Cover photo for Robert L. Engelter's Obituary
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Robert

Robert L. Engelter

Rob passed away suddenly and unexpectedly, Thursday, January 14, 2021 at Borgess Medical Center.

He was born October 11, 1960 in Kalamazoo, the son of Elwyn and Jane (VanderVeen) Engelter. Rob was a heavy machine operator for Cripps Fontaine Excavating for many years. Rob loved life, he had a great sense of humor, was adventurous, sarcastic and a very loyal dad and husband.

He enjoyed being outdoors and riding mountain, road and fat tire bikes. He also liked snowboarding, camping, fishing, kayaking and golfing. Rob also loved his toys. On September 10, 1988 in Allegan, he married Lisa Rayburn who survives.

Also surviving are his children, Jessica Engelter of Lansing and Sam Engelter of Plainwell; grandson, Landon; siblings, Andrea (Doug Horton) Engelter of Plainwell and Lincoln Engelter of San Francisco; step-mother, Barb Engelter along with several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and infant twin daughters.

Cremation has taken place.

A memorial to honor Rob will be held at a later time.

Contributions in memory of Rob may be made to West Michigan Mountain Biking Alliance (

www.wmmba.org/membership/rob-engelter

).

Messages of condolence may be posted at

www.WinkelFuneralHome.com

.

Offer Condolence for the family of Robert L. Engelter

Condolence Messages

Paul, Debby (Roberts) & Jason Woodworth

January 15, 2021 at 5:36 pm

Paul and I didn’t have the privilege of meeting Rob, but he sounds like a fantastic guy. Please accept our sincerest condolences for your tragic loss. Your entire family is in our thoughts and prayers.

Paul, Debby (Roberts) and Jason Woodworth

Reply

June

January 15, 2021 at 5:42 pm

Andie So sorry for your loss. I wish I could be there with you Love and prayers

Reply

Lynn

January 15, 2021 at 6:46 pm

Our hearts are broken by this news. May peace be with you guys. The Hamman’s

Reply

Donna Allen

January 15, 2021 at 7:18 pm

RIP ROB.SO SORRY YOU WILL BE MISS BY SO MANY.

Reply

PAM MCQUEER

January 15, 2021 at 7:23 pm

Lisa and Sam our thoughts and prayers are with you. Our hearts ache at the loss of Rob. What a great man! He was loved by so many as are you Lisa and Sam. We pray for peace and comfort during this time.

Charlie & Pam McQueer

Reply

Lori Schneider

January 15, 2021 at 8:56 pm

RIP Rob .. So very sorry for your loss, condolences and prayers for your family.

Reply

Kay Linn Miller Snyder

January 16, 2021 at 1:05 am

To my sweet Andie,

I’m thinking of you and wishing you moments of peace and comfort as you remember Rob.

May you find peace in your loved ones during this difficult time.

Sending love and some hugs.

Reply

Denise Wilson

January 16, 2021 at 5:55 am

I am so sorry to read the news about Rob, I had the pleasure of meeting him when he work with Don at Bittersweet Ski Lodge, he was always so bubbly and a cheerful. Don enjoy working with him. He will be missed, I would like to send my condolences to his family and some healing prayers their way.

Reply

Bryon & Kandy Campbell

January 16, 2021 at 6:32 am

Lisa and Family,

I am saddened to see this news. I remember meeting Rob in school as we hung out together serval times. I always enjoyed seeing you and Rob at the gym. The Class of 1978 has lost one of its nicest people.

Prayers to you and your family during this difficult time.

Bryon & Kandy Campbell

Reply

Terri L Pillars

January 16, 2021 at 7:03 am

Lincoln and Andrea. I am So sorry for loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Reply

Terri Enos

January 16, 2021 at 7:44 am

So sorry to hear this. His energy, humor and love for life will surely be missed. Always wore a big cheesy on his face. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

Soar above us and keep us safe. Rest in peace my friend. Warm hugs to all of the family.

