Robert DeRouse

 

Robert Dale DeRouse, passed away early morning March 8th, 2011, is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Ellen Ann (nee Lischer).  Bob fought a valiant fight with cancer over the past several years, and didn’t let the disease take away his passion and love of life.  He never complained and always had a smile on his face.   

Friends were easily made wherever Bob went, whether on the road selling jewelry or meeting new faces at chemo on Mondays.   After his service with the Marine Reserves,  Bob’s career in the jewelry business began  with the lost art of jewelry enameling.  This led to his own store, DeRouse Jewelers, located in Town and Country.  Bob eventually sold the store and took his show on the road selling various jewelry lines to retail stores in the Midwest  – orders are still coming in as this is being written.

Bob took great pride in his kids – Rob, Jeff and Kurt and daughters-in-laws Monika and Amy.  His greatest joy was his grandkids – he was their biggest supporter. “Pops” could easily be spotted in the stands rooting for Josh playing basketball and baseball and enjoying Hope’s band concerts.  “Gramps” was a loud supporter at Rebecca’s volleyball games and track meets and Matthew’s soccer and ball games.   The joy of his life for the last 2 ½ years was his newest grandchild – Madison Grace.   All Bob wanted out of life was a family – he gave his entire life for his family.  

   

This season, the Cardinals will be short one fan in St. Louis, but will have an advocate along with Jack Buck in heaven.   We are blessed to have had such a great man as a husband, father, father-n-law and grandfather.  Many of you met Bob over the years and we hope you will always remember his friendly, good natured personality.  We are grateful to have had him as long as we did and happy he is no longer struggling.  We know Bob’s in heaven having a beer with the big guy.

 

Visitation Saturday, March 12, 2011, 9 – 11 am.; service immediately following at the Lutheran Church of Webster Gardens, 8749 Watson Road, St. Louis, MO 63119.  In lieu flowers, please make memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society or the Lutheran Church of Webster Gardens or just play catch with your kids or grandkids. 

 

5 Comments

  1. Wally Turpin on March 11, 2011 at 12:00 am

    My condolencces To Bob’s fam-
    ily and friends. I golfed with Bob several times, but
    was mainly acquainted with him
    via Mike Urvater, his friend
    across the street. I feel
    honored to have known Bob and
    he will be missed……..Wally



  2. Kelley Thielemann on March 11, 2011 at 12:00 am

    Mine and Bob’s condolences go out to you Ellen and your family. If you need anything please do not hesitate to ask us. Bob was a wonderful man and will truely be missed. Love Kelley



  3. pam strifler on March 11, 2011 at 12:00 am

    Ellen, Rob, Jeff and Curt
    I am so very sorry and Bob will be greatly missed. We have so many shared memories as kids. I am grafetful to have grown up with such great neighbors. I always knew Mr D was looking out for all ofus kids on the block!
    please know how much my folks love you guys. They are so very sorry to have not been home.



  4. Paul & Martha Strifler on March 12, 2011 at 12:00 am

    Dear Ellen,
    Whenever Paul & I would go up to Tiber Drive to visit Dick and Jean and Bob would be tinkering outside, he would always come over to us and greet us with his big smile and pass the time of day – he was so friendly.
    Paul always loved to talk with Bob about their good, old Marine Corp. days.
    Bob will be missed – but most importantly. he will be remembered.
    Paul & Martha Strifler



  5. Dick and Jean Strifler on March 12, 2011 at 12:00 am

    Dear Ellen, Rob, Jeff and Curt,
    We have lost a good neighbor, great friend and really Bob was like a brother to us. We wish that we could take the pain of losing Bob away from each of you. We cannot. But we can cherish the many great memories of raising our children together. We have know the boys since the day they were born, we enjoyed celebrating the many mielstones together with Bob.
    We will miss him greatly especially calling us at the fence
    Love Dick and Jean



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