Robert (Bob) William Gruenewald, 77, of Imperial, was called home to be with the Lord on April 18, 2026.
Bob was a proud graduate of the Fox C-6 School District, attending from elementary school through his graduation in 1967. He was celebrated as a hero of the 1967 Fox C-6 Football Championship and was later inducted into the Fox C-6 Hall of Fame. After high school, he earned a bachelor’s degree from Southeast Missouri State University and a master’s degree from the University of Missouri–St. Louis.
Bob dedicated more than thirty years of his life to the Fox C-6 School District, serving as a teacher, coach, principal, and administrator. His impact on students, staff, and the community remains immeasurable. Following his retirement, he remained committed to education and his community by serving as a member of the school board & the Fox C-6 Foundation.
Bob found great joy in traveling, golfing, and watching baseball, football, and hockey. In retirement, one of his greatest pleasures was spending time with the “Real Men of Genius,” a group of classmates and colleagues who met weekly for friendship and fellowship.
Born March 5, 1949, in St. Louis, Missouri, Bob was the son of the late Viola M. Bohringer Gruenewald and Gerald E. Gruenewald.
He is survived by his wife of 16 years, Marilyn “Candy” Gruenewald; his daughters Heather (Patrick) Schwalbe and Lindsay Gruenewald (Joe Roth); and his three stepsons Jeffrey (Jeannie) Sengheiser, Jason Sengheiser, and James (Lorrane) Sengheiser. He was a loving grandfather to Taylor Schwalbe and Cole Schwalbe, and a step-grandfather to Katie Sengheiser, Kamden Sengheiser, and Klaire Sengheiser. He is also survived by his brother‑in‑law Frank Burch, sister‑in‑law Jean Gruenewald, and many other cherished family members and lifelong friends.
Bob was preceded in death by his brother, Donald A. Gruenewald, and his sister, Judith A. Burch.
The Gruenewald family extends heartfelt gratitude to BJC Home Health Hospice Team and Cedarhurst Nursing Home for their compassionate teamwork and the loving care they provided to Bob, ensuring his comfort and peace.
Services; Visitation will be held at Kutis Funeral Home, 5255 Lemay Ferry Road, St. Louis, MO 63129, on Monday, April 27, from 4:00–8:00 PM. A short service will follow on Tuesday, April 28 at 9:00AM. Interment will take place at Immaculate Conception Cemetery, 2300 Church Road, Arnold, MO 63010.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Arrangements are under the direction of Kutis Funeral Home.
Bob was a gift to our community and our school district. He will be missed by many. Love and hugs to Candy. and the Gruenewald and Sengheiser children and grandchildren.
Dear Family, I so much admired Mr. Gruenewald. Heck of a nice guy and great teacher. Fly high Warrior . Prayers and condolences to the family. Diana ( Dudkowski ) Diffey
Rest in Peace my dear, dear friend!
Candy and family, please accept our deepest condolences upon your loss. Steven & Sherry Williams, SFE
Bob was such a good friend to me in high school. We shared a lot of laughs and good times. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family