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Otsego, MI 49078
Phone: 269-692-2721
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You are here: Home / Obituaries / Robert J. DePauw

Robert J. DePauw

March 20, 2023 By Winkel Funeral Home 23 Condolences

Robert

In the late hours of March 17th Robert John DePauw of Otsego, Allegan Co., Michigan was taken to the Lord.

Bob was born June 11, 1930 to Irene Rosemary DePauw Meade and was raised on a very happy farm in Cressy, Barry Co. owned by his Grandparents Leonard and Elizabeth (de Koster) DePauw, where he had many joyous years with his dog Shep.  As a teenager he moved to a farm on Starr Rd.  Otsego was the town that he lived in and met his wife of 73 years, Earline Stone. They thrived and raised their children, Robert Jr. (Bob) of Otsego, Rick of Otsego and Deanna Brown of Las Vegas. 

After lying about his age on a job application, he started work at Sutherland Paper Co., in Kalamazoo at the age of 16.  Even though the names of the mill changed, Bob was a loyal worker there for 48 years. He worked 2 jobs his entire life.  Bob was the owner of E&B Sales and Service in Otsego for 60+ years.  He never stopped going, and was a strong and brilliant man that could invent and fix anything that was put in front of him.  

Bob’s passion was racing.  He had a long and successful racing career and raced many of the area local tracks; including Kalamazoo Speedway, Berlin Raceway, Jones Speedway, Airpark Speedway, Speeddrome, Clarksville Speedway, Allegan County Fairgrounds, Kalamazoo County Fairgrounds and his all-time favorite Hartford Motor Speedway and many more.  He raced Late Model stock cars, midgets, and modifieds, and finally in his late years, Legend and Vintage cars. He raced on asphalt and dirt tracks. Oh how he loved a dirt track.  He was a fierce competitor and was well known and loved by many fans.  Thanks to the many people that helped him along; The Cross Family, The Haas Family, and The Wright Family

Surviving are his family, son Robert Jr. (Friend Connie Shattuck), Rick (Kelley) DePauw, Deanna (Bert) Brown of Las Vegas. Grandchildren Doug (Julie) DePauw, Leslie (Todd) Giuzio, Brandon (Silvia) DePauw, Bryan (fiancé Ashley) DePauw, Nate (Chandra) Morehouse, Necole (Jason) Wesaw, Halle Brown and Hanna Brown.  Great-grandchildren Chelsea Meshew, Brooke Dumas, Kassidy and Gaige Wesaw, Kylah and Mitchell Morehouse, Ashley (Alex) Delich,  Great Great Grandchildren  Phoebe Meshew, Addison and Ryleigh. Siblings Mary Jane Forshey and Art Meade. 

Preceded in death by his Grandparents Leonard and Elizabeth DePauw, Mother Irene Meade, and Brother Dick Meade. 

According to his wishes cremation has taken place.

Friends may visit with Bob’s family starting at 10:00 A.M., Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at the Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego, until the time of the memorial service at 11:00 A.M., with Pastor Joe Shaler officiating.

Contributions in memory of Bob may be made to Christian Neighbors.

Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.

When I’m Gone

When I come to the end of my journey and I travel my last weary mile, just forget if you can, that I ever frowned and remember only the smile. Forget unkind words I have spoken; remember some good I have done. Forget that I ever had heartache and remember I’ve had lots of fun. Forget that I have stumbled and blundered and sometimes fell by the way. Remember I have fought some hard battles and won, ere the close of the day, then forget to grieve for my going. I would not have you sad for a day, but in summer just gather some flowers and remember the place where I lay, and come in the evening when the sun paints the sky in the west, stand for a few moments beside me and remember only my best. 

 

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Condolence Messages

  1. Sherry Hanson

    March 20, 2023 at 10:04 am

    Bob, Doug & Leslie -thinking of you during this time and praying Gods peace over you. I don’t remember your dad, Bob, but he sounds like he lived his life well. My sincere condolences.

    Reply
  2. Sally Betzner

    March 20, 2023 at 12:07 pm

    Thoughts are with you at this time

    Reply
  3. Jan Jameson

    March 20, 2023 at 1:58 pm

    My sincere condolences to you all. You are all in my thoughts.
    R.I.P Mr. Depauw.

    Reply
  4. Penny Baker

    March 20, 2023 at 2:42 pm

    Bob, Leslie, Doug, and families, so very sorry for your huge loss of Dad & Grampa.
    Penny Pulver Baker

    Reply
  5. Sandy and Dan Fleming

    March 20, 2023 at 3:03 pm

    Bob and family, And Bob Sr.Dan and I want to extend our deepest and most sincere sympathy for the passing of your father, grandfather and great grandfather. Sending prayers to his entire family. May he rest in eternal peace.

