By Jim Meridith
Posted: Updated:
5 Comments
    • Service

      Private services will be held with Interment at St. Joseph Cemetery, Highland, IL.

    • Full Obituary

      Robert L. “Bob” Spengel, 93, of San Antonio, Texas, formerly of Highland, IL, passed away Saturday, July 22, 2023, in San Antonio, TX.

      He was born February 10, 1930, to Raymond J. and Alice (Nee O’Hayer) Spengel, in Highland, IL. On October 23, 1971, he married Joan Frey House, at St. Paul Catholic Church, Highland, IL and she preceded him in death on March 5, 2013.

      Bob graduated from St. Paul Grade School and St. Paul High School, Highland, IL. He was a veteran of U.S. Army, Signal Corps, serving in the Far East during the Korean War. He attended Loras College, Dubuque, IA and St. Louis College Mortuary Science. After college he served his apprenticeship with Dawson-Wikoff Funeral Home, Decatur, IL in 1953 to 1955. In 1955, he purchased Spengel Funeral Home from his father, Raymond J. Spengel. In 1958, he purchased the Boulanger Funeral Home at the Spengel Funeral Home property, 1501 Ninth St., Highland, IL, with Wilson J. Boulanger. In 1975, he formed a partnership with Jay W. Boulanger in operation of the Highland firm and the Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home, Marine, IL. On May, 1, 1995. Bob dissolved all business relationship in both operations and retired on May 1, 1995, From May 1, 1995, he had been associated with numerous funeral homes in the St. Louis Metro Illinois area. In 2010, Bob began working closely with Meridith Funeral Home in Highland, IL.

      Bob was a former Madison County Deputy Coroner for 20 years.

      He was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church and the 3rd and 4th Degrees of the Knights of Columbus, Council 1580, Highland, IL, Helvetia Sharpshooters, Life Member of VFW Post 5694 and American Legion Post 439, Highland, IL. He was also a past member of St. Joseph Hospital, Board of Directors and Advisory Board, St. Joseph Cemetery Board and Highland Rotary Club where he received the Paul Harris Award from Rotary International.

      He was also preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Alice Spengel; his step-mother, Marguerite (nee O’Haran) Spengel, two sisters, Anne Niehoff Wahl (Bob’s twin); Alice “Betty” Dunne; one brother, Raymond J. Spengel; step-sister, Patricia Godsil; step-sister, Mary Morstain, niece, Elizabeth Dunne, nephew, Raymond J. “Jack” Spengel; and nephew, Curtis “Curt” (Cathy) Niehoff.

      He is survived by two children, Darren J. (Michelle) Spengel, St. Louis, MO and Deborah A. (Mark) Ginther, San Antonio, TX; three grandchildren, Daniel R. Ginther, San Antonio, TX,  Nicholas S. (Renata) Ginther, Austin, TX, Abigail M. Spengel, St. Louis, MO; three step-sisters, Margaret “Peggy” Hebrank, Mickey O’Haran, Highland, IL, Rita Gonzales, O’Fallon, IL, nephew, Patrick (Judy) Dunne, Lubbock, TX, niece Maureen Dunne, Cincinnati, OH, niece Mary Susan “Sue” (Stephen) Tinnen, Plattsburg, MO, niece, Marcia (Lenny) Messer, Turlock, CA; sister-in-law, Judy (Patrick) Dunne, Lubbock, TX, brothers-in-law, Thomas Frey, Denison, TX and James Frey, Highland, IL.

      Memorials may be made to St. Paul Outreach.

      Private services will be held with Interment at St. Joseph Cemetery, Highland, IL.

      Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL

    Condolences are reviewed and published within 24 hours.

    5 Condolences
     
    1. Mary & Floyd Gilomen / August 3, 2023 at 12:08 pm

      Bob has always been a personal friend to our family.

    2. Bonnie Kloss / August 4, 2023 at 9:37 pm

      Bob was a very good friend of Smokey and mine. He was so soft spoken and respectful. We were hovered to call him our friend.

    3. Ellen and Kevin Limestall / August 7, 2023 at 2:00 pm

      Bob was always there at the time of need for the Homer Saathoff family. He was very professional and respectful.

    4. Gail Frey / August 13, 2023 at 8:52 pm

      Bob was a prince of a man.
      I often wondered how he was after he left the Highland area.
      RIP

    5. The Heimann Family / August 15, 2023 at 11:45 pm

      For 20+ years, my family lived across the street from the Spengels. I remember that we always felt very fortunate to have great neighbors like Bob and Joan. They never thought twice about going out of their way, always offering to help out with anything.

      Bob was always quick-witted with me on top of a somewhat dry sense humor that I had very much appreciated while growing up. I’m proud to have known him and thankful for all the years of his friendship.

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