Robert D. Kaiser, 82, of Belleville, Illinois, born Monday, July 13, 1936, in Belleville, IL, passed away Friday, April 19, 2019 at Mercy Rehabilitation Center in Swansea, Illinois.
Bob was the owner of Bob’s Barber Shop which he opened in June of 1967. A stop in the Barber Shop would always get you a joke, a sports update, or just some “Bob” wisdom along with a good haircut. In the 52 years that he cut hair, he always considered his clients as his friends and he cherished those friendships dearly.
He was an avid Cubs and Illini fan and followed many local teams. He was a car enthusiast and pool player. He was also a member of St. Pauls UCC. He was active in the Belleville Antique Car Club, and Southern Illinois Street Rod Association.
He was preceded in death by his:
- Parents: Claude and Evelyn, nee Rothkegel, Kaiser
- Brother: Norman Kaiser
- Niece: Rochelle McCall
- Nephew-in-law: Glenn McCall
Surviving are his:
- Daughters
- Kris A. (Larry) Johnson of Belleville, Illinois
- Kay L. (Rich) Muntan of Aviston, IL
- Kara S. Yung of Shiloh, IL
- Grandchildren
- Michael (Jessica) Tebbe
- Craig Johnson
- Nicholas Tebbe
- Kevin Johnson
- Logan Yung
- Grant Muntan
- Mitchell Yung
- Great-Grandchild: Autumn Tebbe
- Sister: Janet (Britt) Lenz of DE
- Nephew: Brad (Jennifer) Lenz of VA
Memorials: Memorials may be made to the Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital.
Visitation: Visitation from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm, Wednesday, April 24, 2019 at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, Illinois.
Funeral: Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 am, Thursday, April 25, 2019 at Kurrus Funeral Home, with Rev. Michelle Torigian officiating. Interment will follow at Valhalla Gardens of Memory, Belleville, Illinois.
2 Comments To "Robert D. Kaiser,"
#1 Comment By Dave and Beth Hitchcock On April 23, 2019 @ 7:43 pm
I first met Bob about 12 years ago while in search of a haircut. I walked into his shop it was clear I had come to the right place. Bob was quite the character. It was obvious he had lots of regular customers. I noticed some even came in for a visit with out getting a haircut. I learned a lot in his shop, Current events, Belleville news past and present, great jokes, and of course the new phenom player coming up to play for his beloved Cubs. As a life long Cardinal fan I do have to confess that I rooted for the Cubs during their World Series run for I knew how big a fan he was. If nothing else he would have to change his sign above his storefront window. Bob spoke highly of his family who were portrayed in a series of portraits over the barbers mirrors. He spoke of their accomplishments with pride but never bragged. Bobs shop was always a trip I looked forward to. I always seamed to feel better about things as I left his shop. Sometimes I was unable to get to Bobs in time for my next cut. Its kind of funny but I felt as if I had “stepped out” on him. On my next visit to his shop was his standard come back, ” I can fix the haircut, but your on your own with your head”. In a nutshell that was him. Just a good, funny, honest, caring, hard working business man. In all honesty, I don’t know if I ever told him my name. It never seamed to matter. I will miss the visits I had with Bob. He was just a good man and a good friend. My condolences to the family and the Belleville community. He will be missed.
#2 Comment By CARL SWOFFORD On April 25, 2019 @ 9:16 pm
I Will Miss Bob the rest of my life….. I am so blessed to have known such a good Man.