Mr. Robert E. "Bob" Greiling

Robert "Bob" E. Greiling, 75, of Green Bay, passed away on Monday, March 17, 2025, at Bellin Memorial Hospital, with his family by his side. Bob was born on January 26, 1950, in Green Bay, the son of the late Grant and Lucille (Gerstner) Greiling. He graduated from Green Bay Preble High School in 1968, where he was very active in football, wrestling, choir, and socializing with his friends, also known as the "Shit House Gang." He furthered his education at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.
In his younger years, Bob could often be found at A.L. Greiling Company General Merchandise in New Franken, a family enterprise that helped shape his social skills and work ethic. The A.L. Greiling Company was a retail operation that offered everything from groceries to farm machinery, a grain elevator, a hog farm, a bank, a gas station, a post office, roofing contractors, and a phone company.
At the age of 17, Bob's father unexpectedly passed away, leaving all household responsibilities in his hands. After attending college, Bob was set to marry his fiancée, Janice Vande Hei, but tragically lost her too soon. Following Jan's passing, Bob focused on his roofing career with A.L. Greiling Co. He worked as a roofing contractor by day and as a bartender at night, mixing up tasty adult beverages and sharing witty jokes behind the bar at the Zuider Zee Supper Club. His outgoing personality and beautiful blue eyes caught the attention of Lynn, and they tied the knot on July 24, 1981. Their wedding was unforgettable, as Bob was t-boned by a semi-truck just before the ceremony, resulting in broken ribs and a fractured pelvis. His determination was evident as he was wheeled down the church aisle on their wedding day.
Shortly after their wedding, they welcomed their first-born son, Nicholas, followed by two daughters, Laura and Sarah. During this time, Bob decided to leave roofing behind and began working for Interstate Bakeries Corporation, also known as Hostess Brands Inc. From 1983 to 1998, he became known as the "Hostess Man," jumping from store to store stocking shelves, driving trucks, and making random home visits to treat his children to Hostess snacks.
Bob had a great sense of humor, loved to entertain, socialize, and enjoyed watching the Packers. He took pride in what he owned and what he did. While dating Lynn, he traded in his red Suzuki motorcycle to purchase their first washer and dryer. Family was more important to Bob than any material possession. During the summer, he took joy in hand-washing family vehicles and completing yard work, especially when the cooler was full of beverages and music was playing. His obsession with The Beatles was evident, as his children knew the lyrics to many of their songs, and his home was filled with Beatles memorabilia.
September 24, 1990, was a day that forever changed Bob's life. Holding his daughter Laura in his arms until she took her final breath hit him hard. Despite this loss, Bob continued to be a loving father and husband, though his sadness eventually caught up with him. To brighten his gloomy days, the family welcomed Monique, a 6-pound Bichon Frise, who had a special way of snuggling up to Bob's right thigh while he sat in his recliner. Monique brought great joy to the Greiling household and enjoyed sharing ice cream with Bob.
March 24, 1994, was another heavy day when Bob lost his mother. He continued to push forward and find happiness in his children's lives, always ensuring he was there when needed. Angels and rainbows began to appear more frequently in Bob's life.
"Uncle B," as he became known, enjoyed spending time with his great nieces and nephews, as well as his grandchildren, who brought new life and joy to him. He had a passion for writing and composing poems, and his interests shifted toward mental health. During this journey, he met many wonderful friends and found fulfillment in helping others. His understanding and non-judgmental personality truly shone through. Bob often quoted Henry David Thoreau: "The most I can do for my friend is simply to be his friend."
When life knocked him down, Bob always got back up. This resilience and perseverance were hallmarks of his character. On the day of Laura's passing, Bob promised his daughter that they would one day meet again in heaven. That day has now come. Over the rainbow and free at last.
Bob is survived by his two children: Nick (Robin) Greiling and Sarah (Bob) Denow; six grandchildren: Grant, Lucy, Julia, Winston, Myles, and Oliver; his former wife, Lynn Olson; his sister, Mary Jo (Bob) Herman; one stepsister, June (Roger) Gilsoul; and two nieces, Stacy Herman and Tanya (Justin) Mianecki, along with her children: Jordan, Kaden, Dakota, and Braydyn. He is further survived by other relatives, aunts, uncles and friends.
He was preceded in death by one daughter, Laura; one stepbrother, Gary Greiling; his former fiancée, Janice Vande Hei; and several godparent, family members, and friends.
A gathering of family and friends will be held from 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at St. Kilian Catholic Church, 2508 Saint Kilian Road. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M., with Father Patrick Beno officiating. Burial will take place next to his daughter Laura at Nicolet Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers and other expressions of sympathy, a memorial fund has been established in his name. The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to the doctors, nurses, and caregivers for all the loving care and compassion towards Bob.