Robert Crause

1947 - 2023

Robert Crause
Wood River - Robert "Bob" Wonderful (Wayne) Crause of Wood River, IL passed away peacefully at his home on December 4, 2023 at the age of 76 surrounded by his girls and avoiding the holidays just as he wished. He was born on June 24, 1947 to Jacqueline and Robert Crause and has been obnoxious ever since. He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved Godmother Debbie Lovell, and several dogs he never wanted.
He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Jackie Crause whom he married on February 24th, 1979 in Roxana. Also surviving are 4 children and their spouses, Paula (David) Burttschell, Kelly (Tracy) Page, Stephanie Crause, and Samantha (Jim) Kamp. He was the beloved grandpa to 6 lucky kids, Xander and Natalie Page, Grace Gapinski, Hazel, Oliver, and Ivy Kamp. Like most grandpas, no matter the request, he never could say "no", even though we practiced. He joyfully attended every volleyball game, soccer game, swim meet, theater performance, dance recital, band concert, and most important to him, little league game that he could. These times together were his absolute favorite, especially a game of slap jack.
He had one sister Rhonda (Mark) Mertz of Roxana and brother Mike (Melanie) Crause of Sun City, Arizona.
He was a Vietnam Veteran who served in the Air Force in Phoenix, Arizona, riding horses and drinking beer. Later on he spent years running the H&H Tavern in Wood River where some of his best memories and friends were made. He was a dedicated Respiratory Therapist for Apria Healthcare and at their expense, always made sure his patients had the supplies they needed. He was known to most for his quick wit, humor, and generosity towards everyone. He was known to his family for his lack of patience but unwavering support and love. He commonly purchased meals for first responders and always made sure to thank fellow Veterans for their service. Firemen and healthcare workers were always his heroes, including his own medical teams that very patiently, put up with him for decades.
He instilled his love of watercraft in us all, and was privileged to buy, sell, buy, and sell many boats over the years. He loved to go fishing, pull a tuber, or teach a kid how to waterski.
While lifelong friendships are rare, he knew he was one of the fortunate ones to have so many friends for so long. He was a dad to all the kids he met including some special bonus kids over the years. He loved good, actually mostly bad, jokes, no matter how inappropriate it was. To the annoyance of his family, he was always assertive, proudly standing his ground, speaking his mind to all that would listen, and happily died knowing he never paid Medicare the $13 "they say" he owes them.
He wanted to be a pilot in his next life, so as they say, fly high, and enjoy all the take offs and landings you can. In true Bob fashion, he would like to say to everyone that loved him, "see you down the trail".
Visitation for Bob will be on Thursday December 7, 2023 from 4-7pm at Marks Mortuary, Wood River, IL. Funeral services will be held on Friday December 8, 2023 at 11am with his friend Pastor Mike Rayson officiating and burial at Woodland Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the National Kidney Foundation-St. Louis Chapter. Bob never wore black, so please don't feel obligated to do so. He was proud of his collection of funky socks and always wore a hat. If inclined, feel free to honor his unique style and personality. He lived out his personal mission to selflessly serve others, and to that we say, job well done.