Robert Richard Gillenkirk

Robert Richard Gillenkirk, 78, passed away on April 12, 2025, in Chiefland, Florida. He was born on February 8, 1947, in Toledo, Ohio.

Robert was the son of Bernard and Freida Gillenkirk. He grew up in Monroe, Michigan,and attended Monroe Catholic Central High School. He began losing his sight as a teen. He never let it slow him down. He was fiercely independent his whole life until Parkinsons and Dementia stole it from him.

His favorite comment was “We are all just here to have fun!” His love for language and literature led him to study English at Eastern Michigan University. Throughout his life, Robert remained deeply rooted in his Catholic faith.

Robert had a remarkable gift for humor. Whether sharing a clever joke or offering a warm smile, he brought joy to those around him.

He was employed by General Motors for almost 25 years until his retirement in August, 2006. As a 2nd job he did Foot Reflexology. He always wanted to be helpful. Robert was also a talented vocalist who shared his love of music through his participation in the General Motors Employees Chorus, later known as The Motor City Chorale. He found great enjoyment in simple pleasures: listening to University of Michigan games on theradio and watching episodes of The Rifleman.

Robert’s legacy lives on through his loving family. He is survived by his daughters Cynthia Gillenkirk-Steanhouse (Mervin), and Jeannette Vander Putten (Paul); his sister Joyce Miller (Michael); grandchildren Larry Lewis, Jr (Leah), Michael Dieckmann, Alexander Gillenkirk, and Jenna Steanhouse, and great-grandsons Dean Lewis and Elijah Lewis. He also had many nephews and nieces. He had many friends including his special friend Eileen Parmenter.

He now joins those who passed before him: his beloved wife Mary Rahaim Gillenkirk; brother Michael Gillenkirk; brother-in-law Michael Miller; sister Linda Gwinn; grandson Jordan Waldo Vander Putten; son-in-law Mervin Steanhouse, and parents Bernard and Freida Gillenkirk.

May the memory of Robert Richard Gillenkirk bring comfort to all who knew him and continue to inspire smiles for years to come.