Robert L Wichert's Obituary
Robert (Bob) L. Wichert, 80, of Tampa, FL, formerly of Decatur and East Peoria, IL, died peacefully in his home on October 9 with family and friends by his side. He is the son of the late Henry and Leora Wichert. Bob married his sweetheart from the age of 14, Betty Blankenburg, on March 18, 1951. She preceded him in death in June of 1996. He then became re-acquainted with a friend from childhood, Bonnie Rambo. They married in August of 1997. Bonnie preceded him in death in November of 2010. Bob graduated from Decatur High School in 1950 and later joined the U. S. Air Force serving in the Korean Conflict. After his honorable discharge, he worked for El Bauer Chevrolet, became an insurance salesman for Metropolitan Life Insurance Company and later sold Butler Buildings. Bob worked at the Herald and Review in display advertising and as National Advertising Manager. In 1978 Bob moved to East Peoria, IL, and worked in sales for Tazewell Publishing Co. and Ronkin Printing Co. In 1982, Bob founded his own company, Mid-Central Business Forms. He sold the business and retired in 1994. Bob was a talented musician and played the accordion and theater organ. He performed in the Decatur area in his youth, and had his own radio show with his group, 'Two Hits and a Miss'. He was a member of several theater organ groups in Peoria and the Tampa area. He loved performing for family and friends. Hobbies were always a big part of Bob's life. He was a ham radio operator and built and flew radio controlled model airplanes. In Peoria, he and Betty enjoyed boating on the Illinois River. Bob served as Commodore of the Detweiler Boat Club. Bob also loved his family, friends and neighbors. He never knew a stranger and was always lending a helping hand to those in need. He was active in St. Johns Lutheran Church, Tampa, Fl, and attended Idlewild Baptist Church in Lutz, FL. After Bonnie's death, Bob trained to volunteer at LifePath Hospice. Surviving are his children, Dr. John R. Wichert (Laurie) of Kalaheo, HI, and Cindy Bachmann (Andy), of Decatur, IL, stepsons, Greg Rambo (Karen) of Sarasota, FL, David Rambo (Sheila) of Tampa, FL, and Scott Rambo of St. Petersburg, FL, and stepson Jeff Rambo of Tampa, FL, deceased. Also surviving are Bob's grandchildren, Josh Bachmann (Crissy) of Oreana, IL, Missy Hilton (Israel) of Decatur, IL, Travis Wichert of East Lansing, MI, Rob Wichert of Kalaheo, HI, Shelby Wilson of Kalaheo, HI, Andrew Wichert of East Lansing, MI, and Zeb Wichert of Kalaheo, HI. Bob has four great-grandchildren and one on the way. They are Ella Bachmann of Oreana, IL, Ryder Hilton of Decatur, IL, Roman Hilton of Decatur, IL, and Theo Emery of Kalaheo, HI. Bob leaves behind his very special friend, Bernice Daniel, and special neighbors Ruth Burkett and David and Frieda Hertel. He also leaves his adored canine companions, Annie and Tuffy. Graveside services will be held at 11 am Thursday, November 8, 2012, in Graceland Cemetery, Decatur, IL. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society, the American Cancer Society, the Alzheimer's Association, and LifePath Hospice of Tampa, FL.
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