Robert Grindle Sr.

1924 - 2015

ROBERT 'BOB' GAIL GRINDLE SR., 91 ROCKFORD - Robert "Bob" Gail Grindle Sr., 91, of Rockford, died December 14, 2015, in his home. Born Oct. 30, 1924, in Chicago, the son of C. Gail and Rena (Croll) Grindle. Bob graduated from East High School and from 1943 to 1946 he enlisted in the Navy to serve on the Shangri-La aircraft carrier. On Sept. 13, 1947, he married his high school sweetheart, Viola Louise Severin, and she was the love of his life for 68 years. Bob graduated from Bradley University in June of 1949. Bob and Vi moved back to Rockford where they had their 5 children. There were so many happy gatherings at Lake Geneva and Lake Delavan for many holidays. Bob and Stu Johnson owned Rab Island on the corner of 20th St. and Charles St. They made their own fresh root beer. He spent 42 years at Rockford Standard Furniture Co. where he became part owner. All five of his children worked there with him for several years. He was very well known for being so good to his customers and employees. He had a reputation for his funny wit. When with his granddaughters, they always wanted to sit next to Grandpa Bob. Bob was a very generous and kind soul to all his family and friends. He loved baseball, playing on many leagues and he also enjoyed singing in several choirs. Bob and Vi were members of Bethesda Covenant Church all through their lives together. They helped sponsor 57 Laotians to come to Rockford and shared their love of Christ with them. They went to the empty tomb of Jesus many years ago where Bob felt deeply the power of eternity. He leaves to miss him his wife, Viola; children, Susan (Jerry) Antczak, Jim (Anne), Gail (Bev), Jack (Penny) and Rob (Delinda) Grindle; 11 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. Bob is being greeted with cheers in Heaven by his parents; granddaughter, Rikki Wager; great-grandchildren, K.C. and Roxanne Slamp; and so many others. Funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, December 19, 2015, at Bethesda Covenant Church, 2101 E State St, Rockford, 61104, with Rev. David Lindfors officiating. Visitation will be from 12 to 12:45 p.m. prior to the service in church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bethesda Covenant Church. Olson Funeral & Cremation Services is assisting the family. To share a memory or condolence, visit olsonfh.com.