Robert A. Dedyne

Robert Arthur Dedyne, 78, of St. Johns, passed away peacefully Sept. 22, 2017, at Hospice House of Mid-Michigan. Bluegill Bob joined those who have gone before him to fish the lakes and streams he enjoyed so much. A genuine "people person," Bob was a true conversationalist who loved sharing stories with people of all ages and from all walks of life. His wit and humor was delivered in an under-stated manner, and he loved the laughter that was always part of gatherings with family and friends. Bob's care and concern for others was a hallmark of his professional career that spanned nearly 60 years as an insurance agent and owner of Dedyne Insurance where he touched the lives of thousands of area residents in a positive way. He was the "Big Daddy" - a champion of life who lived it to the fullest. Bob was born April 2, 1939, in Grand Ledge, the son of Edmond Leon Dedyne and June Isabelle Tansley. The family moved to Williamston in 1941 and remained there until 1954 when they relocated to St. Johns and opened Dedyne Grocery on West State Street. A gifted athlete, Bob was four-year letter winner in football, basketball and baseball, graduating in 1957 from Rodney B. Wilson High School. He applied the same athletic grit and determination in embarking on his chosen career that began in 1958 - at age 19. Upon the encouragement of a mentor, John Hopko, Bob obtained special permission from State of Michigan Insurance Commissioner Darrell Waters to take the State of Michigan insurance tests which he passed successfully. He first worked for John Bond's agency in St. Johns before accepting a position with John Hancock Insurance in Lansing and later with Home Mutual where he was fully licensed in all insurance lines. It was during this time period that Bob married his high school sweetheart, Marsha Ortwein, on Jan. 20, 1959. "Dolly" was the love of his life, and they worked hand-in-hand during those early years to build their business while raising three children. In 1972, Dedyne Insurance opened in an office space located in their home on Baldwin Street. In 1996, the business relocated to the building that the couple purchased on the corner of Clinton Avenue and Railroad Street in downtown St. Johns - and it's still going strong today. He earned numerous honors over the years including the Leaders Forum Secura Life Million Dollar Award, John Hancock Honor Club, Philadelphia Life Circle of Stars and others. He was a member of several professional organizations including the Michigan Association of Insurance Agents, National Association of Insurance Underwriters and Lansing Life Underwriters. He was a member of the Masons, and the First Congregational Church in St. Johns. An avid fisherman and hunter, Bob enjoyed all aspects of the outdoors especially hunting pheasants and fishing all the special spots he knew at Lake Mitchell in Cadillac. Teaching his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to fish was part of the routine. There's nothing he and Marsha loved more than family gatherings at the cottage - where stories were told and re-told, always with plenty of laughter. Along with Marsha, he is survived by his children Wayne (Rhonda) Dedyne, Jim (Heather) Dedyne and Chris Thompson; grandchildren, Matthew Dedyne, Jessica (Jason) Winsor, Johnathon and Adam Thompson, Meg Dedyne, Mitchell and Grant Pero, and Aaron and Brent Gaffney; great-grandchildren, Owen and Olivia Winsor; brothers-in-law, William (Ann) Ortwein, and Robert and (Cheryl) Ortwein; several nieces and nephews, and grand-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; father and mother-in-law, William and Mary Ortwein; son-in-law, Mike Thompson; and brother and sister-in-law, J.D. and Fran Dedyne. Visitation is from 2-4 and 6-8, Sept. 26, at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home in St. Johns; funeral at 11 a.m., Sept. 27 at Keck-Coleman with Reverend Matt Olson officiating; luncheon following the service at the First Congregational Church. Memorials may be made to the First Congregational Church, St. Johns Public Schools Athletic Department, or Hospice House of Mid-Michigan. To send on-line condolences visit www.keckcolemanfh.com.