Robert E. "Bob" Mihlbachler (83) of Effingham

Robert E. “Bob” Mihlbachler, 83 of Effingham, IL passed away at home on Sunday, November 6, 2022, after a period of declining health. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am Saturday, November 12, 2022, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Effingham with burial in St. Anthony Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm Friday at Bauer Funeral Home in Effingham. Memorials may be made to Effingham Catholic Charities. Online condolences may be expressed by clicking here.

Bob was born on April 7, 1939 in Sigel, IL to Sylvester “Sparky” and Norma (Widmeier) Mihlbachler. Bob graduated from St. Anthony High School in 1957. He was a pitcher on very successful baseball teams and a member of the 1956 St. Anthony State Basketball Team. He attended Quincy College, where he also played baseball, and later graduated from Eastern Illinois University in 1961. Bob was also a top hurler for the Effingham Comets for a few seasons. 

He married Connie (Goeckner) Broom on January 3, 1959. Bob and Connie were blessed with three children; Jeff, Angie, and Rob. 

After many years as a regional field manager with Indiana Insurance, Bob declined further promotion with the company in order to remain in Effingham. He then purchased two local insurance agencies (Kagay and Michaelree Agencies) in 1981. He served as President of Kagay-Michaelree-Mihlbachler, later renamed Mihlbachler Insurance Agency, for over 35 years. Bob’s work life was highlighted by relationships with his longtime customers and working daily with all three of his children at the agency. 

Bob was a member of St. Anthony Parish and was a past President of the St. Anthony Booster Club. He was also a life-long member of the Knights of Columbus and a member of the Elks, once serving as Exalted Ruler. Bob was also a member of the Effingham Country Club for over 50 years and served on the ECC Board. 

In 2007, Bob married Sandy Richards. They enjoyed many years together until her passing in 2021. Their marriage grew their families and brought them much joy, especially during the holidays. In their later years, they wintered in Florida where they played golf and rode the motorcycle to their favorite watering holes. 

Over the years, Bob enjoyed planning and taking a wide variety of trips like canoeing, snowmobiling, spring training, and golf as well as visiting scenic/historical sites. He was a die-hard Cubs fan and avid Bears fan. He was also a loyal patron of the Indianapolis 500, only missing a handful of races since the late 1950s. Bob’s favorite hobby involved a standing 4 o’clock appointment with his brother-in-law Kenny. 

Bob is survived by his children; Jeff of Effingham, Angie (Philip) Lark of Watson, Rob (Michelle) of Effingham; grandchildren, Ryne, Molly, and Katy Mihlbachler and Leighton Lark; sister, Karen Probst of Effingham; brother, Dennis (Peg) Mihlbachler of Sigel and his wife Sandy’s children; Teri (Joe) Meyer and their children Molly, Megan and Maddie, and Jeff (Julie) Richards and their children Kate, Emma and Meg.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, wife Sandy (Richards) Mihlbachler, daughter-in-law Penny Mihlbachler and brother-in-law Kenny Probst.