Robert C. (Bob) Ballheimer, 88 passed away on Tuesday, September 6, 2022 just as he desired – to go quickly and to be at home where he lived with Ken and Mo. Bob’s marriage of 67 years to his beloved Sally (Kreitler) was filled with much love and joy for their family and friends. He leaves behind many fun memories held by his children, Ken (Maureen), Cindy (Bruce) Wismann, Dennis (Pam), Jeff (Linda) Ballheimer, his sister Jackie Fogarty (wife of the late Eugene Fogarty) and sister-in-law Bernice Ballheimer (wife of his late brother Rudy Ballheimer). Bob was an engaged and loving grandpa to Ryan (Jessica) Ballheimer, Dan (Amy) Ballheimer, Dana (Eddie) Dahl, Patrick (Laura) May, Bridget (Matt) O’Hara, Corey (Lindsey) May, Courtney Wismann, Julie (Dennis) Coffman, Michelle (Thomas Gibson) Ballheimer, the late Brian Ballheimer, Tara (Brandon) Carr, Britney Rice, Kaitlyn (Bob) Paez, Holly (Evan) Gutzwiller, Kelly (Jay) Vaske, Brenda (Ben) Blystone and Jeffrey Ballheimer.
Bob always acknowledged that he was blessed to know and spend time with his 28 great-grandchildren: Madison, Alexis, Kylie and JD Dahl, Nora and Laney Ballheimer, Miles Ballheimer, Scarlett and Claire O’Hara, Owen and Molly May, Rosie and Penny May, Emmett Wismann, Eric and Justin (Kaylin) Coffman, Brooklyn Ballheimer Johnson, Jeter Gibson, Annabelle Fulhorst and Brycen Carr, Piper and Parker Paez, Bradley and Bryce Gutzwiller, Chase, Cora and Cole Vaske, Cade Blystone, Hollie and the late Owen Ballheimer.
Bob lived a robust life and was ever grateful to his wife Sally for being so gracious about his many golf outings, fishings trips and time spent with family in the country. When Bob and Sally moved from Ferguson to Festus, he enjoyed spending time with his wonderful neighbors, his fishing and card playing pals, and the camaraderie among the Festus Elks Club members. Bob was fortunate to work with two of his sons, Ken and Dennis, and together, kept the friendships made with former colleagues at the Nordmann Printing Company and the St. Louis Post-Dispatch through various events.
Many memorable moments were shared at the Ballheimer-Fogarty family reunions at Table Rock Lake. The laughs were abound during the boating activities, horseshoe tournaments and family meals. It was always about family for Bob-the joy of his brother, sister, in-laws and the many children and grandchildren of each that came along over the years.
Bob always loved spending time with his Bathon cousins in Todds Mill, IL hunting, fishing and playing cards. After Sally passed away in 2020, the country was his “go to” place week after week. His cousins had passed but the traditions continued with the next generation of children and grandchildren. He often said that in addition to spending time with his family, there were “no rules” when staying in the country. His only rule on this side of the river was to enjoy his family and friends and put his dishes in the dishwasher!
Services. A memorial mass will be held on Saturday, September 17, 2022 at 9:15 am at St. Catherine Laboure Church, 9740 Sappington Rd., St. Louis MO 63128. Mass will be live streamed at https://www.sclparish.org/ All are invited to a celebratory luncheon following mass at Genesis Banquet Center, 2651 Telegraph Rd. St. Louis MO 63125. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob’s memory are requested to The Society of St. Vincent de Paul of St. Louis, 1310 Papin Street Ste 104, St. Louis MO 63103 OR to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis TN 38105. A Kutis South County Service
RIP Bob, you were one of the finest.
Ken and Dennis, Sorry to hear of the loss of your father. My prayers for your family.
It was a privilege and blessing to have you live with us for the past year and a half. I loved our many conversations we shared re the various happenings in our city, state and world, particularly throughout the pandemic. You were always open to learning something new and understanding others’ points of view. I loved watching you and your son work together, bicker about the best way to proceed on any given project and laughing about it all. I appreciated your willingness to try new foods at dinner. I loved your sensitivity to family-your love for all was observed often. Bob-you will always be in my heart, along with Sally and my parents!
What a great spirit you had, Bob! Your laugh was infectious and no one ever left a conversation with you, feeling like a stranger. You and Sally were the sweetest couple and shared your love of life and precious talents with everyone around you. God plants special people in the paths that we travel and I am so blessed to have known you and Sally. I’ll always be thankful for how your love for your family, as it expanded, kept growing in leaps and bounds. You loved with all of your heart. Thankful that you will be at peace and with your sweet Sally again as you receive the promise of your Baptism. Remembering you with a smile always!
Ken and Mo,
Once in a lifetime come great men like your father. You certainly have been very blessed!
Remember he will always be with you as you continue through your journey.
Keeping you and your families in our thoughts and prayers.
May he Rest in Peace.
My husband Doug and I send our condolences to Bob’s family and friends. Bob and Sally are my Dad’s (the late Gary Rudolph) uncle and aunt. They were kind enough to attend our wedding 10 years ago. We’re so sorry to hear of his passing.
All our love,
Lindsay and Doug
Eric and the entire family,
I happened to see the obit notice of your grandfather Bob, and I extend my condolences. In reading about Robert, I can see he was a wonderful person.
Eric, we connected online regarding the Ballheimer heritage a few years ago. I have sent a note to your family via Kutis, and trust they will forward it to you and others who may share the history of the name, sharing contact information in the card. My Ballheimer connection, through Wesley Ballheimer, is explained there.
Again, my condolences to all. May your memories bring you comfort at this time and in the sharing of stories for years to come.
Marsha Clark