Robert Kristoff Obituary
Robert was born on October 31, 1938 in Carbondale to Anton and Anna (Maynarich) Kristoff. Robert married Janice Lindhorst on December 5, 1964 in Makanda.
Robert was a 1956 graduate of Carbondale Community High School. He was drafted and proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1962 - 1963. He retired in 2000 from the State of Illinois as Site Superintendent of Giant City State Park.
Robert is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, daughter Melissa Staples, granddaughter Annabelle Staples, and sister Marie Stockton.
He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Tony Jr., Albert, Katherine, Edward, Louis, Lucille, Bertha, and twin brother Richard, and his son-in-law Steven Staples.
A Memorial of Robert's life will be held at 11:30 am on Tuesday, November 28th in Giant City State Park (Shelter #3) Nephew Dennis Vaughn will be officiating and Military Honors will be presented by the U.S. Army and American Legion Post #127.
Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale assisted the family with arrangements. To leave a story or memory of Robert visit www.meredithfh.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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2 Entries
John Lee
February 2, 2026
Photo of Bob roaring past the Agnew House (Happy Home) one hot summer day, probably 1969. I first met Bob when I was a kid growing up at Happy Home with my grandparents, Marvin and Ruby Hamilton. The park naturalist, Steve Vandenbark lived up the lane from us at Odie Miller´s beautiful old farm. During the summer, I would help out at the park and Bob would occasionally put me to work making wood signs at the shop on his property. Bob was a funny, skilled and interesting guy and Southern Illinois is a better place because of him.
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JUDY BREWER
November 26, 2023
MELLISA, ANNA BELLE, JANICE AND FAMILY
I WAS SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT BOB'S PASSING.
I'M SORRY I CAN'T BE THERE, I MISS EVERYONE SO
MUCH. DEEPEST SYMPATHY.
LOVE JUDY
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