Robert Merrill Ehrenberger

Robert M. Ehrenberger (Bob), a treasured husband, father, and man of faith, passed away at the age of 81 in Lansing, Michigan, on June 18, 2024, after a brief battle with lung cancer. He was born on April 18, 1943, and spent his formative years on the south side of Long Lake in Traverse City, Michigan, where he was raised by his parents, Jake and Dorothy Ehrenberger.
Bob's life was marked by service and dedication. After graduating from Traverse City High School, he joined the Air Force, where he was sent to Syracuse University to study the Czech language. He proudly served four years of active duty as a linguist in Darmstadt, Germany. Following his time in the Air Force, Bob graduated from Michigan State University. He then embarked on a successful career at General Motors as a quality engineer, where his sharp mind and problem-solving skills shone until his retirement.
Alongside his professional accomplishments, Bob found his greatest joy in his family and faith. He had two children, Robert J. (Rob) and Lisa, from his first marriage. In 1979, he married Chris (Hurth), his devoted wife of 45 years, and together they had three children, Anne, Mark, and Carly. Bob found joy, comfort, and community as an active member of St. Gerard Church. He could often be found volunteering at the church and school, lending a helping hand wherever needed and especially wherever Chris "nudged" him.
Bob's passions were diverse and enriching. An avid hunter, Bob would eagerly anticipate his annual hunting trips with his brothers and sons every November. He was a dedicated Michigan State fan, holding season football tickets for many years. He loved watching sports, and his favorites were anything his son Mark was playing, including basketball, football, and MSU Lacrosse. Bob enjoyed delving into history, particularly World War II and airplanes. This passion was reflected in his nickname, "Thunderbolt Lad," that inspired the name of his father's WWII aircraft. In his leisure time, Bob enjoyed cooking (yes, Chris will have to do the cooking now), music, reading, crossword puzzles, poker nights with friends, playing the lottery, and trivia. In his later years, Bob cherished simple pleasures like tirelessly walking his dog Katie and going out to lunch with his wonderful neighbors. He also discovered fulfillment in his work at Range 517.
Bob will be remembered for his easy going and optimistic attitude, his devotion to his wife, his pride in his children, his unwavering faith, his intelligence, his commitment to his church and community, and his cheerful and kind smile.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy and Jake Ehrenberger, as well as his birth father, Bob Barkey. He is survived by his loving wife, Chris Ehrenberger; his children Rob Ehrenberger, Lisa Ehrenberger, Anne (Kevin Deem) Ehrenberger, Mark (Kelli) Ehrenberger, and Carly Ehrenberger; Grandchildren Benjamin, Cali, and Adam Ehrenberger, Michael and William Ehrenberger, and Alexander and Benjamin Deem; his siblings Don (Kathy) Ehrenberger, Shelley Ehrenberger, Ed (Joni) Ehrenberger, Eric (Elizabeth) Barkey, Susan (P.D.) Ristau, Patricia (Rick) Carlson, and Douglas (Linda) Barkey, as well as numerous relatives and friends who will miss him and cherish his memory.
Visitation will be held at Palmer, Bush & Jensen Family Funeral Homes Delta Chapel on Thursday, June 20 from 5:00pm-8:00pm with a Rosary being prayed at 7:00pm. The Funeral Mass will be held at 1:30pm at St. Gerard Catholic Church with Fr. John Klein as celebrant. Interment will immediately follow the Mass at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Brain Tumor Association. https://www.abta.org/, reflecting his belief that "No One Fights Alone."