Robert Edwin Marklein

Robert Edwin Marklein, dedicated servant of God, lifelong deacon and elder, loving husband, devoted father, grandfather, great grandfather, and lover of a Brooks Brothers wardrobe, passed from this life on December 3, 2024. Bob was 84.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Gertrude Marklein, and his first wife, Gloria Baskin Marklein. Bob is survived in death by his wife, Lena Spaulding Marklein, sister Joan Marklein Kniep, son Jim (Karen) Marklein, son Jonathan (Becky) Marklein, grandchildren Cade (Katelyn) Marklein, Lacey (Ryan) Shannon, Lauren Marklein, Claire (Davis) Ward, Landon (Maycee) Marklein, three great granddaughters, Leighton, Marlee, and Roen, and two more great grandchildren due in May 2025.

Everyone who knew Bob loved him and could easily see the imprint of Jesus on his life. Bob loved with his whole heart. Whether he was teaching Sunday School, designing custom cards, or counseling his children and grandchildren, Bob was a living example of love in action. Perhaps the greatest expression of this love in action is the love he had for Lena. Bob and Lena married in 1997, and have enjoyed everything this life has to offer—grandchildren, great grandchildren, travel, and ice cream, lots and lots of ice cream! Another expression of this love in action is the father he was to Jim and Jonathan. When we look at Jonathan, we see Bob’s face. When we look at Jim, we see Bob’s heart. In both of them, we see Bob’s humor, his mischief, and his work ethic.

Speaking of work ethic, from Bob’s humble beginnings in Hempstead, New York, he has been the author of an amazing story replete with impressive accomplishments, such as a career in the United States Air Force and being a founding member of Two Rivers Baptist Church, but he always considered himself God’s “littlest sheep.” This paradox of accomplishment tempered with humility only scratches the surface of two-sided coins for Bob. As evidenced by his wardrobe, he was a man of high standards, but he was also a man of boundless grace. He loved to stay busy. In fact, most of us thought he would never retire, but he also enjoyed a good nap during a football game or beside the pool. He approached many roles in his life very seriously, but he never missed an opportunity to make a joke or wear a ridiculous tie. He could fix almost anything, but there may still be an uninstalled shower door in the attic on Cabin Hill Road.

Bob’s earthly family was always a priority, but his church family was a close second. The impact of his years of Sunday School teaching cannot possibly be quantified. If you have been a member of any of those classes, you probably have fond memories of posters, maps, and personal stories. Bob was a gifted teacher and brave prayer warrior.

A life as remarkable as Bob’s pales in comparison to the celebration that took place in heaven when Bob stormed the gates. His grandson Cade (whose first name is Robert) said it best, “Bebob is walking effortlessly hand-in-hand with Jesus.” May we honor Bob’s fearless Christian walk by carrying on his legacy of servanthood, dedication, and courage.

The Marklein family wishes to thank the pastors and staff at The Fellowship at Mt. Juliet, the directors at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, and all the members of Bob and Lena’s Sunday School classes, past and present.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Love Out Loud, a ministry of The Fellowship at Mt. Juliet. Online donations can be made here: https://thefellowship.cc/give

When prompted, choose to give online, then choose “Love Out Loud” as the Giving Type. You may also send checks to The Fellowship at Mt. Juliet, with “Love Out Loud” in the memo line.