Robert Earl Pennell, Jr.
September 24, 1942 – January 4, 2026
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Robert Earl Pennell Jr., age 83, passed away on January 4, 2026. Born on September 24, 1942, in Lansing, Michigan, Bob was the eldest son of Robert and Alona (Lotridge) Pennell.
Bob dedicated 35 years of loyal service to the State of Michigan, retiring in 2003 as Director of the Department of Licensing and Regulation. He was a devoted husband of 61 years, having married Carol on May 2, 1964, and a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who valued family above all else.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Carol; his children, Robert (Brenda) Pennell and Scott Pennell; his grandchildren, Lauren (Eric) Gauer, Haley Pennell, and Robert Pennell; and his great-grandchild, Warren Gauer. He is also survived by his siblings, Linda (Charles) Barnes, Wayne (Nancy) Pennell, and Alta Litwinski, along with many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Peace Lutheran Church (Building Fund), 15317 E. Riggs Road, Gilbert, AZ 85298.
Funeral services will be held at Peace Lutheran Church on February 26 at 1:00 p.m. A celebration of life will also be held this summer at the Mounds Resort in Houghton Lake, Michigan.
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Connie Parker Harwood says: Carol, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this most difficult time.
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Donna and Harvey Harsch says:
With our deepest Condolences to you and your family 💕💕
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Phil and Sherri Kent says:
So sorry to hear this he was a very good friend prayers for Carol and the boys
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Don and Teresa Dolan says:
So sorry to hear of your loss . We send our prayers and condolences to Carol and the family .
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Sandy Clark says:
Our hearts go out to you. He was a kind & wonderful man. Our condolences from Canada.
Connie Parker Harwood 
Donna and Harvey Harsch 
Phil and Sherri Kent 
Don and Teresa Dolan 
Sandy Clark
Carol, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this most difficult time.
With our deepest Condolences to you and your family 💕💕
So sorry to hear this he was a very good friend prayers for Carol and the boys
So sorry to hear of your loss . We send our prayers and condolences to Carol and the family .
Our hearts go out to you. He was a kind & wonderful man. Our condolences from Canada.