Bob was a graduate of Belleville Township High School in 1967 and received his BS from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 1971. Bob was a businessman who made lifelong friendships throughout all of his endeavors. He never knew a stranger. Throughout the course of his career, Bob worked for American Mutual, Inc., Kendall Pharmaceuticals, Howmedica St. Louis LLC, and Merrill Lynch. Bob was an active board member of the Illinois Center of Autism, past President and Director of the Stonebridge Condo Association in Snowmass, Colorado, and a member of the FLT Investment Group.
Bob’s love for snow skiing was truly contagious to all around him. His passion for the beauty of Snowmass Mountain in Colorado influenced many of his friends and family to also visit the area. He found joy in watching others experience the summers and winters of the Rocky Mountains. A founding member of the “Pole Planters,” Bob spread his joy for the outdoors and his grand love of travel and life to all. An aspiring pilot in his younger years, he also enjoyed racing Hobie Cats on Carlyle Lake with his wife, soulmate, and college sweetheart, Cheryl. An avid fly fisherman throughout his life, Bob was always ready for life’s adventures. His shining personality brightened any room and always made others happy. He was truly the life of the party. Bob was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend who loved to entertain.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Leroy “Chip” and Florence, nee Spielman, Gantner; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Peter and Gertrude, nee Litten, Corrigan.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Cheryl Ann; a son, Ryan Robert and his wife, Julie; a daughter, Cara Ann; a grandson, Chase Hunter; a sister-in-law, Christine Fuehner; three brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Michael and Carol Corrigan, Neil and Colleen Isselhardt, and Patrick and Liz Corrigan; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends who Bob dearly loved.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Illinois Center for Autism. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, March 4, 2022, and from 12 noon to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 5, 2022, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 5, 2022, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, with Msgr. William McGhee officiating.
According to Bob’s wishes, cremation services will be held after the funeral.