Robert Neal Speidel, 76, of Godfrey Illinois, passed away peacefully at 3:40 pm Saturday, April 13, 2024, surrounded by family. He led a life of service to the community and love for family and friends.
For 44 years, he inspired students as an English Teacher and Instructor, enlightening them with numerous stories.
He was a passionate storyteller with an encyclopedic knowledge of funny or insightful tales for friends and family on every occasion.
He led as a High School coach who loved the game and cared about the player. He also served as the Faithful Navigator of his Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus Assembly and valued the many friendships he found in the Knights of Columbus.
An avid lifelong learner, he was known for having a library book always in hand for any spare moment and enjoyed keeping up with his multiple newspaper and journal subscriptions. He was unbeatable at word games, puzzles, and trivia.
He cultivated a joy in both watching gardening shows and creating a wildflower garden.
Faithful to the teachings of the Catholic Church, he was active in Bible Study and led the Fourth Degree Honor Guard on 5th Sundays at St. Ambrose Parish.
For many years, Bob and his long-term friends, Jim Hoff, Jack Schafers, and Rich Kannapell, had an annual golf outing in Arizona or California.
Robert was a devoted and much-loved father to his children Frank A Speidel (Kimberly) and Marie E Boesch (Jeremy) and grandfather to his grandchildren Robert, Ruth, Ross, Raeanna, and Rory Speidel and Elyse Boesch.
His greatest love and greatest joy is the “Love of His Life” and wife of 53 years, Caroline (“The Empire”).
He will be missed by his Sisters-in Law, Rita Lupo and Judy Stroer and their children.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank X. Speidel and Helen L Speidel.
Visitation will be at Thursday, April 25, 2024, 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm at Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home in Godfrey.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 26, 2024, 10:00 am at the St Ambrose Catholic Church with Father Steven Janoski, officiating.
Inurnment will take place at Valhalla Memorial Park.
Memorials are suggested to the Siteman Cancer Center.
Online condolences and guestbook may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com.
