Robert E. Antrup

With a life that spanned times of great change in the world around him, Robert “Bob” Antrup made the most of the days he was given. He was a hardworking man of honor who wholeheartedly applied himself to whatever task lay before him. Bob was a loving family man, and there was nothing he cherished more than witnessing his family tree blossom to include the children and grandchildren who were his greatest source of pride and joy. A longtime resident of the community he loved, he was known and loved by many. Bob leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that his friends and loved ones will forever hold near and dear to their hearts.

The year 1941 is often recalled as the year of the vicious attack on our naval base in Pearl Harbor. With that December 7 attack, America had no choice but to engage in the fight for our freedoms and enter WWII the very next day. It was just prior to that historic day in December that George and Ann Antrup were pleased to announce the births of their twin baby boys, Robert and Richard, on June 5, 1941, in Kendallville, Indiana. Raised on the family farm outside of Butler, Robert was also joined in his family by his siblings, James, Virginia, and Luann, in addition to his twin brother. A typical young boy of his generation, Bob attended local schools and graduated from Butler High School.

Throughout his life Bob was known for his strong work ethic. As a young man, he proudly served his country as a member of the United States Air Force. Bob made his career at Rieke, working for 32 years until retiring in 2003. Bob and his identical twin brother both worked at Rieke, and they were known for playing jokes on their boss by switching jobs without him ever knowing. During his retirement years, he worked at the Cedars Retirement Community in Leo for 10 years.

Over the years Bob was one to keep busy. He was a man of faith who loved God as well as his church, Coburn Corners Church of Christ. There, Bob served as an elder. He also enjoyed reading his Bible. Bob was active for most of his life as he enjoyed fishing and playing baseball, softball and basketball. He also attended family sporting events as often as he could. For years, Bob spent a lot of time at the bowling alley with his family on Sundays after attending church. In addition, he liked Indiana University Basketball and coach Bobby Knight as well as the Chicago Cubs. He mostly looked forward to spending time with family, and he was very close to his twin brother until Richard’s death in 2016.

Described as hardworking, faith-filled, and active, Robert Antrup lived a life of purpose while holding his loved ones near. He could be a bit ornery at times as he was known for tapping people with the cane he made, but his heart was always in the right place. A jack of all trades, Bob spent his entire life in the area he loved, and he was known by many over the years. He will be forever missed.

Robert E. “Bob” Antrup, of Spencerville, died Sunday May 13, 2018, at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne. Bob’s family includes his wife, Catherine A. “Kay” Antrup of Spencerville; daughters and sons-in-law, Julie and Christopher Vose of Auburn and Jody and Matt Luker of Saint Joe; step-sons and daughter-in-law, Jeffrey A. Warner of Auburn and Jason and Angel Warner of Hicksville; grandchildren, Carli Vose, Rachel Vose, Austin Antrup, Nolan Antrup, Harley Luker, Bill Luker, Logan Johnsonbaugh, Bailey Cline and Cameron Cline; a sister, Luann Antrup of Auburn. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, George and Ann Antrup; brothers, his twin Richard and James Antrup; and a sister, Virginia Stanley. Funeral service will be held Thursday 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior at Pinnington Funeral & Cremation Services 502 N. Main Street, Auburn. Rev. Lynn Hart will be officiating. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be held in Alton Park Cemetery in Saint Joe. Memorial donations may be made to Lake James Christian Assembly, Coburn Corners Church Pre School or Woodburn Children’s Home. To sign the online guest book, visit www.pinningtonfh.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert E. Antrup, please visit our floral store.