Bernard Robert "Bob" Gratzer Jr.

OBITUARY Bernard Robert Gratzer, Jr., known to all as Bob, of St. Clair, MO, departed this life at his home on Saturday, December 31, 2022, having reached the age of sixty-nine years, two months and two days. Bob was born in Washington, MO on October 29, 1953, son of Bernard Robert Gratzer, Sr. and Beulah Maxine Gratzer nee Tate. On June 6, 1980 he was united in marriage to Sara Elizabeth Burns and four children came to bless this union. Bob is survived by his children, Beth Smith and husband, Chris, of Eureka, MO, Becky Lowder and husband, Vince, of St. Clair, MO, Kristin Wheeler and husband, Clint, of St. Clair, MO and Bernard R. Gratzer, III, known to all as Robbie, and wife, Nicole, of Union, MO; by his brothers, William Gratzer, known to all as Bill, and wife, Lori, of St. Clair, MO and Bruce Gratzer of St. Clair, MO; by his grandchildren, Colin, Griffin and Evelyn Smith, all of Eureka, MO, Madison, Mackenzie, Olivia and Adelyn Lowder, all of St. Clair, MO, Elyse and Evan Wheeler, both of St. Clair, MO and Barrett Gratzer, Karli Bryan and Kori Gratzer, all of Union, MO. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard, Sr. and Beulah Gratzer; by his wife, Sara Gratzer; and by his sister-in-law, Leann Gratzer. Bob was a Christian and member of United Methodist Church in St. Clair, MO. During his working career he was a co-owner of Gratzer Brothers Construction Company in St. Clair, MO for over forty years. Bob had a variety of interests throughout his life including collecting coins and watching western movies, especially John Wayne movies. He loved watching sports of all kinds and especially his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events at school. Bob was on the St. Clair High School football team the very first year they had a team and also loved playing softball in his younger years. Bob enjoyed spending time with friends, especially his friend Danny and loved eating sweets, especially Oreo cookies. What meant most to him was time spent with family. The love they shared and many precious memories they created will forever by cherished by them all. A kind and loving father, father-in-law, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, nephew, uncle, great and great-great-uncle, cousin and treasured friend, he will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew and loved him. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday, January 14, 2023 at United Methodist Church in St. Clair, MO with Roger Perriguey officiating. Interment will be in Fairview United Methodist Cemetery in Grubville, MO. Memorials may be made to United Methodist Church in St. Clair, MO. The family was served by Russell Colonial Funeral Home in St. Clair, MO.

Bernard Robert "Bob" Gratzer Jr.

October 29, 1953 - December 31, 2022