Robert Joseph Roeper, age 69, of New Baden, Ill., formerly of Cahokia, born October 26, 1943 in St. Louis, Mo., died unexpectedly Monday, February 18, 2013, at Adventist Hospital, Bolingbrook, Ill.

Bob worked as a custodian for Cahokia School District 187 for 38 years, retiring in 2002. He enjoyed golfing, but his favorite pastime was watching his grandkids play ice hockey. He was in the midst of cheering for them in a hockey tournament when he suddenly fell ill. There is some comfort in his sudden passing, knowing he died doing what he loved most. Bob loved his wife and family dearly, and had a special place in his heart for their dog Miley.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Aretha, nee Patterson, Roeper, his brother Norman Roeper, and sister Marilyn Roeper.

Surviving are his beloved wife, Patricia Mae, nee Chitty, Roeper, whom he married March 11, 1967; his children, Kenneth Russell (Michelle) Roeper of Aviston, Ill., Angela Sue (Joseph Anthony) Voyles of Aliso Viejo, Calif., and Robin Michelle (John Thomas) Drolet of O'Fallon, Ill.

Also surviving are his grandchildren, Tiffany, Savannah, Grant, Joey, Hunter, Logan, and Baylee; great-grandchildren Alexia, Brennan, and Ja'Niya; and brother Paul Roeper of St. Louis.

Because of Bob's love of animals, especially Miley who was rescued, memorial donations may be made to Spencer Pet Rescue.

Visitation: 4:00 – 8:00 pm, Thursday, February 21, 2013 at Wolfersberger Funeral Home, O'Fallon.

THE FAMILY WILL RECEIVE FRIENDS AFTER 9 AM, FRIDAY, AT ST GEORGE CHURCH, NEW BADEN.

Funeral: Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 am, Friday, February 22, 2013, at St. George Catholic Church, New Baden, Ill. with Rev. Gene Neff presiding.

Burial will follow at Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, Ill.