Leifield, Robert Francis “Bob” 89, died peacefully Wednesday, January 3, 2018 at the Mari de Villa Retirement Center in Town & Country after battling Parkinson’s Disease for many years.
He leaves his loving wife of 65 years, Genevieve (Miles) Leifield; his children, Daniel (Lisa), Kay (Gordon) Conkling, Mark (Lynn Rowan), Sue (Dave Johnson), Chris (Matt) Burridge and Linda (Bill) Pudlowski. He was preceded in death by his son, Timothy. He also leaves his loving grandchildren; Jessie Hart, Laura (Dave) Reno, Robbie Hart (Rachael Deiner), Adam (Chikae) Conkling, Shelby Conkling, Kyle (Jordan) Leifield, Ryan Leifield, Rachel Leifield, Stephanie Umunna, Genevieve Johnson, Kate Johnson, Patrick Burridge, Timothy Burridge, Andrew Pudlowski, Nick Pudlowski and great-grandchildren; Ben, Matt, Karena and Bennett.
Born and raised in St. Louis, the son of Benjamin and Bernadine (Bergjans) Leifield, he also lived for several years and made many life-long friends in Erie, Pennsylvania before returning to St. Louis later in his career and in retirement.
After graduating from Hadley Technical High School, he joined the U. S. Navy in 1945 just as World War II was ending. After his service, he attended St. Louis University on the G.I. Bill where he earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Chemistry. He met his wife, Genevieve Marie Miles, at a backyard barbeque of a mutual friend and they were married in 1952 at St. Mary Magdalen Church in south St. Louis.
After college, Mr. Leifield joined Mallinckrodt Chemical Works as a research chemist where he worked his entire career advancing to Director of Research. He loved the challenge of research and the thrill of discovery. He considered himself fortunate to have a job he truly loved.
Mr. Leifield was an avid golfer, genealogist and traveler. He and his loving companion, Gen, played golf and traveled the world together for many years. Family trips to the beach provided cherished memories for all over the years and have established a tradition that his grandchildren are adamant be continued forever!
Mr. Leifield has donated his body to St. Louis University Medical School. Visitation will be at Kutis Funeral Home (10151 Gravois Avenue) from 5-7 p.m. on January 26, followed by a memorial Mass on January 27 at 10 a.m. at St. Francis Catholic Church, 4556 Telegraph Road. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donations to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.