Robert J. Gimbel

Robert J. Gimbel, 82, of Louisville, entered Eternal Life on Friday, April 25, 2025.
Born outside of Chicago, Illinois, to the late William and Dorothy Gimbel, Bob was an engineer at heart whose curiosity, drive, and leadership defined both his personal and professional life. With a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA, Bob built a distinguished career that blended general management, engineering, sales, and marketing. His work left a lasting impact on colleagues, clients, and the organizations he helped shape.
Outside of work, Bob lived life to the fullest. He had an adventurous spirit and loved to travel-both overseas and across the U.S. He was a longtime member of the Louisville Ski Club and found great joy in skiing, boating, biking, and running. Whether gliding across the water on skis or logging miles on a run, he embraced every opportunity to be active outdoors.
Bob was also an exceptional cook and a master of the grill, well-known for his signature "designer beer" selection at all gatherings he attended and hosted. His dry wit and clever remarks were a hallmark of his personality, often sparking laughter and good conversation wherever he went.
A passionate sports fan, Bob followed the Louisville Cardinals, the Purdue Boilermakers, the Chicago Cubs, and the Chicago Bears with unwavering loyalty. Whether watching from the stands or from his favorite chair, he never missed a chance to cheer on his teams.
Bob was a member of Hurstbourne Christian Church. He will be missed by all who knew him-for his wisdom, humor, and generous spirit-and lovingly remembered as a man who built things that lasted, both in work and in life.
Bob is preceded in death by his wife, Colleen Gimbel; his parents; and his sister, Carol Blodgett (Don).
Carrying on Bob's legacy are his children, Christine Foster (Roy), Matthew Gimbel (Kristen), and Sarah Cecil (Ben); stepchildren, Joe Elder, Bonny Mueller (Antonia), and Kristen Zipp (Damian); grandchildren, Kaylee, Kassidy, JD, Aidan, Synklair, Mayleen, and Alyza; and sister, Judy Swanson (Terry).
Visitation will be from 2–8 PM on Friday, May 9 at Ratterman & Sons Funeral Home, 3800 Bardstown Road. Funeral services will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, May 10 at the funeral home, with burial to follow at Cave Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to American Heart Association and American Cancer Society. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert, please visit our floral store.