Robert “Bob” Charles Meilink, 81, of Collinsville, IL, born on April 23, 1945, in St. Louis, MO, passed away Monday, August 3, 2026, at St. Elizabeth Hospital in O’Fallon, IL.
Bob loved hunting, fishing, and spending time with his friends, kids, and grandkids. He still worked out in the gym almost every day, and he loved going to the VFW for their dinners. He also enjoyed seeing his Hussmann friends at their weekly lunch meet.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Edna Meilink (nee Horn); three brothers, Louie Meilink, Bernard “Sonny” Meilink, Donny Meilink; and one sister, Marilyn Holderbach.
Left to cherish Bob’s memory are his four children, April (Chad) Schmidt, Candance (Shaun) Hoke, Christina Fisher, Robert C. Meilink; eleven grandchildren, Caira, Neo, Nathan, Evan, Lexy, Ben, Andrew, Bri (Jack), William, Haleigh, Emelia; three great- grandchildren, Lukas, Ermias, Luna; sister-in-law, Cathy Meilink; niece, Debbie Meilink; nephew, Louie (Janet) Meilink; their children; many dear friends; and his former wife and good friend, Demaris Meilink.
Memorials may be made to the VFW Post 5691; 1234 Vandalia St., Collinsville, IL 62234. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.schildknechtfh.com.
A celebration of Bob’s life will take place on Sunday, August 23, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., at the VFW Post 5077; 8500 Veterans Memorial Pkwy, O’Fallon, MO 63366.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Schildknecht Funeral Home.
