Obituary of Robert Howard Keinath
Robert Howard Keinath was born at home in Deerfield, Michigan on September 24, 1921. He was one of four sons born to the union of Hazen Samuel Keinath and Lucille Newell (Hemenway) Keinath. He attended Dundee Community Schools, graduating high school with the Class of 1939. As a young boy many summers were spent at his grandparent’s cottage on Wamplers Lake, which the family still enjoys today.
When Bob went to buy his first car, he couldn’t afford it. The dealership in town called the Ford Motor Company at what is now the Old Mill and got him his first job, which started his career as a machinist. On July 22, 1942, he enlisted in the Armed Forces serving proudly and honorably in the United States Navy during WWII until his discharge on February 17, 1946. After the War, Robert traveled around the country with his brother Jack visiting all 48 states. Robert married the love of his life, Luella Jane Labun at the St. Joseph Church Rectory in Ida, Michigan on September 8, 1951. The couple was blessed with the birth of three children. Bob loved spending time with family. He had a small hobby farm with many animals and horses and was very active with 4H. He also loved spending time in the garden.
Robert worked many years to provide for the needs of his family serving as a Maintenance Foreman at Dundee Cement (Holcim). He retired in 1986 at the age of 65. Bob had enjoyed deer and pheasant hunting, but after his retirement, he made the most of his time fishing for walleye, each day for more than twenty years traveling to Lake Erie. His continual, plentiful catches supplied enough fish for the annual Old Mill Walleye Dinner.
Bob enjoyed woodworking, using his skills to help build several homes, including his own. He had also constructed numerous displays with the help of his brothers at the Old Mill. He was a member of the Dundee VFW Post and helped build the current building.
Robert Howard Keinath, age 102 of Dundee passed away peacefully at 12:40am on Friday; November 17, 2023, at the VA Ann Arbor Health System. He had lived at home and enjoyed mowing his lawn until a fall in August. His passing was preceded by his parents; his loving wife of more than sixty-two years: Jane on May 17, 2014; and three brothers: Frederick "Jack" Keinath, William "Bill" Keinath, and Richard "Dick" Keinath. To cherish his memory, he leaves three children: Kevin Keinath of Jackson, Michigan, Kathy Keinath (Jim Michael) of Chelsea, Michigan, and John (Lori) Keinath of Dundee and six grandchildren: Keri Keinath, Hazen Keinath, Hannah Keinath, Sam Michael, Hadley Keinath, and Joe Michael.
Friends may gather from 11:00am until 1:00pm on Friday; November 24, 2023, at Merkle Funeral Service, Dundee; 297 Tecumseh Street, Dundee, Michigan 48131 (734) 529-3156. A Celebration of His Life will take place at 1:00pm also at Merkle’s. Procession will follow to Maple Grove Cemetery in Dundee for burial.
Memorial contributions for those who desire are suggested to the VA Ann Arbor Medical Center or the Dundee Veterans Memorial Hall. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.