Mr. Robert E. Barthel

March 30, 1934 - April 5, 2019

Robert Edwin Barthel was born on March 30, 1934 in South St. Louis, Missouri to Hildegarde B. (Wertich) Barthel and Edwin C. Barthel. Thirteen months later, Robert’s sister, Bette was born. As Robert and Bette were growing up, they spent most of their time together. After graduating from Culinary School in 1952, Robert was drafted into the Army in 1957 and was assigned as a Cook. At one point, Robert was stationed in Germany where he befriended Al Birk. Robert visited and spent time with Al and his family in Germany. This is where Robert first met Al’s sister, Josephine. Through the years, Robert worked as an executive chef for McDonnell Douglas, The 7-Up Company, Hagar Hinge Company and catered many events with Erker Catering. In 1973, Robert took a trip to Germany to again visit the Birk Family and brought Josephine back to the United States where they were married. Robert and Josephine lived in Hazelwood, MO until 1992 when they moved to a home in Dellwood, MO. His niece, Cindy (Thies) Springli and her family lived next door. Living two houses away was Robert’s sister, Bette and her husband Bill Thies. Robert and Josephine spent much of their time tending to their lovely home and their beautiful flower gardens around the house. He always mentioned to people how much he enjoyed living so close to family. Robert’s faith was always very strong throughout his life. After retiring from being a chef, Robert became a Lay Minister for Chapel of the Cross where he was a member for many years. He thoroughly enjoyed this work and was so wonderful, faithful, caring and was loved by all. In 2016, Robert and Josephine sold their home in Dellwood and moved into their lovely apartment at Villa Theresa Apartments in O’Fallon, MO. They loved living there and felt very blessed that they were able to move there. Robert had surgery to remove cancer from his scalp in January, 2019. After several complications and a three-week stay at the hospital and a three-week stay at Delmar Gardens for rehab, he finally returned to his apartment. On March 27, 2019, Robert’s sister, Bette, passed away after struggling several years with Alzheimer’s Disease. Bette was buried on April 3. Robert’s health continued to decline after his return to their apartment and on Friday, April 5, 2019 at age 85, he passed away peacefully with Josephine and Cindy by his side.