Robert J. Dau

Robert Jensen Dau 84, of Petoskey, passed away peacefully Monday, November 23, 2015 at Independence Village of Petoskey.

Born on March 27, 1931 in Petoskey, Michigan, he was the son of Alfred and Beatrice (Schmitt) Dau.

Robert was President of Wood Welded International, the marketing arm of the Michigan Maple Block and Bally Block Companies. He retired in the mid – 80’s to pursue his passions of art collecting and travel.

As a young man, Robert became interested in metal sculptures and the artists who created them. He collected many pieces by Harry Bertoia and Klaus Ihlenfeld that can be seen at the Huntington Library in California. Later in his life he became friends with Pietro Vinotti. He commissioned several pieces by Vinotti including one of Chief Petoskey that is located overlooking the Bay in Petoskey.

Throughout his life he was known as a philanthropist, an art collector, a classical music enthusiast, an avid gardener and a skilled wood carver. Robert will be remembered as a good, hard working man who enjoyed spending time in the company of others. His warm smile and keen intellect were always on display among friends, family and strangers alike. Until recently, Robert spent his time among his three homes in Petoskey, MI, Kenilworth, IL and Palm Desert, CA.

Robert is survived by his daughter Fernanda (Brian Fisher) and granddaughters Roberta Fisher and Sofie Fisher of Arlington, VA.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and two wives, Kendra Isbey Dau in 1997 and Nancy Anderson Dau in 2009.

A funeral will be held at 1:00 PM on December 12th at the Church of the Holy Comforter in Kenilworth, IL. Memorial services celebrating Robert’s life will take place in Palm Desert, CA in the spring of 2016 and in Bay View, MI in the summer of 2016. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Robert Jensen Dau Foundation, 560 Green Bay Road, Suite 100, Winnetka, IL 60093. Arrangements are by Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service. Please share your memories and personal messages with the family at www.gaylordfuneralhome.com