NORTH WEBSTER – Robert “Bob” Max Bernthal, 82, Leesburg, went to be with the Lord at 4:15 a.m. March 3, 2014, in Mason Healthcare & Rehab, Warsaw. He was born Dec. 9, 1931, in Stuttgart, Ark., to the Rev. Herbert T. and Lorena Bernthal. He was married to his wife of 25 years, JoAnn, who preceded him in death. He 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, New Jersey, for two years, and later lived in Oregon, California, Arkansas, Washington, Arizona and finally Indiana. His quick wit and contagious smile brightened anyone's day and he 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 the University of Santa Clara as the materials control manager. 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. 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 boardwalk and 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 he was an avid landscaper. He also was quite the handyman and had a knack for fixing anything, including making a clock run backward. He was an excellent baseball, basketball, tennis, table tennis and pool player, enjoyed horseback riding in Idaho 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 was a beloved son, brother, father, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather, husband and a friend to many. Surviving are his daughter, Marci Bernthal Perry; two stepdaughters, Maureen Walker and Dawn (and spouse Shannon) Crites; four grandchildren: Travis Robert Cardoza, Joshua (and spouse Lacey) Roy, Malyssa McNeel and Shayleen Crites; two great-grandchildren, Ali and Aiden Roy; his brother, Herbert “Bud” (and spouse Shirl) Bernthal Jr., Arkansas; a sister, Mary Lou Aston, Connecticut; many nieces and nephews; and his dearest friend, Wylie Rouse. He was also preceded in death by his parents and sister and brother-in-law, Dorothy "Dott" and Don Benson, Arkansas. Services will be at a later date. Owen Family Funeral Home & Monuments, North Webster, is in charge of arrangements. ***** Memorials to a charity of donor’s choice. Condolences may be sent via Tributes.com or www.owenfamilyfuneralhome.com
