Robert R. 'Bob' Bretz

Robert Russell "Bob" Bretz of Cuba, Missouri was born Wednesday, January 19, 1927 at Wapello Iowa to the union of J. Russell and Marie (nee: Crow) Bretz and left from this life on Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at Sullivan, Missouri at the age of 87 years. Bob as he was known by most of his friends and family grew up on a farm in Iowa. He helped his father with the hogs, cattle, sheep, and chickens and then when he became tall enough to reach peddles (at the age of 8) Bob learned how to operate all the tractors on the farm. Bob graduated second in his class from the Wapello High School in May of 1945. Bob entered the United States Army Air Force on July 12, 1945 while in the service Bob was a Synthetic Trainer Operator (Link Instructor) he instructed pilots, student pilots and foreign cadets in procedures of Army Air Forces and CAA instrument flying, including let-down-low approach, beam work, radio compass and radio telephone procedure, also instructed runway localizer and glide path procedure. He also graded students according to proficiency and make recommendations to pilots for improvement of technique. He made inspections, adjustments and repairs on trainer prior to daily use. Bob left from the Army Air Force on November 10, 1946. After the service Bob attended Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. He graduated in June of 1950 with a BS Science in Chemistry. From 1950 till 1981 Bob worked for Mallinckrodt Chemical in St. Louis, Missouri. While at Mallinckrodt Bob worked on the Tang project for the astronauts, finger nail polish project, cough medicine project, medication for pigs projects, just to name a few. Bob was singing in the choir at the Methodist Church when he met this beautiful young lady Norma Lee Priegel. They were united in marriage on October 3, 1953 and to this union four sons were born; Mark Eugene, Daniel Thomas, Ronald Douglas and Timothy Neal. After retiring in 1981 from Mallinckrodt Chemicals Bob went to work for Transport Service Company in Chicago, Illinois and worked there till 1986, after which Bob worked at Wright Industries in Chicago, Illinois until 1990. During 1990 Bob and Norma retired and moved to Cuba, Missouri. Bob had been a Boy Scout Leader in Florissant, Missouri for many years. He enjoyed reading; going on camping adventures with his family, playing ping pong and washers, going on Bank trips and getting to see the Indy race cars being built and then getting to ride in one was one of Bob's favorite memories. Bob's favorite sign to see and read was "Absolutely Positively No Trespassing" and he would stop and see what was there. Often times he would be invited by the owner to see what they were keeping out of the public view. For the past couple of years Bob and Norma have been attending the First Presbyterian Church of Cuba. Bob was a loving son, brother, husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, great uncle, brother-in-law, cousin and friend of many. Bob will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him. Bob is preceded in death his parents Russell and Marie Bretz, one brother Edgar Bretz, one sister Betty Maxson other relatives and friends. Those who are left to treasure her memory and to continue his legacy are his loving wife of sixty one year's Norma Bretz of the home, four sons Mark and wife Tammy Bretz of Terre Dulac, Missouri, Dan and wife Liz Bretz of Caledonia, Missouri, Ron and wife Lisa Bretz of Florissant, Missouri and Tim and wife Rhonda Bretz of Farmington, Missouri, sixteen grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren, two sisters Jean Bean of Moline, Illinois and Alice Teel of Burlington, Iowa, one brother Bruce and wife Norma Bretz of Osage Beach, Missouri, sister-in-law Lucille and husband Bob Van Bolen of Vero Beach, Florida, brother-in-law Earl Priegel of Atlanta, Georgia, nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and a host of other relatives and friends. In keeping with Bob's wishes his body was donated to Washington University School of Medicine so that science and research could continue to help the next generations for years to come. A private family memorial service will be held at a later date. A public memorial service will be held in the spring. In lieu of flowers donations may be made at the Visitors Center in Bob's memory for the planting of a tree. The Mizell Funeral Home of Cuba is honored to be serving the Bretz's family.

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