Decatur, Illinois
DECATUR - Robert Karl Hantel 71, of Decatur passed away at 6:10 A.M. Tuesday June 13, 2006 in St. Mary's Hospital. Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday June 17, 2006 at Dawson & Wikoff West Wood Street Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 12 p.m. till 2 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be made in the name of Robert K. Hantel to Millikin University Attn: Peg Luy; The Little Theater on the Square, Sullivan, IL, the Decatur YMCA or to The Dogwood Society c/o South Side Country Club. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family via email c/o www.dawson-wikoff.com. Bob was born June 3, 1935 in Lincoln, IL, the son of Walter and Anna Hantel. He was a graduate of Lincoln High School. After high school he attended Beloit College for one year and then transferred to Millikin University, where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and graduated in 1957. Bob was a P.E. Teacher and coach at Woodrow Wilson Junior High, served in the U.S. Army and returned to Woodrow as the Assistant Principal and then it's Principal until the school's closing. He then went to Thomas Jefferson Middle School to serve as Principal until his retirement in 1993. After his retirement Bob served as the Women's tennis coach at Millikin University. Driving a school bus, canoeing, and visiting State Capitals were just a few of his interests. He was a member of South Side Country Club having been formerly on the Board of Directors, YMCA, Millikin Quarterback Club, and a proud member of the "Pitch Club", "Brunch Bunch" and "Gurus". Bob was both a football and basketball official for many years, and worked the Chain Gang for football games and the basketball scorer's table at Millikin University. He married Joanne Sparks. He married Gretchen Peters on November 27, 2004. Surviving is his wife: Gretchen Peters-Hantel of Decatur, daughters: Heidi (Don) Overton of Atlanta GA and Gretchen Hantel of Appleton, WI. Sister: Dolores Ommodt of Richmond, VA. Grandsons: Josh, Skye, and Grey Overton, niece: Dana Trimmer of Richmond, VA. Nephew: Robert Ommodt of Indian Rock Beach, FL., stepsons: Sean (Nancy) Gadberry, Steve Gadberry and Craig Gadberry; step-grandchildren Hannah, Connor and Joelle Gadberry, countless friends, former students, and golf buddies. The family would like to thank Dr. Ben Esparaz and his staff and associates at THE Cancer Care Center and the great nursing staff at St. Mary's Hospital--even Nurse Ratchet. Bob was a kind and gentle and worthwhile human being, a good neighbor, intelligent, honest, funny, down to earth. Our lives have been blessed by his presence, and for that may we be thankful. Obituary written by family members.Online guest book at www.legacy.com/herald-review/Obituaries.asp
I knew "Stony" through the Lincoln High School years as a friend and exciting basketball athlete to watch. He was liked by everyone who knew him. His family, Joanne, Gretchen, and family are in my thoughts and prayers at this very sad time.
Sonjo Zollars-Cronson
July 03, 2006 | Pensacola, Florida
Stony was one of the most fun-loving friends at Lincoln High School back in the '50's. He'll truly be missed. Condolences to all of his family and friends.
Madeline (Salyers) Bunjes
madeline Bunjes
June 21, 2006 | Houston, TX
What a great guy--husband, principal, role model, and the list goes on and on. I was priviliged to work with Bob at WW and then at TJ. It was a great experience. My children both went to school under his principalship at TJ and both admire him greatly. What a great loss to the family and the community.
My prayers are with the family as they try to remember the good moments, hours, days and years spent with Bob Hantel.
God Bless You All
Carolyn Slifer
June 20, 2006 | Decatur, IL
I taught with Mr. Hantel for a very short time. He was a great inspiration and very pleasant to work with. I am so sorry for your loss.
Sandy Dosien
June 19, 2006 | Mattoon,, IL
I worked with Mr. Hantel for five years at TJ after he offered me my first job working for Decatur Public Schools. I have been forever grateful to him for giving me that opportunity. I will never forget his smile and upbeat personality.
Ellen Ferguson
June 19, 2006 | Argenta, IL
I met Bob at Cancer Care and he made me laugh every time we spoke. He always had that twinkle in his eye and a sheepish grin on his face. He amazed me with his stories of all the things he had done with his life. I know that he wiil be greatly missed by his family, as he always spoke highly of them. My deepest sympathy to the Hantel family on the loss of a great man.
Michelle Hazelrigg
June 19, 2006 | Decatur, IL
Bob was such a very special person and I am glad to have known him for many years as a great neighbor, fellow teacher, Woodrow and as my principal at TJ. My condolences to the the family for losing such a caring man.
. Sincerely, Mary Lou mcBride, Colorado Springs, Colorado
mary Lou McBride
June 18, 2006 | Colorado Springs, CO
My condolences to all of Bob's family. I grew up with Bob in Lincoln, Il, and also went to Millikin with him. He was a great High School athlete, and a fun loving person.
Jeanne Littleton Stillman
June 17, 2006 | Austin, TX
Our Prayers are with the family. Bob was the friendliest man, and gave so much of himself to help others. We will always think of him with a smile on his face. God bless you.
Les and Patty Aubert
June 16, 2006 | Mt. Zion
