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Robert Bengel Obituary

Robert J. Bengel Westphalia Age 75, loving husband, father, grandfather passed away on Monday, September 27, 2010 as a result of a farm accident. He was born on May 9, 1935 in Fowler, MI the son of Joseph and Hilda (Thelen) Bengel. Robert was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Westphalia, St. Joseph Society, K of C Council #2890 and 4th Degree member of the Fr. Godez Assembly. Bob was a Machine Repairman at G.M. retiring after 37 years and he was a life long farmer who did custom combining on his John Deere for many years. He enjoyed life, playing cards, traveling with his wife, Gladys, going up to Chippewa Lake for fun and fishing and spending time with his friends at the cabin. Most of all, he loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. He had a "hearty laugh", a smile on his face and was willing to help anyone. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Joan Thelen; grandson, Noah Thelen; brothers-in-law, Louis Hengesbach, Robert Platte, and Donald Weber; godson Neil Thelen. Surviving are his wife of 50 years, Gladys; children Kurt (Brenda) Bengel, Gail (Eugene) Spitzley, Joe (Kelly) Bengel, Debbie (Mike) Prince, Angie (Tony) Thelen, all of Westphalia; 17 grandchildren; siblings, Jeanette (Arnie) Pohl, Adeline (Vern) Schneider, Rosie (Jerome) Smith, Rich (Alice) Bengel, Aggie (Charlie) George; brother-in-law, Edgar (Mary Ann) Thelen; Sisters-in-law, Arlene Koster, Evelyn Hengesbach, Mary Ellen (Elvan) Pohl, Beverly Platte, and Diane (Bill) Thelen. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and good friends. The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated by Rev. James Conlon at 10:30 a.m., Friday October 1, 2010 at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Rite of Committal will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery. The family received friends 2-4 and 7-9 p.m., both Wednesday and Thursday at the St. Mary's Funeral Chapel, 210 N. Westphalia St., Westphalia. The rosaries were prayed at 3 and 8 p.m., both days. Arrangements are entrusted to Schrauben-Lehman Funeral Homes, Portland. Online condolences may be made at www.schraubenlehman.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lansing State Journal from Sep. 29 to Oct. 3, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Bengel

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October 10, 2010

Debbie, Gail and family

My deepest sympathy. I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Sue Guggemos

James Drake

October 3, 2010

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

September 29, 2010

Gail, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Dad's are so special and he was loved and well-regarded in your family and community and sounds like a wonderful and great dad. I know you will cherish his memory and he will be in your heart always and forever. You are in my thoughts and prayers, sincerely, K E Porter

Kathy and David Walker

September 29, 2010

Gladys and family
We are truly sorry for your loss of Bobby.He was such a great guy. I've never seen him without that big smile on his face. I remember him for his great sense of humor, and always accepting everyone for who they are. I've known him for many years as I seemed to spend alot of time with Alice and Rich when I was growing up. Just know that he is in our Almighty Father's care. He will be greatly missed. But all your memories will be with you always. God bless you and you family at this time of sorrow.

September 29, 2010

Dear Gail and family - I am so sorry to hear about the sudden and tragic loss of your father. My thoughts and prayers are with you.......I know he must have been special, because our Gail is....Michelle

September 29, 2010

Gladys and Family. We are truly sorry for your loss of Bobby. He was a really great man. I have never seen him without a smile on his face. He was a person who would do anything for anybody. I really admired him as I was growing up, spending time with Alice and Rich. He will be greatly missed. My prayers are with you and your family. Your memories will always be with you. But, we know he is in the hands of our Almighty Father, who has his own plans for Bobby.
Gladys know that I hold a place in my heart for you and your family during this tragic loss of such a wonderful person.
David and Kathy Walker

Jim and MaryAnn Fedewa

September 29, 2010

Gladys and Family,
We're so sorry to hear of the tragic loss of your beloved husband, dad, granddad. Rob was a very great person and he will be missed but know he has earned his reward to be with Our Savior. We wish you our deepest sympathy. May Rob rest in peace this day in Heaven.
Jim and MaryAnn Fedewa

September 29, 2010

To the Robert J. Bengel Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are especially for you during this difficult time. Robert's memories will make you smile and that's what he would want! Everyone knew Robert Bengel and his laugh!

God Bless You,
Dan and Joyce Weber family

September 29, 2010

Gladys and family, We are so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. You have been great neighbors at the lake. He was always a great help when we were having trouble with the boat or anything. We will keep you in our prayers. If there is ever anything we can do, let us know.
Mike, Michelle, Patrick, Matthew, Benjamin, and Jennifer Dake
Mike & Michelle

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