Robert P. “Bob” Bendele, 87, of Ottoville, passed away at 9:07 p.m. on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at Mercy Health St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima. He was born April 22, 1937, in Ottoville, to the late Gilbert and Amelia (Knippen) Bendele. On September 5, 1960, he married Arlene Kroeger, who survives in Ottoville. Bob is also survived by four children: Mike (Jennifer) Bendele, Dan (Sue) Bendele, Jim (Terri) Bendele, and Sherri (Joel) Edelbrock, all of Ottoville; ten grandchildren: Drew Bendele, Seth (Rachel) Bendele, Anna Bendele, Megan (Kyle) Evers, Kyle (Carly) Bendele, Rachelle (Austin) Selhorst, Ryan Bendele, Kambrie Edelbrock, Caden Edelbrock, Kylin Edelbrock; four great-granddaughters; a sister: Ruth Romer of St. Henry; and a brother-in-law: Bill Igel of Columbus. Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by a sister, Jean Igel; and a brother-in-law, Al Romer. Bob was the retired owner of Ottoville Hardware and Furniture Co. He was a 1955 graduate of Ottoville High School and attended the University of Dayton and Ohio Northern University. Bob had served with the Ohio Air National Guard. He was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ottoville. Bob was a former member of the Ottoville Lions Club, as well as the Immaculate Conception Parish Council. He was also a member of the Ottoville VFW. Bob was a huge fan of the Boston Celtics and Boston Red Socks, and he loved cheering for Big Green Basketball.
He loved traveling with his family. Bob had an amazing work ethic and a passion for helping Ottoville and surrounding communities. Funeral Mass will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 17, 2024, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ottoville with Very Reverend George Mahas officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. A visitation will be held on Wednesday from 2 to 8 p.m. and again on Thursday from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. at LOVE-HEITMEYER FUNERAL HOME, Jackson Township. Memorial contributions may be made to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church or a charity of the donor’s choice. Condolences may be expressed at www. lovefuneralhome.com
