Robert J. Kaintz Sr. "Bonkers Bob"

Robert James Kaintz, 83, of Toledo passed away peacefully at University of Toledo Medical Center on Sept. 22, 2025, surrounded by his beloved family. He was a faith-driven, family-oriented, generous, compassionate, humorous, loving, kind and witty father, grandfather, brother, son and friend to everyone. Born on June 21, 1942, at St. Vincent Medical Center in Toledo, Robert - who went by Bob - was grounded by his devout faith and dear family. Bob's life, guided by Christ, began as a grade school student at St. Agnes in West Toledo. That experience molded him into the humble and endearing individual he became. He always expressed his great appreciation that his parents, Gustave "Curly" Kaintz and Helen Kaintz (Purnia) - who preceded him in death - gifted him with a Catholic grade school education. Just a few years before he graduated from St. Agnes, Bob met his soulmate, Paulette, as a preteen. His family moved to Asbury Drive in West Toledo, and she lived across the street. Bob and Paulette shared a profound love for each other for over 70 years. As a teenager, Bob would usually walk by Paulette's house dribbling his basketball on the way to Asbury Park. He spent many days there competing on the court with his peers, including best friend Terry. Bob attended and graduated from Woodward High School in 1961. It was there that he discovered his passion for printing, which turned into his profession for over 40 years. In December 1964, his career was put on hold. Bob was drafted into the United States Army and he bravely defended his country in Vietnam as a medic. In April 1966, he was honorably discharged. Upon returning to Toledo, Bob hardly wasted any time to propose to the love of his life, Paulette. They married on Nov. 26, 1966, at St. Agnes. He spent the next 58 years saying, "there's my bride," with love in his eyes every time she entered the room. Bob gladly sent his three children, Kathy, Karolyn and Rob, to his church's grade school, St. Hedwig, in North Toledo, less than a mile away from where they lived on Peck Street. They eventually moved to South Toledo and were proud parishioners of St. Patrick of Heatherdowns, close to the family's second home on Brogan Drive. As a professional, Bob woke up every morning motivated to arrive at work and provide for his family. His career graciously began at Majors Printing Company, where he started "on the bench." A few short years later, he started at Rad-Mar Press. It did not take him long to earn a promotion to plant supervisor, a role he held for over three decades. Bob poured his courageous heart into his profession, evident by his generous acts of service for employees. He was an advocate and deeply caring supervisor for all his workers. His one personal request from his manager was for two weeks vacation with his family. Trips to Oscoda, Mich., became tradition. He loved bonding with his loved ones, sampling food from outstanding restaurants and walking along the shores of Lake Huron. They also occasionally traveled to Florida and elsewhere throughout the years. One of those places was Lake Columbia in Michigan, where Bob had a blast boating and pulling his family on skis. He found his love for lake life during his youth working at his extended family's cottage at Bird Lake in Michigan. Bob loved the water. He was an avid fisherman, especially on Lake Erie. But nothing beat reeling in bass at the family pond. In September 2001, Bob finally retired to enjoy family's company. He cherished holiday dinners and was honored to carve the Thanksgiving turkey and Christmas ham every year. And of course, always picking up Stanley's kielbasa to be served at Christmas dinner. He capped each one off with a slice of MacQueen's apple pie. As a retiree, Bob treasured his role in all of his grandchildren's lives. He embraced the chance to babysit or support at their sporting events. He somehow tolerated the freezing winters, only to sit in cold ice rinks to watch his grandsons' hockey games. Baseball in the summer and football in the fall were a welcomed seasonal change from the hockey arenas. His favorite hobby was traveling to spots across Northwest Ohio to routinely support the '50s-60s cover band "Bonkers." His allegiance to the group earned him the nickname "Bonkers Bob," which he represented happily. Music of the '50-60s music brought great joy to his life. So did breakfast at Briarfield Cafe or Mayberry Diner, the casual dinners at American Table and Schmuckers, and special celebrations designated for Eddie Lee's. He relished watching the Ohio State Buckeyes on fall Saturdays with Wixey Bakery donuts and freshly brewed coffee. Bob taught his family to live simply, without anger and to laugh, play and always look out for one another. He encouraged them to pray and give thanks to the "Good Lord." He is survived by his precious wife Paulette (Manzey); brothers Thomas and William Kaintz; daughter Kathy and her husband Mike Kelly and grandsons Kyle (fiancée Megan), Tyler (significant other Sarah) and Drew; daughter Karolyn Kaintz and granddaughter Erica, great-granddaughter Aubrey and grandson Dylan Kaintz (wife Ashley); and son Robert Kaintz II (significant other Ajay). Bob also had a fourth daughter, Kristine, who preceded him in death as a newborn. Bob's visitation is at Coyle Funeral Home, 1770 S. Reynolds Rd. in Toledo, on Monday from 2-7 p.m. St. Patrick of Heatherdowns Church will celebrate his funeral Mass on Tuesday at 11 a.m. with burial at Resurrection cemetery to follow. A luncheon will be held at The American Legion in Holland. Bob's family would like to fervently thank all the doctors and nurses for their exceptional care. The family invites all who knew Bob to attend and share their memories. Bob left a beautiful legacy and will surely be missed. His family thanks him dearly for loving each and every one of them and for teaching them how to be better people. May God rest his soul in peace. Please leave a condolence message for the family and view Bob's video tribute at CoyleFuneralHome.com.

Robert J. Kaintz Sr. "Bonkers Bob"

June 21, 1942 - September 22, 2025