Robert F. “Bob” Probst, age 97, passed away peacefully of natural causes at his home in St. Louis, Missouri, on May 17, 2025.
Born and raised in South St. Louis, he was the son of the late Lester and Mary Probst and was preceded in death by his dear brother, Paul F. Probst.
Bob served honorably in the U.S. Navy and later found many ways to make a living from farming to truck driving to gas station owner/operator, until finally settling at Probst and Son’s at Meramec and Louisiana working as a skilled auto-repair mechanic serving the Dutchtown neighborhood for many years. He was a man of many passions—a talented jazz and big band musician and “scat” singer, an avid lover of the arts and the natural world, a car & motorcycle enthusiast and racer, and above all, a man of deep and abiding faith in God, serving as the leader of music ministry for the St. Louis Catholic Charismatic Renewal for many years.
Bob was formerly married to the late Kathy Probst. They shared nearly 30 years together and raised a loving family who remain very close knit.
He is survived by his children Dave and Renee Probst, Ken and Jennifer Probst, Dan and Sue Probst, Jim and Nicki Probst, Mary Jane (MJ) Probst and Kathie McCann, Timothy Probst and Yemi Derebe and Suzanne Probst
He was a beloved grandfather and great-grandfather to Lauren and Lucy Probst; Ben, Ender, Eevee Probst and Haley Roeder; Jack Probst and Brittany Kujawa; Aubrey, Noah, Greyson, and Cora Fridley; Oliver Dalgetty; Noah Probst; Hannah and Zoe Probst; Sydney Probst and Christian, Matthew and Macy Blouin-Weers; Maddie and Aevrie Probst; and Zyairra (ZZ) Probst Kambal.
Bob was also a cherished brother-in-law to JoAnne Probst and loving uncle to Peggy Probst and Chris Keenoy.
Bob’s warmth, wisdom, humor, and unwavering love for his family leave an enduring legacy. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
A Funeral Mass will take place at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, located at 17 Joy Avenue in Webster Groves, Missouri on June 14 at 11:00am. Visitation with the Probst family will begin at the church at 10:00am.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Bob’s honor to two of his most cherished institutions: the Missouri Botanical Garden or the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra.
Deepest condolences to the family..What an amazing man and family….
My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family. I played with Bob in Route 66 Jazz Orchestra for many years. Bob’s love for life was always evident to me. His enthusiasm was an inspiration. His kindness and wisdom benefited myself and countless others. When I meet Bob in heaven we will continue to improvise and delight in jazz! And hopefully take a ride on that glorious machine known as a motorcycle! 🎹🎷🪕🎻
Very nice Mike! Ck
Our condolences from the Slomo, Kadlec family. We were next door neighbors on Tennessee St, growing up. May God give him eternal rest .
Sonja Slomo
Bob was just my friend and musical brother. We met about 31 years ago playing in my big band, Swingland Big Band. Since then we played together in several bands for decades together. He would call me the morning after rehearsal and we’d talk about how to improve our performance. He sign off our conversations with: “remember, you’re on top and I’m on bottom” (meaning I was the high lead trumpet and he was on bari sax)
What an amazing man! I know he will be sorely missed. Sending comfort to the entire family . . .
We met Bob through the charismatic renewal in the early days. Throughout 40 some years he was a friend, mentor, leader of music and
worship. Especially with the charismatic mass on Saturday nights, we
always sounded better when he was there. He added another dimension
no one else could produce. we miss him.
I met Bob several years ago via the Route 66 Jazz Orchestra. We spoke often in person and on the phone about life, music, history, and politics. I considered him one of my close friends. I always admired his outlook on life and his wisdom. I was truly amazed that he kept riding his motorcycle for as long as he did! My condolences to the family. I’ll miss you, Bob.