Robert Dahnke

Robert Dahnke was a man of integrity and faith, fervent in his love for God and his beloved family. He was patient and happy, faithful and kind. The richness of his life was measured not in things but in the people he held dear. Neither hobbies nor outside interests deterred him from his commitments as husband, father and grandfather. His needs were simple and, in the embrace of those he loved, Robert was most content.

Robert was among those who have been called the Greatest Generation of Americans who survived economic depression, met the challenge of war and valued duty and sacrifice. He was the oldest of seven children born to Clarence and Helen (Goudzwaard) Dahnke on October 29, 1926 in Detroit, Michigan. Though the major industry in Detroit was auto manufacturing, Bob’s father made his living as a book binder and, when he came of age, Bob followed suit.

Because he was the oldest child, Bob assumed many responsibilities in his family. He left school in the 10th grade and went to work with his father in the book bindery. However, shortly after his 18th birthday, Bob was drafted into the U.S. Army toward the end of WW II. He was assigned to serve in the Pacific theater, but as his unit was headed to Japan, a stunning announcement was made that the war was over! It must have taken Bob’s family by surprise as well, because they had not informed him that they had moved. When he returned to Detroit, he discovered his family no longer lived in the same house, but after a brief search they were reunited.

Another change in Bob’s life came as a result of his dutifulness to his mother and eagerness to drive a car. Mrs. Dahnke had a friend in Grand Rapids, whom she visited on occasion, and Bob drove her. The woman had a daughter named Geraldine “Geri” Tolsma, and quite naturally, Bob and Geri got to talking as their mothers visited. It was the start of a beautiful romance that lasted a lifetime.

As the couple’s commitment grew, Bob moved to Grand Rapids to be nearer to Geraldine. They made a decision to marry and sealed their vows on March 15, 1950. For the first few years of marriage, they lived with Geri’s mother before building a house on Herrick NE. Over the next 47 years, it was home to Bob and Geri, their two children and her mother. The generosity Mrs. Tolsma first extended to the young couple was reciprocated when they opened their hearts and their home to her. She was a beloved member of the family and passed away in 1977.

For Bob, family always came first – before any other interests or events. If he and Geri were invited anywhere children couldn’t go, they all stayed home. In the kids’ memory, there was only one occasion that they had a baby sitter. Bob loved spending time with his family. He was the kind of father who came home from work and didn’t look for projects to keep him busy. Instead, he stayed busy playing with them when they were young, and as they got older, he and Geri took them to places of interest or just for car rides so they could enjoy time together. Remarkably, in the fast pace of life, the family managed to always eat supper together around the table.

Because family was most important to him, Bob made certain they were surrounded by the influence of their faith. Much of the family’s social life revolved around the church, and they were regulars at Wednesday prayer meetings and Sunday services. Bob was active in the church for many years and helped in various ways. He quietly lived his faith, yet the results were obvious for all to see.

Another obvious truth in Bob’s life was his deep love for his wife. He adored Geri and lovingly cared for her. Unlike some of his generation, Bob proudly demonstrated his affection: holding hands, exchanging looks and simple touches. Neither Geri nor the children ever questioned his love for them. In fact, it was evident to people at church, the store, the bank and even passers-by. They often commented on how tenderly Bob cared for Geri, particularly as they got older and she began to suffer from dementia. Bob stayed ever true to his vows – “in sickness and in health.”

For much of his professional life, Bob worked in the printing industry. He truly enjoyed his work and spent 29 years with Radio Bible Class, which later became RBC Ministries. After retiring, he wanted to remain active, so he worked as a bagger at Family Fare grocery store. It was a great place for him to meet people and show the friendliness that was at the core of his personality.

With Bob’s eagerness to travel and Geri’s preference to stay close to home, they compromised in their free time. They took a few vacations to Florida when the kids were young, and each summer they stayed put at a rented cottage at the Gull Lake Bible Conference near Kalamazoo, Michigan. Almost daily, they went on short day trips, often to Reeds Lake in the summer, relaxing in the view of sail boats and water. The two of them liked to go out to eat, often to Cheshire and Lannings, but Bob’s favorite was Russ’ restaurant. One enduring tradition was outings at noon on Saturdays. Any family members who were available at that time, knew they could meet up with Bob and Geri for “family time.”

When Bob became a grandpa, he couldn’t have been happier. He delighted in his granddaughter, spending time with her and getting right down on the floor to play toys with her. They were such endearing companions, Bob called her his “buddy.”

Bob lived a contented life, full of the simple joys of home and family. His faith was nurtured by his church and the southern gospel music that spoke of assurance and hope. Especially, the Gaither Homecoming videos gave him hours of listening pleasure that soothed his heart and lifted his spirit.

In recent years, when care of their house became too much for them, Bob and Geri moved into the apartments at Rest Haven Homes. Wonderfully, he was united with many of his siblings who also lived there.

The year 2007 was difficult for his health, and Mr. Robert L. Dahnke, age 81 of Grand Rapids, died on Monday, February 25, 2008.

Bob is at home with his Lord and Savior, whom he served with all his heart, soul, mind and strength. He lived his life in gratitude for all the blessings he received, most apparent in his lovely family: his wife, Geraldine; their children, Kenneth (Kathy) Dahnke and Kathy Dahnke; a granddaughter, Michelle Dahnke; brothers and sisters Peggy Maschke, Margory Dahnke, Carole Dahnke, Beverly Sommerville, Richard (Lois) Dahnke, James (Barbara) Dahnke; and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday at 11 AM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Van Strien Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield NE where relatives and friends are invited to visit with his family on Tuesday evening from 7-9 PM and on Wednesday from 2-4 PM. Interment in Fairplains Cemetery. For those who wish, memorial contributions to either Rest Haven Homes or RBC Ministries are appreciated. You may share a favorite memory of Robert or sign the online register at www.lifestorynet.com