Robert LeRoy Deal

Services will be 5 p.m. Friday at Life Community, 2140 Broadway, Grand Junction.

Mr. Deal was a certified addictions counselor.

He is survived by his wife, Milana Hudon-Deal; four sons, Jurgen Deal of Germany, Edward Hudon of Anchorage, Alaska, Benjamin Wolf of Grand Junction, and Nathaniel Wolf of Westminster; three daughters, Silvia Deal of Germany, Ruth Ann Deal of Denver, and Christina Deal of Grand Junction; a mother Mary Ann Deal of Farmington, New Mexico; a brother Jim Deal of Farmington; a sister, Mary Alice Ireton of Douglas, Wyoming; 26 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Robert L. Deal

August 29, 1941 - February 7, 2015

Robert L. Deal, beloved counselor, believing that any journey began with the first step and then one step at a time, took his final step into glory while surrounded by his wife, family and friends, Saturday, February 7th.

Born to Ralph and Mary Ann Deal on August 29, 1941, Robert grew up in Delores, Colorado. He married Judy King and joined the U.S. Army in 1960. They had two daughters, Ruth Ann and Christina and were divorced in 1965, re-married and had two more children, Jurgen and Sylvia.

In 1999 Robert married Milana (Hudon) Wolfe, wife, partner and best friend. Five step-sons were added to the family, Edward, Benjamin, Nathanael, Timber and Joshua.

Robert served as an Army Ranger from 1960-1972 in Europe, Korea and Vietnam and was honorably discharged. After working for Pinkerton's as a security officer, an oilfield worker and long-haul truck driver Robert found his calling as a State Certified Substance Abuse Counselor. He directed the Salvation Army Residential Rehabilitation Program for 12 years, retiring in 2008. He was known for his recreational hikes which his clients lovingly called Death Marches. He loved the outdoors, softball and reading. He treated his clients with love and respect patiently waiting for the miracle of a changed life. Even after retirement Bob was available to sit and lend an ear, affecting countless lives in Grand Junction and beyond.

Robert was active in his church, Spirit of Life Christian Fellowship, and was ordained as a Pastor in 2008.

Robert had nine grandchildren, 17 step-grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren who will miss him very much. He was preceded in death by Ralph Deal (father) and step-sons, Joshua and Timber Wolfe.

A celebration of Roberts life will be held Friday, February 13th, 5:00 p.m. at Life Community, 2140 Broadway (the old True Value next to Safeway) in Grand Junction.

Published in The Daily Sentinel on Feb. 11, 2015