Robert R. Bernicke

Robert Raymond Bernicke of Napoleon, Ohio passed away peacefully in his home on December 20, 2015 at the age of 82. Robert (Bob) is survived by his wife of 61 years, Mary Anne (Wendt) Bernicke, his children Mary Meyer of Napoleon, Carol Bernicke of Ann Arbor, Michigan, Peggy (Kevin) Bloom of Napoleon, Jeanne (Randy) Rabe of Greensboro, North Carolina, and Mark (Diane) Bernicke of Avon, Indiana; his siblings James (Linda) Bernicke and Sally (Pep) Weaver; 13 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Margaret Bernicke, his sister Janet Bernicke, and his grandson Michael Rabe. Bob was born on April 25,1933 in Lagrange, Indiana to Margaret and Raymond Bernicke. He graduated from Napoleon High School in 1951 and attended Ohio Northern University. He served in the Navy from 1952-1956 before returning to Napoleon, where he began working with his father at Bernicke's Super Valu. Following his father's retirement, with the help of his siblings, children, and even grandchildren, he managed the store until its closure in 2006. Under his management the store enjoyed great success, eventually opening a second location in Wauseon. Bob was an avid supporter of his family and community and is fondly remembered for his generosity, sense of humor, and easygoing nature. He was a lifetime member of the Napoleon Athletic Boosters and an enthusiastic supporter of the NHS football and swimming programs. He coached Little League Baseball for many years, providing guidance to his son Mark and grandsons, Dustin and Cody. He and Mary Anne drove many miles, as far away as North Carolina and Tennessee to attend countless sporting events, graduations, weddings and other important ceremonies. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Napoleon, where he served as an elder and was previously a deacon. Bob was an accomplished woodworker and a talented handyman. He took pleasure in remodeling his and his children's homes, interior and exterior, and was always available to make emergency repairs for his loved ones. He spent countless hours laboring in his workshop, and his coffee tables, coat trees, chairs, and other works will remain cherished heirlooms for years to come. Bob also enjoyed family barbecues, travel, golf, western movies, popcorn, naps in the sun, and feeding the neighborhood birds, squirrels, rabbits, and deer. He loved camping with his family, and continued camping with Mary Anne well into retirement. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 23 at the First Presbyterian Church of Napoleon. A graveside service will follow at 1:30p.m. at Riverview Memory Gardens, Defiance where military honors will be accorded by the Napoleon Joint Veteran Posts. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 4 - 8 p.m. at Rodenberger Funeral Home, Napoleon. Memorials to First Presbyterian Church, Napoleon Athletic Boosters, or a charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences may be made at www.rodenbergerfuneralhome.com

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Robert R. Bernicke

April 25, 1933 - December 20, 2015