Robert J. Meisner

Robert J. Meisner, 98, died at his Chicago home on Aug. 16 after a short illness and a long, accomplished life. He and his beloved late wife, Betty (Mary E. Casey), were married for more than 63 years, and shared a deep and loving bond. Bob was the proud father of six children and was an ever-present fixture in their lives, both as children and as adults. Never missing a sporting event, graduation, professional achievement or other milestone, he found great happiness in their lives, interests and accomplishments. He shared his love of sports with his children, particularly baseball, basketball and swimming, coaching many of their teams, and enjoyed playing with them on the field, court or swimming pool. Those close family relationships continued as his children brought seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren into Bob's life, the most recent only five months ago.
Bob was an active member of the Hinsdale community, where he and his wife lived for 33 years. After their children were grown, Bob and Betty moved to The Woodlands of Darien, where they lived together for another 25 years. During all those years, they were active members of St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church, where his children attended elementary school and Bob took part in numerous parish and school activities.
Bob had a love for the outdoors, frequently traveling to Canada for salmon fishing, and later in life, to Wisconsin for bass and trout fishing with his grandchildren. A regular on the golf course, he often played very early on Saturday mornings so he could be home before his children woke up and be able to spend time with them. A patient instructor, he taught his children how to play and enjoyed playing with them later in life.
A company man in every sense of the word, Bob began and ended his 40-year professional career at Kraft Foods. Beginning as a product engineer and credited with numerous design patents, he was most revered by his children (and many others) for designing the equipment that produced the very first colored and shaped marshmallows, making possible products such as Lucky Charms. Retiring as a company executive, he continued to consult with Kraft and several international food companies.
In his 90s, Bob continued to be active in business, helping run Bodin Street Wine & Spirits, a boutique wine distribution company based in Chicago that he helped found along with other family members. Until his death, Bob's strength of character, sharp intellect, charm and ability to engage with anyone and make new friendships persisted. He was regularly sought as a dinner companion, a poker player and an advisor on personal and professional fronts.
Bob proudly served in the Army Air Corps in World War II, where he was a member of the 499th Bombardment Group of the 20th Air Force. He was a right gunner on the B29 flights to Tokyo during the final stages of the war, including the single largest bombing mission of the Pacific Campaign in August 1945. Bob enlisted in the Air Corps at the age of 18 and returned home to Chicago before the age of 21, an early experience that profoundly shaped the next nearly 80 years of his life. He was the epitome of the "Greatest Generation," and was one of the very few survivors of World War II when he passed away. His service is honored in a paver that is being installed in The Final Mile exhibit at the World War II Museum in New Orleans.
Bob is survived by his children -- Michael (Patsy) Meisner of Belfast, ME; Mary Jo Meisner of Boston, MA; Susan VanKoughnett of Chicago; and Maureen (Doug) Seaman of Chicago. He is predeceased by two sons, Thomas G. Meisner and Robert W. Meisner. He also is survived by seven grandchildren: Thomas (Laura), Madeline (Adam), Jessie (Matt), Nick, Charles, William and Anne; and five great-grandchildren: Edward, Perrin, Otto, Marty and Felix. He also is survived by his sister, Patricia Guerra; and his brother-in-law Patrick J. Casey SJ.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church in Hinsdale on Tuesday, August 27, at 10 am, with a private burial at Bronswood Cemetery in Oak Brook.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Bob's honor can be made to: The World War II Museum, New Orleans or the Honor Flight Network.
Arrangements made by Sullivan Funeral Home 630-323-0275 or www.sullivanfuneralhomehinsdale.com