Robert Joseph Grebner

Robert Joseph Grebner, 89, of Peru, IL, formerly of Germantown Hills, IL, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at Illinois Valley Community Hospital, Peru, IL.

He was born on September 28, 1931 in Peoria, IL to Emil and Bessie (Winkler) Grebner. As a young boy, he learned and enjoyed farming the family homestead with the help and guidance of his uncles Glen and Lloyd Winkler as well as his grandparents. He attended Metamora Township High School where he was active in many clubs, an excellent student and a standout football player. He loved animals, especially his favorite farm work horse teams, "Queenie and Prince" and "Cap and Vic". From a young age, he was known to be quite a prankster, often using cherry bomb fireworks as an effective method. His two favorite sayings and philosophies were "Life Is Good!" and "I've done it all."

Robert served our country by entering the Navy during the Korean War conflict as a radioman, and soon after pursued electronics school training and took a job with IBM to service accounts in the LaSalle-Peru, IL region. Robert married Ann Marie Saunders on November 5, 1960 and they raised three sons while living in Peru, IL. He served on various community committees and was instrumental at starting a steering board for the first 911 program in the LaSalle County area, with expertise on computer capabilities and also served as President of the LaSalle-Peru Township High School Athletic Boosters Club in the late 1970's. He retired from IBM in 1995. His patience and guidance was appreciated while working with Boy Scout Troop 1, Peru, IL where he shaped many into fine young men.

Three of his favorite hobbies were carving wood with his steady hand and favorite pocket knife and making glass hearts and crosses with a Dremel tool and crafting beautiful, unique bracelets from many of the natural seeds found in nature. Also, tree planting, visiting Naples, FL, Mackinac Island, MI and a cabin he built for a sister in Hayward, WI were true passions of his. He was known as "Bob the Builder" to his many granddaughters and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his former wife, Ann of Peru, IL; two sons, Bryan (Mary Beth) Grebner of Peru, IL and Kevin (Ann) Grebner of Lake Villa, IL; seven granddaughters, Katy (Butch) Gapinski of Granville, IL, Chantel Modesitt of Peru, IL, Rachelle Saubert of Rockdale, IL, Amalakya Grebner and Giavanna Grebner, both of Peru, IL, Caroline Grebner of Los Angeles, CA, and Claire Grebner of Lake Villa, IL; three great-grandchildren; four sisters, Lillian Stakely of Tiskilwa, IL, Eileen Dotson of Metamora, IL, Florence Grebner of Darien, IL, and Marcella Tincher of Peoria, IL; one nephew, Richard Dotson of Metamora, IL; three nieces, Linda Green and Candy Staley, both of Chillicothe, IL, and Debbie Wagner of Princeton, IL; and special friends Carol Kiefel, Daryl Walker, and Melodie Sadler, all of Peru, IL. Robert was preceded in death by his parents, one son, Daryl Grebner, and one brother, Clifford Grebner.

Private family funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at Mason Funeral Home in Metamora, IL with Pastor Gary Salm officiating. Graveside Services will follow at 11:00 am at Hickory Point Cemetery, Metamora, IL with military honors accorded. Covid-19 distancing restrictions will apply. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the VFW Chapter of the donor's choice or to the VFW Ladies Auxiliary Chapter, 1507 Meadow Avenue, East Peoria, IL 61611. A future Celebration of Life date will be determined at a later time. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.