Robert W. Pliner

1928 - 2025

Robert W. Pliner
Born: October 21, 1928 in Stoughton, WI
Died: January 25, 2025 in McHenry, IL
Robert 'Bob' W. Pliner passed away peacefully on January 25, 2025, at the age of 96. Bob was born on October 21, 1928, in Stoughton, WI to parents Joseph and Emma (Viken) Pliner. Bob graduated from Stoughton High School in 1947, and received his undergraduate degree from Milton College in Milton, WI in 1951. After college, Bob proudly served in the United States Navy from 1951-1955. He later went on to work for General Motors from 1955 – 1959 where he met his wife of 45-years, Gloria (Westendorf) Pliner. Bob dedicated 31 years, from 1959-1990, to International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) before beginning a well-deserved retirement in 1990.
An avid sports fan, Bob enjoyed cheering on his grandchildren at their sporting events; a passion only rivaled by his love for cheering on the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Cubs. A lover of animals, and a great friend to all, Bob was blessed with outstanding neighbors, Laurie and Tony Wirtz, who became family. His sharp wit, kind heart, and dedication to life's simple pleasures left an imprint on everyone lucky enough to know him.
Bob was a proud father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his sons, Dave Pliner (Kelly) of McHenry, IL and Ron Pliner (Ann) of Crystal Lake, IL; his five grandchildren, Katie Head (Andy), Kelsey Ciukowski (Scott), Tyler Pliner (Hailey), Joelle Osbeck (Jared), and Jack Pliner, as well as seven adored great-grandchildren, Amelia and Finley Head, Parker and Nolan Ciukowski, Cameron and Codi Kate Pliner, and Parker Osbeck.
Bob was preceded in death by his wife Gloria; parents Emma and Joseph Pliner; sister Helen Schmidt and brother Howard Pliner.
A Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 30, 2025, from 3pm – 7pm at Colonial Funeral Home, 591 Ridgeview Drive, McHenry, IL. Interment will be private for the family.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Meals on Wheels (https://stpatrickmchenry.org/meals-on-wheels), Assisi Animal Foundation (https://assisi.org/) or Journey Care Hospice (https://journeycare.org/).