Robert O. Engelke

Robert O. Engelke, 87, of Grand Junction, CO passed away on January 6, 2026.

Robert (Bob) was born on March 6, 1938 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, to Otto and Mary Ellen Engelke. He graduated from University High School, a part of University of Michigan, in 1956. After earning his bachelor's degree in political science from Colorado State University, he went on to join the U.S. Navy and serve aboard ship as Ensign and was later promoted to LTJG from 1962-1965.

Prior to entering the Navy and immediately after his return, Bob attended University of Colorado where he studied Public Administration. He would continue to work in positions related to public administration, including Assistant Planning Director in Fort Collins, City and County Planning Director in Grand Junction and a term as City Manager of Fruita, Colorado. Later Bob became an independent planning consultant, working with Western Slope developers and cities. Bob was previously married to Deanne Parrish with whom he shared two children, Kelly Weeks and Karl Engelke. He is also survived by two granddaughters, Lynsday Engelke and Melissa Weeks, and two great grandchildren, Brayden Engelke and Kinzley Engelke. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, sisters and cousins.

Bob was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing, hunting and camping, especially on the Grand Mesa. He always had dogs as companions and for duck hunting. Later, he became a member of the Grand Junction Gem and Mineral Club.

Military honors graveside service will be held at the Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery at 3:00 p.m. February 13, 2026.