"Dr. Bob" Robert James Rosenthal

Robert "Dr. Bob" James Rosenthal, age 82, of Dupont, Indiana passed from this life on Friday, February 26, 2021. A kind, wise man who always had a song in his heart and a story to tell.

Born on March 31, 1938 in Hartford, Wisconsin to the late Armond and Virginia Rosenthal, it was a hometown and childhood he always cherished. He attended St. Olaf College in Minnesota, and married his first wife, Grace Hildebrandt, during his student years. From there he went on to earn his Ph.D. in philosophy at the University of Maryland. While there, their daughter Sonya was born in Washington, D.C. Shortly after, Bob started his teaching career at the University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point. There he developed a love of trout fishing, which became a lifelong passion.

In 1967 he came to Hanover College where he taught philosophy until his retirement in 2014. He developed a creative range of courses, finding special purpose in his class "Concepts of Love" and his distinctive experiential class "Utopias and Intentional Communities." Over the years, many students let him know how impactful these courses were for them.... a source of deep satisfaction to him. He acted on his love for the College community in many ways - in the early 1970's he helped found a student coffee house, Dove Cottage, and throughout his career found special delight in sharing his folk singing and could be seen strolling campus in his beret. He held a deep respect for the life and art of Harlan and Anna Hubbard, taking many classes down to Payne Hollow so students could experience the beauty of their way of life. Later Bob helped found The Friends of the Hubbards and coordinated two conferences on campus dedicated to sharing and exploring the Hubbard way. His 47-year teaching career at Hanover stands as the second longest in the history of the College.

In 1981 he married Vicki Jenkins, and they shared a wonderful adventure of love, service, travel, and rootedness in the beauty of the natural world. Not an animal person at first, he came to be an extraordinary companion and advocate for animals in need. He volunteered at the local animal shelter for ten years, and over time lovingly accepted over 18 dogs and 9 cats into his home. He also discovered a love for international travel, most especially Japan and its beautiful gardens.

Please Click Here to View the Remembrance of Life Ceremony

A LOVING FAMILY His life will be cherished by his wife of 39 years, Vicki Jenkins of Dupont; his daughter, Sonya (Nathan) Rousseau of Taos, NM; grandson Malcolm Rousseau of Taos, NM; brothers Donald Rosenthal of White Settlement, TX, David Rosenthal of OK, and Thomas Rosenthal of Beaver Dam, WI; sisters Beverly Larsson of Hartford, WI, Karen Meyer of Oxford, WI, Jean Johannes (Jim) of New Berlin, WI, and Janet Butterbrodt (John) of Cadott, WI.; several nieces and nephews. He will also be sorely missed by his current dogs Hannah, Tashi, Talkeetna, and Mocha and cats Karuna, Prajna, Shanti, and Dharma.

REMEMBRANCE OF LIFEA remembrance of life ceremony will be celebrated on Saturday, May 1, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. at the Point at Hanover College in Hanover, Indiana.

GATHERING TIMEFriends and family are requested to begin gathering on Saturday, May 1, 2021 at 1:30 p.m.at the Point

MEMORIAL EXPRESSIONS In honor of his many loves and interests, memorial contributions may be made to:The Foundation for Intentional CommunityThai Street Paws RescueHanover CollegeCards are available at the Morgan & Nay Funeral Centres of Hanover and Madison or at the remembrance ceremony. Online condolences, remembrances, and memorials can be left at www.morgan-nay.com

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