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.