Reply

Jan Jameson

January 16, 2021 at 8:34 am

R.I.P,my friend. My condolences to the family. I am honored to have known Rob and been his friend. Good people he was. He will be missed

Reply

Dan Pomeroy

January 16, 2021 at 9:22 am

I am very saddened to hear this news, I’ve known Rob for many years. While we didn’t hang out regularly, when we ran into each other he was always with a smile and kind words as we would catch up on the time that had passed since we last saw each other.

To the family I cant express how sorry I am for your loss, he was a great person and always full of life. His smile was truly infectious and you couldn’t help feeling happy when he was around. He will be missed by many for a very long time.

Reply

Edith (Peck) Nieboer, class of '78

January 16, 2021 at 10:00 am

RIP Rob. You sure knew how to live life. I admired that about you! Always up for an adventure. We all need to do that a little more often.

Reply

Sandra McNees

January 16, 2021 at 12:22 pm

So sorry for your loss Andrea. Prayers to you and your family.

Reply

Sandra McNees

January 16, 2021 at 12:24 pm

So sorry for your loss Andrea. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Reply

Candy Gray

January 16, 2021 at 12:35 pm

Dear Family of Rob,

I am so very sorry to hear of Rob’s passing. I worked with him at Bittersweet in the office. He was always such a joy to be around. The past couple of years we would always run into each other around Christmas time. I’m glad I was able to see him this year. Our deepest sympathies to all of you. Lisa & Sam my heart breaks for you. I am at a loss for words. Unfortunately Heaven has gained another angel. R.I.P. my friend. You will be missed by so many.

Tom & Candy Gray

Reply

Sharon Milhiem

January 16, 2021 at 3:48 pm

That’s how I remember him too Candy! He really made it fun to work there! He always had a smile, and a good sense of humor. Praying for you Lisa and Sam!

Reply

Kolene Miller

January 16, 2021 at 1:35 pm

Lisa, I’m so sorry to hear Rob has passed. I know by the way you talked about him that he was your best friend and your favorite person. May the love of your family and friends wrap around you in your time of grief. Sending a hug your way!

Reply

Larissa Linton

January 16, 2021 at 2:47 pm

I am so very sorry for your loss, Lisa. May cherished memories of your husband and the support of loved ones bring you peace and comfort during this time.

Reply

Steve Jones with loving wife Sandra.

January 16, 2021 at 7:34 pm

It was a shock to hear the news of Robs passing. I have fond memories hanging out with him in the days of our youth. We met because we had shared many good friends that lived close by us in our Otsego country corner. Some awesome fun times! To the family our hearts are saddened by your loss and our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Reply

Wendy Conner

January 16, 2021 at 7:54 pm

Andie,

So sorry to hear of the loss of your brother. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.

Reply

Shelly Olson-Guidebeck, Class of 1978

January 16, 2021 at 11:04 pm

I was very sad to hear the news of Rob. We went to school together. Praying for peace & comfort for the family.

Reply

Dave Doorlag

January 17, 2021 at 11:09 am

Lisa,

My condolences on Rob passing away. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers!

Reply

Dale

January 17, 2021 at 1:52 pm

Rob, you’ll be missed….

Reply

Jeff Gipson

January 18, 2021 at 6:27 am

Rod and I worked at renewed Earth for many years making soil,s and plowing snow at western Michigan University! Always there when you needed ! Such a shock to everyone! He will be missed! Couldn’t ask for a nicer man ! Rest well my friend!

Reply

Stacey Hitt

January 18, 2021 at 7:09 am

Andrea, I am so sorry for your loss. Sending you and your family prayers of peace and comfort.

Reply

Melissa Hodgson

January 18, 2021 at 7:26 am

Lisa and family,

Praying for peace and rest as your world has been turned upside down. I’m so sorry for your loss. Rob was a great bike leader for us on Thursdays, always mapping out a new course and keeping us safe. He will be remembered for his smile and adventurous spirit. Hugs to you Lisa.

