Bob Kielhofner

KELSO, Mo. -- Charles Robert "Bob" Kielhofner, 85, of Kelso died peacefully Thursday, June 17, 2021, at Saint Francis Medical Center after a short illness following a stroke.

Bob was born at Saint Francis Hospital in Cape Girardeau Sept. 17, 1935. He was the oldest son of the late Charles Leo and Ethel Helen Essner Kielhofner. He grew up in Chaffee, Missouri, and earned a degree in journalism from the University of Missouri.

Following college, Bob married Margaret "Margie" Scharenborg and then served in the Navy as a bombardier navigator for four years, flying jets off of the USS Kitty Hawk.

Following his service in the Navy, Bob and Margie returned to Chaffee, and Bob had a varied career that included serving 28 years as Scott County clerk and four years as presiding commissioner. In addition, he ran the local newspaper, owned Kielhofner Food Mart, managed rental properties, and raised cattle. After living in Chaffee for 24 years, Bob and Margie moved to a home in the country outside of Kelso.

Bob never knew a stranger and could strike up a conversation with nearly anyone. He always enjoyed sharing a good story. He was a lifelong, die-hard fan of Cardinals baseball and Mizzou athletics. Bob enjoyed woodworking, gardening and road trips and was a dedicated member of St. Augustine Catholic Church in Kelso.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Margaret "Margie" Scharenborg Kielhofner; their three children, Amy (Kenny) Blattel of Kelso; Brad (Gerri) Kielhofner of Springfield, Missouri; and Pete (Jeanne) Kielhofner of St. Charles, Missouri. Bob is also survived by his younger brother, David of Scott City; grandchildren, Tracy (Nick) Dannenmueller, Sarah (Michael) Vandeven, Thomas Kielhofner, Diane (Sandy) McGraw, Jane Kielhofner, Stephen Kielhofner, Will Kielhofner and C.J. Kielhofner; and great-grandchildren, Devin Dannenmueller, Abram Vandeven and Calvin Vandeven.

Visitation will be from 8 to 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Kelso, with funeral Mass at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in the church cemetery..

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Boys Town at www,boystown.org or to St. Augustine Catholic Church.

Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be shared at www.amick-burnettfuneralchapels.com/.