Robert H. Dehnel

Robert H. (Bob) Dehnel lost his battle to cancer and heart disease on Nov. 12, 2008 in Moses Lake. He was born in Ritzville on June 1, 1922 to Albert and Lena (Wellsandt) Dehnel. His parents and his brothers Edwin and Vernon preceded him in death. His sister Florence Kiehn resides in Moses Lake. Bob is survived by his wife Velma. They were married in the Emanuel Lutheran Church in Ritzville in 1945. They have four children, Rodney, Valeria (Bob) Wiitala of Ritzville, Randy in Moses Lake and Donald who lives in Seattle. He has five grandchildren, Troy, Marcy, Donovan, C.J. and Randy Jr., and eight great-grandchildren. Robert grew up on the family farm south of Ralston. He graduated from Ritzville High School in 1940. He continued farming for a few years after he married his wife Velma Schutz on Oct. 28, 1945. He then went to work at Pete's Garage for 16 years where, many times he was known to open his home to travelers with children, when they were broke down and stranded. He moved to Seattle in 1966. He retired from Seattle City Light on June 1, 1985 and moved back to Moses Lake. Shortly after retirement, Bob lost his eyesight to macular degeneration, limiting his retirement dreams. Robert loved the game of baseball. As a young man, he played several years for the Ralston "Rabbits" and Marcellus Grange. He also helped coach Little League Baseball and often played the game with his children and the neighbors. He was an avid fisherman who took his family on many camping trips. He enjoyed bowling and was in a Ritzville league for many years. Bob was active in Boy Scouts with his sons, and for a time was the Scout Master. While living in Moses Lake he volunteered for many community activities and helping the less fortunate. He was a member of the Lutheran Church in Ritzville. He was also a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles (FOE) in Ritzville and Moses Lake. A memorial service in planned at Danekas Funeral Home in Ritzville on Saturday, Nov. 22 at 1 p.m. Memorial contributions are suggested to: Macular Degeneration Foundation P.O. Box 531313 Henderson, NV 89053.