Bob Buerk of Webster Groves, Missouri, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2021 in the comfort of his home at 75 years old.
Bob was born in St. Louis and graduated from Lindbergh High School, Meramec Community College and Southwest Missouri State University (now Missouri State) where he received his Bachelor’s degree in Marketing. He was a proud Vietnam Veteran, serving in the Navy from 1966-1972 as a radar technician. Bob was married to his college sweetheart Cathy for nearly 50 years and they have two daughters. In his career, he built a very successful insurance business, R.J. Buerk Insurance Associates, where he loved working with people and was a remarkable salesman. He was an active member of the Webster Groves Lions Club for 35 years serving in roles such as Carnival Chair and Club President. He was also an active member of the First Congregational Church of Webster Groves. In his spare time, Bob loved an ice-cold beer, singing, or taking on any home improvement project; he was a master handyman! He also loved travelling to Hawaii where he enjoyed camping, hiking, scuba diving and meeting new people along his way. Bob was always the life of the party and loved being around his family and friends most.
Bob is survived by his wife Cathy (Carter) Buerk, daughter Lauren (Mark) Albenesius, Jennifer (Daniel) Brown and granddaughters Sydney Albenesius and Charlotte Brown.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Services: Public visitation will be held on Monday, October 18th from 4-8 pm at Kutis Funeral Home Affton on 10151 Gravois Road, St. Louis, MO 63123. Funeral procession to leave from Kutis Funeral Home Affton Tuesday, October 19, 11:00 a.m. for interment services at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery at 11:30 a.m.. The family requests that masks be worn at all times while indoors at Kutis Funeral Home.
Bob Buerk and I were good buddies for nearly 36 years. We had lunch together almost every Friday
For close to 30 years! Bob and I worked on many projects together at both of our homes. Bob was a master craftsman. He was a perfectionist who wouldn’t settle for “good enough”. His German ancestry
Made him that way I would imagine. Bob had great skills like woodworking, electrical and doing exceptional tile work. One thing that always amazed me about Bob was that he designed almost every project in his mind putting very little on paper. He just started doing a project working on the design as he went along. Most people would not be able to do that. Bob was a master at it.
Bob loved to entertain at his home. He was also great at cooking BBQ and he was willing to try anything to get a great BBQ meal. Bob introduced me to the Webster Groves Lions Club where we both had a great time raising funds for the needy. From wearing German style clothing for an Oktoberfest fundraiser to a tuxedo for a benefit we enjoyed doing a lot of things together. We went to Political rallies, comedy clubs, trade shows, benefits, weddings, played golf, played pool, attended Cardinals baseball games, played poker with the guys and much, much more.
He built a very successful health insurance business and he helped many people navigate the complicated industry including me. Nothing was more important to Bob than his family. His wife Cathy and daughters Jennifer and Lauren also meant the world to Bob and he would do anything in his power to give them a bright solid future and to keep them happy, safe, well cared for and together. His love of family was never in doubt.
Bob and I had a strong bond. We helped make each other strong regardless of what we had to do to overcome any hurdle in life. We were 2 brothers from different mothers.
Bob also loved to travel! He went on trips with his family every year which he loved to do. Bob also loved to go on trips with a close friend. They rode their motorcycles together in Florida and in Yellowstone. They hiked in the Grand Canyon together and they loved to travel to Hawaii for a few weeks exploring all the things Hawaii had to offer. Bob relished his friendship with everyone. If someone needed help with something, Bob would be the first to step up and say “we can do this”.
Loyal Friendship was truly one of many of God’s gifts to Bob Buerk. A good man’s heart stopped beating
And great working hands now at rest proves to all of us who knew Bob that God takes only the very best.
Rest in peace my friend!
Bob was so fun. Always making people laugh. Bob and Cathy have always been so good to me. Inviting me to their house for for Sunday dinner with their daughters and their husbands. I will miss our fun times together and that million dollar smile of Bob’s. He is riding his motorcycle in heaven and all his dogs are kissing him.