Robert Gonrich

Mr. Robert Frank Gonrich went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at 0300 AM on August 25, 2010 just one day before his 90th Birthday. Robert, was born in Moline, IL. on August 26, 1920. He is survived by his wife of 62 years Getty Gonrich.\ Mr. Gonrich loved life to the fullest and was a great thinker and brilliant minded man. He loved gardening, raising flowers, collecting stamps, watching birds, and was disgusted by all types of animal cruelty. Even into his later years Robert kept a large vegetable garden. As he aged his passion for plants moved indoors. Robert kept an extensive plant collection in his daughter Jan Bishop's sun room who he resided with for the past 10 years. Robert had an affinity for science fiction and natural history of all types. Robert was blessed with wonderful health his entire life until recent months. He loved his wife dearly and drove himself to Crystal Springs to her nursing home to visit with her daily. For a 90 year old man Robert was a sharp dressed independent man who loved his food and a good conversation about the "Good Old Days". It was common to find Robert at Jan's house eating a large cheese burger watching reruns of the X-files or simply listing to his "Big Band Music". Robert would often when asked give you detailed accounts of his adventures in the South Pacific during WW2. The precise and great detail he would give you when he explained his escapades made you feel as if the war just happened yesterday. Robert is survived by his daughters Diane Hathorn, Jan Bishop and her husband Danny Bishop. His granddaughters Shelley Fitzpatrick, Mandy Bishop and Lindsey Carr His great grandchildren Riley and Lily Fitzpatrick and Hayes Carr. His Great Grand Children Riley and Lily Fitzpatrick always referred to him as "Pappy". Mr. Gonrich was a Great American, Fantastic father, wonderful husband and a great friend who was loved and will be dearly missed. \ Visitation will be 5-8pm Friday, August 27, 2010 and 12noon- until the 2pm funeral service Saturday, August 28, 2010 all at Chancellor Funeral Home in Byram. Interment will follow at Lakewood Memorial Park.\