Robert Sigfried Gaiswinkler

Bob passed on from his home on March 4, 2021. He was born on January 7, 1932 in Chicago, Illinois and lived a consequential life in Belleville, Illinois; Columbus, Ohio; Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Jupiter Island, Florida.

Bob was preceded in death by his lovely wife, Marilyn and son Robert S. II. He will forever be remembered by his three daughters; Janet (Scott) Sondles of Carmel, Indiana; Julia (Craig) Morgan of Brookfield, Wisconsin; and Ericka (Richard) Nelson of Derry, New Hampshire. He is survived by seven grandchildren; Michael, Patrick and Ryan Sondles; Kendall Morgan and Simon Nelson; Robert S. III and Alexandra Gaiswinkler. He also leaves behind a great granddaughter, Brooklyn Sondles.

Bob attended the Missouri Military Academy and the University of Illinois, Champaign. He completed additional studies at the Kelley School of Business, University of Indiana. Serving in both the United States Air Force and the United States Army as a Veteran of the Korean War, he was honorably discharged as a Captain.

Bob was a man of remarkable life and business achievements. Starting as a bank teller at Citizens Savings and Loan in Belleville, he worked his way up to various CEO and Chairman positions. These include: Security Savings and Loan, Metro East Financial, First Federal Savings and Loan, National Savings and Loan, First Financial Bank, and Associated Bank. Bob ultimately served as the Chairman of the National Council of Savings Institutions in Washington D.C., and had public speaking engagements with financial exchanges throughout the world.

Over the years, Bob was recognized for his distinguished charitable service. He was Chairman of the Friends of Public Television in St. Louis, Columbus and Milwaukee, and was a Trustee of the Missouri Military Academy. He was also a member of the advisory board for the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and Director of the 1964 New York World’s Fair.

As an avid competitive golfer, Bob enjoyed memberships at Blue Mound Golf & Country Club in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin and McArthur Golf Club in Hobe Sound, Florida.

As per Bob’s wishes, there will be a private family gathering. In honor of Bob’s love of American Saddlebred horses and all animals, the family welcomes donations to LifeStriders ~ Equine Therapy and Elmbrook Humane Society in his memory.

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