    Reply
  6. Judy Chybik

    March 20, 2023 at 4:17 pm

    Bob was a very Special man, Husband, Father, Grandpa, Great Grandpa,Sibling, and a Special Friend! I send hugs and Prayers to All ❤️

    Reply
  7. Kathleen & Fintan Gaffney

    March 20, 2023 at 4:19 pm

    Our hearts go out to you, Earline, Deanna and all the family.
    I have fond memories of Bob, when he visited Las Vegas. I thought it particularly sweet, how he would walk with Halle and Hanna to the elementary school and then wheel the bikes back to the house. Always had a warm smile for everyone. So very sorry for your loss…

    Reply
  8. Michele Pulver

    March 20, 2023 at 4:58 pm

    Rick, Kelley, and family,
    There ate no words for the excruciating loss of your father and grandfather. Praying peace and comfort surround you during these difficult hours and days ahead.

    Reply
    • Rick & Kelley DePauw

      March 24, 2023 at 5:16 pm

      Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts. We will miss him so much
      Love you dad, Rest In Peace, we will be with you again some day

      Reply
  9. Kathi. Fuss

    March 20, 2023 at 5:36 pm

    Sending prayers and thoughts to all at this difficult time ✝️✝️

    Reply
  10. Lois Zimmerman

    March 20, 2023 at 6:03 pm

    To Brandon and Brian Depauw, and your families. I am so very sorry for the loss of your grandfather! May he rest in peace.

    Reply
  11. George Galloway

    March 20, 2023 at 7:07 pm

    Earline and Family, i am saddened to learn of Bobs passing. He was a good friend and a hard worker and I greatly respected him. We raced together many times and I always enjoyed talking with him about old times.

    Reply
  12. Linda Veldt and Charlie Veldt

    March 20, 2023 at 7:56 pm

    Loved seeing these two at Tuesday cookouts miss seeing them rest in peace Bob

    Reply
  13. Alesia Zettlemoyer Gillen

    March 20, 2023 at 9:24 pm

    We are So very sorry to hear this sad news. Remembering many fond memories with Uncle Bob at the Depauw Reunions. Always loved his stories about racing cars. He was such a kind man. RIP
    Sending love to Earline , Bob, Rick & Deanna & grandkids

    Reply
  14. Josie Pape

    March 20, 2023 at 11:30 pm

    Earline and family.
    I was totally shocked when I heard of Bob’s passing. My sincere condolences for your loss. Bob was always a very special man.

    Reply
  15. Carol Hover

    March 21, 2023 at 4:18 am

    Dearest Earline, Deanna and family…..Our hearts are saddened by the loss of your Husband, Dad, Grandpa, and Great Grandpa. He was such a special person and meant so much to many of us over a span of many years. We have fond memories of him that we can always recall of the kindness he gave to others. He will be missed, but I’m sure he is already working on something that perhaps God was waiting for him to fix as Bob was never one to remain still for very long.. RIP. Hugs and prayers, Carol & Russ Hover

    Reply
  16. Donnie Brest

    March 21, 2023 at 7:23 am

    So many Memories riding my bike down when I was young and visiting (Bothering) with Bob. He always took the time to stop and share some racing stories. Great Man. Thank you Bob. Prayers to the Family.

    Reply
  17. Dean and Linda Tennison

    March 21, 2023 at 11:40 am

    Rick, Kelley, and Family,

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

    Reply
  18. Patty and Bill Lovely

    March 21, 2023 at 11:44 am

    We are so sorry for your loss. Your father was always kind. He would come see me at Meijer when I worked there. What an amazing man.

    Reply
  19. Don and Lynda Zettlemoyer

    March 21, 2023 at 12:25 pm

    So saddened to learn of the loss of Bob. I can recall the family’s visits to the Michigan State Fair. Somehow he could find every dip in the road on the drive to the fairgrounds. Simulated a roller coaster ride and produced laughs and giggles all the way. A truly remarkable and kind man with a terrific sense of humor. Our condolences to the family.

    Reply
  20. Tonya Topp

    March 21, 2023 at 7:39 pm

    I’m very sorry for your loss of a great man! He will always be remembered in our hearts ♥️ He was a wonderful grandpa to Doug and Leslie! Hugs to you two and the entire family!

    Reply
  21. George Marks and Ronnie Marks

    March 22, 2023 at 3:42 pm

    To The DePauw Family,
    Having grown up in our neighborhood with Bob and his family, we have many fond memories of Bob and his family. Our hearts to go out to all of you in your time of loss. Find peace and comfort in your many, many memories of Bob, and the great man that he was. He’s not really gone, he is in your heart forever. Keep those memories close and they will provide comfort in the days ahead.
    We are very sorry to miss the memorial today as we had to attend to doctor appointments. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

    Reply
  22. Jo Jackson

    March 25, 2023 at 4:12 pm

    Earline I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Bob! I am so sad I won’t be looking out my front window and seeing him out in the yard doing something every day!! Duke enjoyed his driveway talks with Bob and he always kept an eye out in case he needed help with whatever project he was doing!! I’m a little late but I’m just across the street if there’s anything you need in the coming days!! Please call me even if you just need someone to talk to!! I’m sure the Lord is making sure Bob is getting a well deserved rest!! ❤️

    Reply

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