Robert Joseph Simek's Obituary
In Loving Memory of Robert "Bob" Simek January 4, 1937 - October 4, 2025 (Age 88)
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Robert “Bob” Simek, our beloved father, grandfather, Popsie, and friend, who peacefully joined the love of his life in heaven on October 4, 2025, exactly one year to the day after our dear mom passed. That night, as a shooting star lit up the sky, we knew it was a sign that their beautiful love story had come full circle. They were the perfect love story that lasted a lifetime and created a legacy that will last forever.
Born on January 4, 1937, Bob lived a life full of passion, creativity, and kindness. He grew up in Columbia, Illinois, on a farm where his strong work ethic was shaped at a young age. He often spoke of his childhood and his favorite horse, Babe. Life on the farm taught him the value of hard work, responsibility, and perseverance; these lessons stayed with him for a lifetime.
A talented and hardworking house painter by trade, he took pride in his work, transforming homes with skill and care, and showing his family the color of life. He was a proud union painter and worked on some of the most iconic places in the St. Louis area, including the historic Fox Theater, the Admiral riverboat, and many more memorable landmarks. His craftsmanship and dedication left a lasting mark not only on buildings, but on the people he worked alongside.
Bob was so much more than his profession. He loved history, spent countless hours working on puzzles, and always had a project. Whether he was tending his garden, out hunting in the woods, or repairing something around the house, he did it all with ingenuity and heart. There was nothing he couldn’t tackle with a little elbow grease, duct tape, and determination.
Bob was also known for his incredible sense of humor. A world-class jokester, he could light up any room with laughter and always had a quick-witted comeback or story to share. His humor was a source of joy and connection for everyone who knew him.
He was deeply devoted to his family, and nothing brought him more pride than spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Bob loved taking his grandkids fishing, passing down his outdoor skills, including time spent target shooting, and sharing the kinds of life lessons that only a father and grandfather can teach, lessons about hard work, doing things the right way, staying humble, and always making time to laugh. To his great-grandchildren, he will always be lovingly remembered as "Popsie," a name that carries warmth, wisdom, and so much love.
Bob and Judy were married for 66 beautiful years. From their first date on a Harley Davidson to their reunion in heaven, their love was unwavering, a true partnership built on devotion, fun, and deep affection.
Surviving are: Children: Debbie (Mike) Roediger, Mike (Anne) Simek, Laura (Dick) Joyner, Angie (Mike) Barnett, Cheryl (Rich) Vogt, Becky (John) Reeves; Grandchildren: Ashley (Jeremy) Reichert, Erik (Kelley) Roediger, Nick (Alanna Flynn) Roediger, Katie (Zachary Han) Simek, Jacob (Sam Brinkley) Joyner, Allie (Jake Meyer) Joyner, Maggie (Ben) Stumpf, Mandy (Tom) Mayor, Jon (Alana) Joyner, Michael (Tara) Barnett, AJ (Whitney) Barnett, Mason Barnett, Joli Barnett, Hannah (Caleb) Tatum, Madelyn (Mark) Taylor, Sydney (Tori) Harris, Sam (Tim) Koen, Becca (Patrick) Stotler, Parker Reeves, Josie Reeves, and Ava Reeves; Great-Grandchildren: Blaine, Flynn and Dalton Reichert, Eli and Demi Roediger, Lincoln Han, Percy Stumpf, Murphy Lamb, Aidan and Brody Mayor, Austin, Aria and Maisie Joyner, Cami and Lainey Barnett, Oakley and Crew Tatum, Emma and Luke Stotler, and Alex Koen; along with other cherished relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Judith D. Simek (nee Kirchhofer), his parents, Charles Simek and Rose Simek (nee Pulaski); and siblings Charles Simek II and Richard Simek.
A celebration of Bob’s life for family and close friends will be held on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at Leesman Funeral Home in Columbia, Illinois, from 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM. A service will follow at Leesman at 11:00AM.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Columbia Volunteer Fire Department in his honor.
Though Bob has left this world, his spirit lives on in every joke we tell, every project we take on, and every memory we hold dear. Rest peacefully, Dad, Grandpa, and Popsie. You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.
For more information, please access our website, www.leesmanfuneralhome.com. Arrangements were handled by Leesman Funeral Home.
What’s your fondest memory of Robert?
What’s a lesson you learned from Robert?
Share a story where Robert's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Robert you’ll never forget.
How did Robert make you smile?