Robert “Bob” W. Troxel, 81, of Bluffton, passed away Saturday evening, Sept. 19, 2026, at his residence, surrounded by his family.
Bob was born in Bluffton on Oct. 11, 1944, to Ralph W. and Elsie (Frautschi) Troxel. He married Mary Jo Kaehr at the National Guard Armory in Bluffton on Oct. 4, 1964; she survives. Bob was born again and baptized in the spring of 1966, with Mary Jo.
Bob began working for his dad on the family farm and was a 1962 graduate of Lancaster Central High School. He later worked at Incel in Bluffton until he and Mary Jo founded J&R Products in the mid 1970s, which they owned and operated together for more than 40 years. For most of his career, Bob was also involved in real estate development throughout Wells County and the surrounding area.
Bob enjoyed using his God given gifts and talents to bless others. He was generous with his time, encouragement and advice, always willing to lend a helping hand, share his wisdom, or simply be there for someone who needed him. He believed in working hard and being a good steward of what God had entrusted to him, using his time and resources faithfully to serve others. He loved riding motorcycles with his sons and buddies, and he especially enjoyed playing pickleball, a sport he introduced to his family that became a cherished tradition across generations. Bob loved staying active, whether playing racquetball, exercising, or enjoying motorsports. He and Mary Jo had a passion for adventure and were blessed with many opportunities to serve others through mission trips, especially the Jesus Film.
In addition to his wife, Mary Jo, Bob is survived by two sons, Rob (Tonya) Troxel of Fort Wayne and Jason (Mandy) Troxel of Bluffton; two daughters, Susan (Vince) Gerber and Sarah (Ryan) Corkwell, both of Craigville; 15 grandchildren, Sheena (Jameson) Ringger, Adriene (Tom) Horn, Madeline (Rob) Weigand, Hilary Troxel, Evan (Chaise) Troxel, Graham (Megan) Troxel, Ava Troxel (fiancé Marcus Bollenbacher), Sophia (Drew) Frawley, Will (Leah) Gerber, Ian (Mackenzie) Gerber, Jack (Olivia) Gerber, Wyatt Corkwell (fiancée Sara James), Elsa (Jeb) Richey, Lucia Corkwell, and Eve Corkwell; along with 15 great-grandchildren. Bob is also survived by a brother, Dave (Kris) Troxel of Wilson, Wyoming; a sister, Mary Jo (Sam) Gerber; and a sister-in-law, Patti Troxel, both of Bluffton.
In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by a brother, Richard “Dick” Troxel; a sister, Connie Vidrine; and a great-grandson.
Visitation will be Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026, from noon until 6 p.m. at Goodwin – Harnish Funeral Home in Bluffton. Services will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 23, at 10:30 a.m. at the Apostolic Christian Church East, 1970 S 800 E, Bluffton, IN, with one hour of visitation prior to the service at the church. Dan Pfister will officiate. Burial will follow at the church cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Living Memorial – Jesus Film Project.
Online condolences may be made at www.goodwinharnish.com.