Bob Hentschel, "Hardware Santa," 74, crosses the finish line

TRAVERSE CITY — Robert Lee Hentschel, 74, was welcomed into the arms of his Lord while surrounded by devoted family on Sept. 21, 2025.
Bob was born on April 25, 1951, in Traverse City, to Leroy and Dora (Mackey) Hentschel.

An industrious child, Bob began working for his father at 8 years old, catching and selling bait crickets. Bob's working career spanned 66 years and a multitude of jobs. Most prominent of course was the family business, Roy's General Store and Hentschel Hardware, which Bob co-owned with his parents and siblings.

On Sept. 15, 1973, at Faith Reformed Church in Traverse City, Bob married the local farmer's daughter, Deb (Wagner) Hentschel, who was born and raised a quarter of a mile away from the Hentschel family. In the early days, she spent most of her time avoiding Bob and the rest of the boys. Eventually a romance blossomed that would last more than 53 years.

In 1983, Bob struck out on his biggest entrepreneurial pursuit when he purchased a flower shop in Mancelona, Mich. Along with his wife and children, Bob built a small empire of businesses with The Village Greenery flower shop, which shared space with his other business, Re-Nu-It Vacuum. Later the business expanded into Central Lake, Mich., where he added an arcade, which the kids loved to work in.

Bob worked across a wide spectrum of vocations throughout his life, including: Hentschel Amusements, managing his brother Tim's band, Trufit Trousers, Grand Traverse County Road Commission, RainSoft, Paullin Funeral Home (Mancelona), Deputy Clerk of East Bay Township, and more.

He also ran a catering business, serving notable clients like Reba McEntire, The Beach Boys, Collective Soul, 98˚, and Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. One band loved the food so much they wanted to take Bob's cooking on tour with them. Bob declined, but loved to tell the story of how ZZ Top tried to poach one of Traverse City's top caterers.

Bob was a member of the Scouts, the Buckley Old Engine Club, East Bay Calvary Church and then some.

When asked how he was, Bob would sing out his catchphrase, "I'm wonderful, but I'll get better!" He had many pastimes, including racing stock cars, collecting antique engines, camping and traveling. Hawaii was his favorite cruise to go on. He will be remembered as an extraordinary father, a faithful husband, a smart worker, "Hardware Santa," and a lover of Jesus Christ.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents, infant brother David, and sister Paula.

Those remaining include his wife of 52 years, Deb; children: Tiffany (Kent) Flesher, Loren Lamoreaux, and Rob Hentschel; siblings: Rich (Kath), Kathie (Gary) Cadwell, Tim (Torney), Ted (Dolly), and Ben (Vickie).
Bob also leaves behind 14 grandchildren: Jordan (Joyce), Austin (Kaylynn), Robyn, Abby, Skylar (Izabel), Alex, Michael, Kenzie, Miriam, Rebekah, Mikey, Isaiah, Kristopher, and Willow; great-grandchildren: Ezra, Jolene, and EllaGrace; as well as cousins, nieces, nephews and loved ones too numerous to count. Bob is excited to welcome his family at the pearly gates as time goes on.

Friends are welcome to visit with Bob's family from 4 to 7 p.m., on Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025 at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth St., Traverse City, Michigan 49684.

A memorial service honoring Bob, will take place at 2 p.m., with visitation starting at 1 p.m., on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025 at East Bay Calvary Church, 2225 East Hammond Road, Traverse City, Michigan 49686. All are invited to attend the luncheon at the church directly following the service. A graveside service will be held at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens, 3575 Veterans Dr., Traverse City, Michigan 49684 on Friday, Sept. 26, 2025 at 10 a.m.

If you knew Bob, you knew his love of Hawaiian shirts. All who attend are encouraged to wear a Hawaiian shirt to the service as we celebrate this wonderful man's life.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the East Bay Calvary Youth Missions, 2225 East Hammond Road, Traverse City, Michigan 49686.

Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Bob's family at his tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .