Robert Allen Ahrendt

       Robert Allen Ahrendt, age 83 of Chesterton, IN, passed away on December 29, 2025. 

       He was born on June 15, 1942, in Gary, IN, to William J. and Omi H. (Bjelland) Ahrendt, both of whom preceded him in death along with his brother-in-law, Gerhard Amt.

       He is survived by his wife Marianne (Peckat) Ahrendt of Chesterton, IN; loving sons, Shon Allen (Tammy) Ahrendt of Valparaiso, IN and Erik Robert (Kathryn) Ahrendt of Valparaiso, IN; his treasured grandchildren: Lauren Ahrendt Vecchi  (Joshua) of Fort Wayne, IN; Daniel (Olivia Rosario Hoover) Ahrendt of Elletsville, IN; Alexander Ahrendt (Keja Wynn) of Lafayette, IN; Benjamin Ahrendt of Valparaiso, IN; and Jillian Ahrendt of Valparaiso, IN; his great-grandchild, Kiara of Lafayette, IN; and by his sister, Barbra (Ahrendt) Amt of  Virginia; nephews William and Carl Amt of Washington DC. 

       Rob was a lifetime member of Augsburg Evangelical Lutheran Church. He grew up in Porter, IN with his family behind the nationally registered historic landmark, Augsburg Burstrom Swedish Chapel, on Oak Hill Road where he was active in the preservation of the building.   

       He participated in Boy Scout Troop 68 of Porter, IN where he earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 1957 and received the God and Country religious award.

       Rob attended Duneland Schools but completed high school at the Luther Junior Academy, and received an Associate degree at Luther Junior College, both in Wahoo Nebraska.

       Rob proudly served his country in the United States Army, where he was an Army MP and dog handler from 1964 to 1966. He was initially stationed at the Nike Missile base in Porter, IN less than half a mile from his boyhood home. From there he was deployed with his dog to Vietnam for ten months. 

       On August 17, 1968, at Augsburg Evangelical Lutheran Church, he married the love of his life, Marianne. They recently celebrated 57 years of marriage.

       Rob worked at Bethlehem Steel Burns Harbor for over 30 years as an Industrial Engineer.

       He was a self-taught guitar and banjo player, and especially enjoyed folk songs and sing-a-longs. He performed at many local venues and events, including library children's programs, the Chellberg Farm, and the Indiana Dunes State and National Parks. He was locally known as “Banjo Bob.”

       Rob enjoyed fishing, golfing, and camping. The family had a tipi that they took camping and hosted many sing-a-longs and overnighters in their back yard. He was well known for telling jokes and stories. Rob was proud of his Scandinavian heritage and the celebration of those traditions with his family. He enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s concerts and sporting events. Rob was the consummate family man and loved doing activities with his children and grandchildren. 

       Rob will forever be remembered as a loving husband, brother, father, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend.

       A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. at Augsburg Evangelical Lutheran Church, 100 N Mineral Springs Rd, Porter, IN, with Reverand Erik Bernth officiating. The family will receive friends for a Memorial Visitation from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church. 

       Memorial donations may be given to the Burstrom Chapel Fund through Augsburg Lutheran Church. 

Professional arrangements are entrusted to White-Love Funeral Home, Chesterton, IN. Please share your wonderful memories with the family at: www.whitelovefuneralhome.com.

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