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Robert J. "Bob" Springer
Service Date:September 22nd, 2011

Robert J. Springer Eureka – The Rev. Robert J. “Bob” Springer, 88, died on Sunday, September 18th at 7:40 am at the Apostolic Christian Home in Eureka, Illinois. He was born July 4th, 1923 in Saybrook, Illinois a son of Theodore A. and Leah L. (Naffziger) Springer, the oldest of six children. He married Eileen M. Zehr October 27, 1944 in Fisher, Illinois. He is survived by his beloved wife, a son, Jon Randall (Anne) Springer, of Tucson, Arizona and a daughter, Jan Rene Springer of Morton, three brothers, Paul (Aldie) Springer of Fisher; Wilfred (Darleen) of Dallas, Texas; Merle (Joan) Springer of Austin Texas and one sister, Irene (LeRoy) Bechler of Goshen, Indiana, two granddaughters, Sheila (Brennen) McElhaney, Rhonda (Ted) DuPar, one step-granddaughter, Kerianne (Vincent) Newland, four great-grandchildren, two step-great grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother. Bob accepted the Lord Jesus as his Savior at a young age and sought to follow and serve Him all his life. He graduated from the Bellflower Township High School, Bellflower, Illinois, completed a course of study at Goshen College, Goshen Indiana, and was a graduate of the Moody Bible Institute, Chicago Illinois. He was ordained in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and attended Grace Presbyterian Church in Peoria. He served in the Christian Education and Youth Ministries of Gibson City Bible Church, Gibson City, Illinois. Also, he served as pastor of churches in Petersburg, Bethany, Farmer City, and Peoria, Illinois. He served as Managing Director of The Christian Center, an interdenominational youth and family center, in Peoria for twenty-one years. The funeral will be Thursday, September 22nd at 10:00 am at Grace Presbyterian Church in Peoria. The Reverend Kerry Frantz will officiate. Visitation will be held on Wednesday evening from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Argo-Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home in Eureka and one hour prior to the service at the church. Graveside service will be at 2:30 pm on Thursday at The East Bend Memorial Gardens of Fisher in Fisher, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Christian Center, 4100 Brandywine Drive, Peoria, Illinois or The Apostolic Christian Home for the Handicapped of Morton. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.ruestmanharrisfuneralhome.com.
  • From:  Donna Birkey

    Eileen and family, you have my thoughts and prayers during this sad time in your lives. But we have hope in the Lord. I remember the occasional times of fellowship we have had over the years and thank the Lord for your lives and ministries.

  • From:  Ginnie Teuscher

    We were sorry to hear of Bob's passing because we know how difficult it is to lose a loved one. However, we rejoice that he is in the presence of his Lord and Saviour. We will continue to keep Eileen, Randy, and extended family in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Monty and Ginnie

  • From:  Ginnie

    My apologies for omitting Jan in my condolences and we of course will lift her up in prayer as well!

  • From:  Jerry & Elaine Sentel Unruh

    We are sorry to hear of Bob's passing. We extend our sincere sympathy to his wife and family. Bob married us 48 years ago. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

  • From:  Bill Brown

    Eileen, Thank you and Bob for your kindness to me over those years I worked at The Christian Center. Truth is I had to smile when I saw Bob's smile in the obituary picture. Look forward to seeing him again in that place of cloudless skys and no more tears.

  • From:  Orpha Erickson

    Dear Eileen and family, I am sorry to hear of your loss. I remember Bob fondly from our time together at Super Seniors. I am familiar with your grief having also lost my beloved husband Martin. My love and prayers are with you, Orpha Erickson