Leslie Robert Winsauer, Jr. passed away from his temporary home here on earth to his forever home in Heaven on January 31, 2025. He was 94.
Leslie (known as Bob) was born to Leslie Robert Winsauer, Sr. and Harriet Marie Shields on April 15, 1930. He grew up living and working on a farm in Foosland, Illinois until moving to Galesburg, Illinois where he graduated high school. He then went on to play football alongside All-Pro linebacker Dick Butkus at the University of Illinois. He also became an active member of the ROTC at the university until enlisting in the U.S. National Guard. He was later called into active duty in the United States Army during the Korean War where he served as Sergeant Major. While in the military, he tested the effects of nuclear warfare.
Bob loved music. During his high school and college years, he played drums in a band called The Melody Kings. The band played for several weddings and USO shows, even playing on air for a local radio show in Champagne, Illinois. He loved to sing and could often be heard whistling a tune or singing songs.
Bob was definitely a man of many talents and passions. He sold two patents, one to Outboard Motor Company (OMC) and underwater dive gear called a Hookah. He truly enjoyed hunting and fishing. He would pheasant and quail hunt in both Iowa and Illinois. His favorite vacation spot was in Hayward, Wisconsin where he would fish for muskie. One thing he enjoyed the most was to watch his boys play sports.
Bob loved the Lord. He would often drive a bus so he could take children to church. During his time here on Earth, he called Illinois, Tennessee, Arkansas and Missouri home.
Bob left behind his wife, JoAnn Winsauer of Warsaw; his children, Bob Winsauer (wife Debbie) of Morriton, Arkansas; Denise Crawford (husband Darrell) of Windsor, Missouri; Diane Kellner (husband Rocky) of Warsaw, Missouri; Jery Lynn Dixon (husband Dextor) of Kirbyville, Missouri; Roger Winsauer (wife Dana) of Wylie, Texas; Mindy Baker of southern Mississippi; Travis Randall (wife Meredith) of Grain Valley, Missouri; 27 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren, 11 great-great grandchildren, 2 nieces and great nieces and nephews.
Bob was preceded in death by his mother, Harriet Winsauer; father, Leslie Winsauer; son, Mike Winsauer; son-in-law, Darrell Crawford; and sister, Jolene Gehlin.
Bob will be greatly missed.
