Elmer J. "Bob" Roberts

ALTON — Elmer J. "Bob" Roberts, 88, died at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2015, at his home in Alton.

Born August 16, 1927, in Jacksonville, Ill., he was the son of Percy J. and Edna H. (Smith) Roberts.

He was a self-made man whose father was killed when he was only 3 months old. He served in the U.S. Army and was a member of the Resurrection Lutheran Church. He retired from Springman Lumber Company after 30 years of service. An active entrepreneur, he was involved in real estate and other enterprises and was an active businessman.

His great achievement in life was being a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He was an active patriarch, much loved and respected, never judgmental, always willing to lend a hand, and always planned ahead. He showed a loving concern for each family member, always taking an interest in their lives. Along with being a champion horse rider, he enjoyed wrestling, boxing and old westerns. He was a member of the Illinois Boots & Saddle Club, the Alton Wood River Sportsman's Club and the Alton Eagles.

On Sept. 5, 1945, he married the former Mary Evelyn Wertenberg in Battle Creek, Mich.

She preceded him in death on July 15, 2011. Surviving is a daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Jon Schmoeller of Godfrey, four granddaughters, Sherry Freeman (Dennis), Deanna Gunter (David), Lori Bloom (Ron) and Elizabeth Hisaw (Jon), seven great-grandchildren, Ashley Calame (Nick), Jessica Schofield, Jonathon Heintz, Clayton Long, London Hisaw, Mila Hisaw and Olivia Bloom, two great-great-grandchildren, Madison and Lillian Calame. Also surviving is a nephew, Steven Ervin, two nieces, Lisa Dunham (Kenneth) and Susan Geisen (Harry), and a special companion of over three years, Shirley Delahanty.

Along with his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Margaret Clausen and Mildred Ervin.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until time of funeral service at 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4, 2015, at Gent Funeral Home in Alton. Reverend Kenneth Tegtmeier will officiate. Burial will be private.

Memorials may be made to the 5A's Animal Shelter.

Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com.