County of marker: Lincoln County
Location of marker: MO-E & St. Alphonsus Rd., Millwood
Stone Text:
LINDEMANN
ROBERT (BUTCH)
Sept. 7, 1940
Sept. 22, 2015
[Backhoe with bucket image]
"Robert Marlyn (Butch) Lindemann was born September 7, 1940 to Harry and Velma Lindemann. He was the third of eight children and grew up on farm in Florissant, Missouri. As a kid growing up, he did the typical farm chores, milking the cow, planting and harvesting crops, and hunting. The love of hunting continued as he grew up and was passed on to his son and grandsons.
"He left the farm in his teenage years to work with his brother Henry and Uncle “Coot”. They worked on construction jobs traveling around the country. Some of his favorite places were the Catskill Mountains in New York and Petoskey, Michigan. Their free time was spent boating and racing go-carts.
"In his early 20’s he met the love of his life. Bob went a blind date arranged by his aunt Marge Steimel. He met Ruth Will and fell in love. They dated and were married on November 5, 1960. They bought a trailer in Bochertown, Mo. He went to work for Glosier Construction. He started out his construction career as a laborer and then progressed to operating all sorts of heavy equipment. Working outside is what he loved to do. On April 1, 1973, Bob and Ruth started their own company. Lindemann Backhoe Service. Bob was well known for his precision in operating equipment and Ruth kept the books and answered the phone. Together they built the company. If you went for a drive anywhere in the St. Louis or surrounding area, Bob would tell you how he dug the footing for that building, or put in that sewer line over there. We would joke with him and say that St. Louis wouldn’t have been built without him and his backhoe.
"Bob and Ruth have two children. (Joseph Robert and Karen Ruth, both born in the early 60’s.) They bought a house in St. Charles and lived there all their lives. Many of their neighbors have been friends for years. Talking on the front porch and partying with these neighbors were some of the best times he had. (From the Club House in Foley to talking with Joe and Maryann)
Bob’s brothers and sisters were a big part of his life. He loved getting together for a Bar-b-q or making apple butter. Bob’s brother and sisters are: Henry Lindemann, Kathleen Maschmidt, Janet Luecke, Mary Pfenning, Margaret Dobelmann, Jeff Lindmenn, and his late beloved brother Jerry Lindemann.
"Bob’s kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids were his greatest accomplishments.
"Joe’s children are Joe Jr Lindemann and Megan Vicalvi – with husband Steve and daughter Hailey.
"Karen’s children are Tony Bonetti – wife Heather; Becky Ilges and daughter Sophie; Nicole Ilges; and Michael Ilges
Bob touched many lives and we are grateful for the 75 years he was with us. He never met a stranger because after 5 minutes of talking he was your friend. He would stop and help anyone. Always a kind heart, and a smile. He will be missed.
"The family has asked that in lieu of flowers; please contribute to the Alzheimer’s Association or the American Cancer Society." ~ Alternative Funeral & Creamation Services