Robert (Bob) James Manthei
Address: 50 Gracefield Avenue, Christchurch, New Zealand 80443
or 129 Fair St, Traverse City, MI 49686
Spouse: Marjorie
Email: bob.manthei@canterbury.ac.nz
Phone: TC 231-633-9729
Robert Manthei Obituary
Robert “Bob” James Manthei died December 10, 2025 in Christchurch, New Zealand, after 18 months with non-smokers lung cancer and seven months of pain from hip condition.
Bob was born in Manistee in 1946, and attended Manistee High School until his father’s employment was transferred to Traverse City in 1961. Bob then attended Traverse City Central High School. Bob had a BS from Michigan State University, MSc in Rehabilitation Counseling degree from Southern Illinois University and a Doctor of Education (Counseling Psychology) from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst.
After completing his Masters degree, Bob worked as a psychiatric social worker at the Traverse City State Hospital’s children’s clinic for two years. He married Marjorie (Moon) Manthei from Springfield Illinois in 1971 at Traverse City. They emigrated to New Zealand that year, in what turned out to be a sort of extended ‘overseas experience’. Thus, in November 1971 Robert became a Child Welfare Officer with the Department of Social Welfare in Christchurch. As the years passed, they continued to enjoy life in New Zealand and found themselves staying long-term.
In 1974 Bob became an academic staff member at the University of Canterbury, eventually rising to the rank of a highly honored Professor of Counsellor Education. He retired from his academic post in 2008.
They chose to stay in New Zealand and continue to live in the inner-city area of Christchurch. After they retired, they regularly visited the United States to see family and friends. They own a small condominium in Traverse City.
Bob was a Grade A basketball player for many years, as well as a basketball television commenter, including for two Olympics. He was a life member of the New Zealand Association of Counsellors. Bob enjoyed walking, biking, and other outdoor activities. He was also involved in local government matters, University of the Third Age (a United Kingdom organization for people to come together to learn for fun) and neighbourhood/city enhancement.
Bob is survived by: brothers David (Karen) Manthei and Dale (Sue) Manthei of Traverse City and nieces and nephews in northwest Michigan and Indiana; cousins Ronnie (Jim) Kahl of St. Joseph, Michigan and Kurt (Colleen) Schindler Brethren/Wellston; Fay Murphy, of Florida; second cousins and friend to many in Northern Michigan. He is known as Uncle B to three generations of Indiana in-laws. Preceding Bob’s death were his parents Richard “Dick” and Ardath Manthei; cousin Dana Schindler; Kent Krive Sr.; Dick Manthei; aunt Mavis (Herb) Schindler; aunt Fern Krive; aunt Clara Murphy; Uncle Ed Manthei.
Messages for the Manthei family, may be sent to PO Box 3158, Christchurch Central 8140 NEW ZEALAND or posting on line at: https://deaths.press.co.nz/nz/obituaries/the-press-nz/name/robert-manthei-obituary?id=60282109. In lieu of flowers, you may want to donate to any organization you associate with Bob, such as the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy. In keeping with Bob’s wishes a private cremation has been held, with a Memorial Service to follow in the new year in New Zealand. There will also be a family celebration of life in Manistee next summer.
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