Robert E. Dorr

Bob was born on July 23, 1938, in Springfield, the son of Henry and Rose (Schabl) Dorr. He married Patsy Richards on November 12, 1960, at St. Agnes Catholic Church and together they danced through this life for 50 years. Patsy preceded him in death on September 20, 2010.

Bob graduated from Cathedral Boys High School in 1956 and went on to proudly serve his country in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Buck. After his time in the service, he became a printer for Schnepp and Barnes Printers, Inc. where he worked for 40 years. It is there that he developed a love for language and a masterful command of his beloved crossword puzzles along with a distaste for the humbling New York Times Sunday edition. Bob was a member of the Knights of Columbus and Elks Club.

He was gifted with a golden heart at birth and openly shared that gift by offering a smile, a joke, or a firm handshake to almost everyone he met. His brothers and sisters jokingly nicknamed him “St. Bobby” in his young years. Later, some questioned that title when he was often overheard urging friends to “have one more for the ditch”.

Bob loved competition and actively participated in many local sports including golf, softball, racquetball, basketball, and even bowling. All brought great joy to Bob and new friendships along the way. Most who knew Bob knew he loved to argue sports all day and often did! He hated the invention of the mobile phone and its ability to bring a good argument to an abrupt halt with a quick internet search. He was a devout St. Louis Cardinals and Notre Dame football fan and was rarely seen without a ball cap in support of one of them. He truly loved them both. He developed a love and appreciation for music of all kinds but especially for Frank, Bing, and Bobby Darrin. Whether it was in the shower, on the car radio, or together with family and friends, Bob’s voice was notable, and he sang right along with the best of them. Although never known to be good with a hammer and nails, one of the proudest accomplishments of Bob’s life was building a loving family bond and loyal lifelong friendships, many with whom he is now reunited.

Bob was also preceded in death by his parents; brother and sister-in-law, Henry and Barbara Dorr, brother, James Dorr; and sister and brother-in-law, Joan and Ted Tinsley.

He is survived by his daughters, Annamarie Dorr and Laura (Bill) Venvertloh; grandchildren, Christopher (Brenna) Venvertloh, William “Chip” Venvertloh, Nicole (Joe) Wirtz, and Robert Dorr; great-grandchildren, Bennett, Bryson, and Avery Venvertloh, and Andrew and Patrick Wirtz; sisters, Karen (Richard) Jones, and Maureen (Mike) Follis; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation & Funeral Mass: Family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until 11:15 a.m. on Monday, November 21, 2022, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 1725 S. Walnut St., Springfield. A Funeral Mass will follow at 11:30 a.m. with Rev. Jeff Grant, celebrant.

Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association Processing Center, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home – Springfield, 900 S. Sixth St., Springfield.