Robert Fiehler

ALTENBURG, Mo. -- Robert A. "Bob" Fiehler, 83, of Altenburg was taken home to be with the Lord Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009.

He was born Jan. 14, 1926, in Altenburg, son of Joseph and Ida Meyr Fiehler. He was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church, where he worshipped his entire life.

Robert attended Trinity Lutheran School in Altenburg, two years of high school in Altenburg and graduated from Perryville High School.

At the age of 18 he was drafted into the U.S. Army. He proudly served his country in the 774th Tank Battalion, Company C, where he fought in the Battle of the Bulge. He also served as an interpreter during the occupation of Germany. He received a Purple Heart and three Battle Stars.

After his military service Bob attended Rankin Technical School in St. Louis, where he studied body and fender repair. He became co-owner of Altenburg Garage and worked there more than 50 years.

Bob married Lillian Schilling June 18, 1950. This marriage was blessed with five children: Gerard Fiehler of Altenburg, Susan Fiehler of St. Louis, Carla (Kent) Grebing of Houston, Ellen (John) Linxwiler and Timothy Fiehler of St. Louis.

He is also survived by five grandchildren, Jacob and Nick Fiehler, Alison (Grebing) Funke, Barrett Grebing and Ben Linxwiler; two great-grandchildren, Jack and Faith Funke; a sister, Norma Kellerhals of St. Louis; and numerous other family and friends.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Mildred Palisch; and a grandson, Wade Fiehler.

Throughout his life Bob was a gifted storyteller and historian. He was a charter member of East Perry County Lion's Club, where he was active more than 50 years. Additional interests included Trinity Choral Society, various church offices, docent at the Lutheran Heritage Center and Museum in Altenburg, fishing, gardening, metal detecting and traveling the back roads of East Perry County.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday and 6:30 to 8:30 a.m. Saturday at Young and Sons East Perry Chapel in Altenburg.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Concordia Lutheran Church in Frohna, with the Rev. Steven Dressler officiating. Burial will be in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery with military graveside rites provided by American Legion and Delta Team.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Trinity Lutheran Church Restoration Fund, The Emmaus Homes or the Lutheran Heritage Center and Museum.

Young and Sons Funeral Home in Perryville provided the arrangements.