Missy Hodgson

Reply

Pamela Zelmanski Patel

January 18, 2021 at 8:17 am

Lincoln and Andie…I’m so incredibly sorry to hear this tragic news. I did not have the privilege of knowing Rob but from the way he is described above he sounds exactly how I know all of the Engelters…just so much fun to be around.

Love to you all

Reply

Mary Patino

January 18, 2021 at 8:26 am

To all the Engelter Family. I am so sorry for Rob’s passing. I didn’t know Rob but was a long time friend of his mother. You have had a very difficult few years and my heart goes out to you. It is never easy but you have the loving thoughts of many friends to support you. My deepest sympathies.

Reply

Nancy Arnold

January 18, 2021 at 8:30 am

Please accept my deepest condolences for your and your family’s loss, Lisa.

Reply

SHERRI RILEY

January 18, 2021 at 11:56 am

IM SO VERY SORRY IT HAS BEEN A CRAPPY START TO 2021 I TOO LOST MY SISTER THE DAY BEFORE ROB AT BORGESS NEVER FORGET THE MEMORIES AND LOVE PRAYERS YOU ALL FIND PEACE TAKE CARE OF EACH OTHER

Reply

Stephen Romanelli

January 18, 2021 at 2:13 pm

Lisa and family,

My sincerest condolences. What a painful loss and I wish I had the words that could bring you comfort. Please know you are in my thoughts.

Reply

Jim and Roxann

January 18, 2021 at 3:22 pm

We would like to tell the family how sorry we are for your loss. We remember the nice luncheon we had together

Reply

Dina Molter

January 18, 2021 at 3:37 pm

Lisa and family,

My sincere and heartfelt condolences. Big hugs coming to you with deepest sympathy.

Reply

The Swanson’s

January 18, 2021 at 4:42 pm

Words cannot even begin to express our sorrow for you. We feel honored and blessed to have known Rob he always had a smile on his face.

Reply

Mary M

January 18, 2021 at 6:34 pm

Lisa and Sam,

My deepest sympathy for you in this sad and difficult time. I keep you both in my prayers.

Reply

Vicky DeBack-DeVito

January 18, 2021 at 7:27 pm

Andie,

I’m so sorry for your loss. I just don’t even know what to say. Losing your big brother is just an awful thing to go through. Please know I am sending you positive, healing thoughts.

Reply

Todd Banks

January 19, 2021 at 5:44 am

Lisa, my deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Reply

Randy, Carrie, Jon, Chelsea and Jarred Curtiss

January 19, 2021 at 3:23 pm

Lisa and Sam,

We are so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you both during this difficult time. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers!

Reply

Doug Prudden

January 19, 2021 at 6:28 pm

Rest In Peace good buddy. You are a legend that will not be forgotten. Always a fun person to be around. My deepest condolences to your family.

Reply

Kelly Howell

January 21, 2021 at 6:45 am

Andrea my thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.

Reply

Kila Allred

January 21, 2021 at 8:42 am

Lisa, words can’t fully express what one wishes to convey at a time like this. While I didn’t have the privilege of meeting Rob, it sounds like he was a man who truly loved adventure, the outdoors, but most of all his wife, kids and extended family. Praying for the promised ‘peace that passes understanding’ for you and all who loved him.

Reply

Teresa Brown

January 24, 2021 at 7:22 pm

Andrea, girlfriend, I am so sorry to hear/read about your brother. Miss you big and love you bigger

Reply

Craig M. Verwys

January 28, 2021 at 11:54 am

Please accept our sincerest condolences on you and your family’s loss Lisa.

Reply

Pat and Nancy Ellis

February 4, 2021 at 1:12 pm

Andrea and Lincoln. So sorry to hear of Rob’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family

Reply

Tom Mercier

January 16, 2022 at 1:46 pm

Lisa and Sam, we are so sorry for your loss and found out several months later after the accident. Rob was a great friend, and loved the outdoors. He will be sorely missed for years to come. On this one year anniversary weekend, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Our sincere condolences, Tom and Shannon Mercier

Reply

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