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Robert BILSTEIN Obituary
Robert F. Bilstein
SPRINGFIELD - Robert F. Bilstein, 101, formerly of Springfield, passed away on Saturday, August 18, 2012 in Jerseyville, IL.
Robert was born December 25, 1910 in Chalco, Nebraska, the son of Richard and Bessie (Dasher) Bilstein. Robert graduated from Northwestern University in Chicago. He married Ruth A. Meinke on November 17, 1934 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Denver, CO, they shared 64 years together until she preceded him in death in 1998. He proudly served our country in the Army making it all the way up to major. Robert worked as a hospital administrator for many years, he finished his career with the State of Illinois Department of Public Health. Robert was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. He enjoyed reading, spending time with his dog Jody, and was an avid Cardinals fan.
Robert is survived by a brother Jerry D. Bilstein of Mitchell, NE, dear friends; Michael R. Hickey and Basil P. Williams both of Godfrey, IL. He was preceded in death by 3 brothers and 4 sisters.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, August 23, 2012, at Bisch Funeral Home West, 2931 S Koke Mill Rd, Springfield, IL 62711, from 10-11 am. A graveside service will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery where military rites will be conducted by Sangamon County Inter-Veterans Burial Detail, and by Rev. Aaron Schnelle of Trinity Lutheran Church.
Please visit the online guestbook at www.bischfuneralhomewest.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert BILSTEIN
Roger Bilstein
September 22, 2012
When I was growing up, any visit from my Uncle Bob and Aunt Ruth was a very special event. He always took a keen interest in me and my hobbies and schoolwork. Later, when we visited with our children, he showed them and my wife the same attentive kindness. He always seemed to be at ease with the world and people around him. I don't remember his ever saying an unkind word about anyone. His having a professional career influenced this small town kid from western Nebraska to go on to graduate school and eventually become a professor of history. I will always remember his gentle smile and the twinkle in his eyes. Roger Bilstein
Jo Ann Bartolomucci
August 27, 2012
Mike, I was saddened to hear of Bob's passing. He and Ruth were goods friends of my parents, Art and Marthann Sescleifer. I am sure he will be missed by his friends and family.
August 24, 2012
Mike,
I was so sorry to read about Bob's passing. I wish I could have seen him in our office just one more time. He was always such a sweet, kind easy going patient. So glad he got to celebrate his 100th birthday. What a milestone!! I'm sure your patient caring & attention kept him going these last few years. You have my deepest sympathy. Nancy Hay
Fr. Bill Emmerling
August 24, 2012
A wonderful mentor while I was at the IDPH. He and Ruth were precious friends as well. I owe so much of my career as a Hospital Administrator to RFB. Blessing, Fr. Bill Emmerling crosf, (R) USPHS CAPT 06, FNPc, RHIA, LFACHE Las Vegas, NV
Judy Barnosky
August 23, 2012
What a Gentleman!! Sometimes people just cross your path briefly but they touch your life in a special way. Bob was on this earth a long time..But now forever in Heaven with all his loved ones who left before him. I'm sure he smiled humbly when he heard.."Well done my good and faithful servant"
Jan Sescleifer
August 21, 2012
I was sad to hear about Bob's death. He and my father, Art Sescleifer, were such good friends. He was so good to my dad when he was sick. I always enjoyed his company. He will be missed.
August 21, 2012
Bob was a fantastic person. We were sad when he left Springfield.
August 21, 2012
I'm sorry I will not be here. I often visited with Bob at Trinity. Bob was a friend of my father in the early days. He had a scar on his ankle to prove it. This came from high school ice sckating in Washington Park. He will be missed. My sympathies and condolences. John Rodenburg
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