Magnuson Engineers, Me-n-Ed's Pizza and University of Santa Clara as the Materials Control Manager in California. His Lutheran faith carried him throughout his life, and he loved being a part of the Lutheran Church and choir. It always gave him great joy in lending a helping hand to others. His love of Eagles and an eclectic taste in music was evident whenever spending time with Him. He had a passion for photography and extensive love of the outdoors — often going on weekend trips and road trip adventures throughout the United States. He enjoyed visiting family often, playing cards with close friends, people-watching at the Santa Cruz Boardwalk, relaxing in the Santa Cruz mountains, and the serenity of the Ozarks. He had a talent for art — whether it be sketching, constructing things or making mosaic sculptures/furniture and was an avid landscaper. He also was quite the handyman and had a knack for fixing anything, including making a clock run backwards. He was an excellent baseball, basketball, tennis, table tennis and pool player, enjoyed horseback riding in Idaho, going shooting and attending car races with his Daughter. He loved being with his Daughter, Grandchildren, Great-grandchildren and his greatest love of 25 years, his wife, JoAnn. They were inseparable and both were blessed to have each other. He will be greatly missed but will be in our hearts Forever and Always. ... Heaven is now a little brighter. Beloved Son, Brother, Father, Uncle, Grandfather, Great-grandfather, Husband and a Friend to many, he is survived by his Daughter, Marci Bernthal Perry; stepdaughters, Maureen Walker and Dawn (Shannon) Crites; grandchildren, Travis Robert Cardoza, Joshua and Lacey Roy, Malyssa McNeel and Shayleen Crites; great-grandchildren, Ali and Aiden Roy; His Brother and Sister-in-law, Herbert "Bud" and Shirl Bernthal Jr. of Arkansas; Sister, Mary Lou Aston of Connecticut; along with his many nieces and nephews; and his dearest Friend, Wylie Rouse. He is preceded in death by his Father and Mother, the Rev. Herbert T. and Lorena Bernthal Sr.; Sister and Brother-in-law, Dorothy "Dott" and Don Benson of Arkansas; along with his Wife, JoAnn Bernthal of Indiana. A private Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Memorial bequests may be given to a charity of the donor's choice and the family welcomes any comments on Tributes.com. --Written by his Daughter, Marci.