Robert “Bob” John Blumberg, 80, of Gilman passed away on Tuesday, December 13, 2022 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. He was born on October 7, 1942 in East St. Louis, IL, the son of John H. and O. Dorothy (Eckert) Blumberg and they preceded him in death in addition to one son, Jon Blumberg and one son-in-law, Carl Goben.
He married Gloria Jean Roethemeier on September 10, 1966 in Collinsville and she survives in Gilman. Also surviving are two daughters, M. Marlene (Gary) Brucker of Piper City and Debbie Lynn Goben of Delrey; one son, Darrick John (Elizabeth) Blumberg of Gilman; four grandchildren, Brad Brucker, Brent Brucker, Jon Blumberg and Lani Blumberg; and one brother, Ron Blumberg of Collinsville.
Bob graduated from High School in Collinsville and then attended Greenville College and United Theological Seminary in New Brighton, MN. He was the minister at Sheffield United Church of Christ for 6-1/2 years and then at Zion United Church of Christ in Gilman for 6-1/2 years. Bob was also a truck driver for many companies throughout the years, finally retiring from Whiteline in Champaign. He was a member of Zion United Church of Christ in Gilman and also of the Order of Eastern Star, where he served as grand organist in 2020. Bob enjoyed watching the news and the Hallmark channel, taking his grandkids to school when they were younger, and tinkering with cars. In his retirement, Bob loved working part-time at Gilman Fertilizer. He also volunteered at the Food Pantry, being the representative for Zion United Church of Christ in Gilman. Bob really cared for people.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 22, 2022 at the Zion United Church of Christ in Gilman. Rev. Dr. Carol Lange will officiate.
Visitation will be from 3:00-7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 21, 2022 at the Knapp-Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman with an Order of Eastern Star Service at 6:30 p.m.
Memorials may be made to the Zion United Church of Christ in Gilman.
Please share a memory of Bob at knappfuneralhomes.com.
