Brockelmeyer, Robert “Bob” Allen

    Robert (Bob) Allen Brockelmeyer, age 86 of Webster Groves, MO passed away on Tuesday, January 3, 2023, at Laclede Groves, peacefully with family by his side. He was born in St. Louis, Missouri on February 23, 1936, the son of Robert C. and Esther (Foster) Brockelmeyer. He is preceded in death by his parents and his son Robert Charles Brockelmeyer who died as an infant in 1963.

Bob grew up in Kirkwood, Missouri where he graduated from Kirkwood High School. He enlisted in the Air Force after graduation. He met Carol on a blind date and they married less than a year later and moved to Columbus, Ohio where Bob was stationed at Lockbourne Air Force Base.

After serving during the Korean War as a Photo Interpreter, Bob returned to St. Louis, worked at Krogers Grocery Store, and sold fishing tackle on the side. For a while, they lived in Hillsboro where Bob got a job working for a contractor. In 1964 they moved to Webster Groves and Bob started to attend classes at Washington University. At the same time, he started the Brockelmeyer Construction Company.

In addition to Brockelmeyer Construction Company, Bob owned Realty World Brockelmeyer, a franchise in Webster Groves. He sold Realty World to have more time to buy and renovate residential real estate in the Webster Groves area.

From a young age, Bob had a love for magic. He would perform magic shows for neighbors and friends. Bob was a talented artist, specializing in stained glass. He produced many beautiful pieces. He was a collector of antiques with an impressive collection of antique clocks. Bob traveled extensively, visiting all 50 states. He also traveled to do Missionary work in Haiti, Mexico, Peru, and Russia. He loved fishing, especially fly fishing. He is also known for telling “Dad Jokes” and pranking others.

Bob was active in local community service performing mission work in St. Louis, he was a member of Kiwanis, he tutored elementary students with Webster Rock Hill Ministries, and he was a faithful member of Christ Lutheran Church in Webster Groves. Bob and Carol were foster parents to 14 different children. He welcomed numerous children and grandchildren into his home when they needed a place to live as young adults. He was generous with his possessions, time, knowledge, craft, and his hard-earned money. He was an inspiration, moral compass, role model, and friend.

Bob is survived by his wife of 66 years Carol (Wagner), 4 children, 11 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. Wendy Decaro of New Melle, Missouri is married to Dan Decaro and has 3 children, Katie, David, and Matthew. Pamela Cross of Webster Groves, Missouri is married to Curt Cross and has 2 children, Lesley and Hannah. Thomas Brockelmeyer of Shrewsbury is married to Patty (Young) and has 4 children, Gina, Tom, Nathan, and Amanda. Cheri Fortney of Vandalia, Missouri is married to John Fortney and has 2 children, Caroline and Joseph. Bob is also survived by his sister Nancy Longhibler, and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. 

Visitation is Thursday, January 12, 2023, at 9:00 am at Kutis Funeral Home, Affton Chapel (10151 Gravois Road). The memorial service at Kutis will begin at 10:30 am. Interment will follow at 11:30 at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, we encourage you to make a memorial contribution to a charity of your choice.