COLUMBUS
Robert “Bob” Leo Bilz, 93, of Columbus, went to live with Jesus at 8:47 a.m. Friday, November 15, 2024, at Our Hospice of South Central Indiana Inpatient Facility. His loving family were present throughout his journey of hospitalization that preceded his admission to Hospice care, and were with him until shortly before his passing.
Bob was born on March 19, 1931, in Madison, Indiana, to Francis M. and Helen N. (Distel) Bilz. He was the fourth of seven children in his family, along with four brothers and two sisters. As a boy, Bob loved exploring the hills of Madison that surrounded the Crooked Creek valley where his family lived. His love of nature and outdoor sports, such as hunting, fishing, camping and hiking, were passed on as a legacy to his family, who share these passions to this day.
On April 13, 1956, Bob married Barbara Ann Sears. After graduating from Hanover College with a B.S. Degree in Physics and Mathematics, Bob and his bride moved to Columbus to start their life together, which eventually included three children. Bob and Barbara were married for over 65 years, until she preceded him in death on January 5, 2022. Bob has missed her dearly since that day and he often shared treasured stories with his friends and family of their many trips and adventures.
For the majority of his long and productive career, Bob was employed by Cummins Engine Company, holding the position of International Director of Quality Control. In 1985, Bob retired after 25 years of service, and he launched his own independent consulting firm, Quality Improvement Services. In both of these professional roles, Bob was blessed by the opportunity to travel all over the world to do the work that he felt was his calling, until he retired at the age of 80.
Bob was a U.S. Marine Corp veteran serving his country during the Korean War. He has always been concerned about and supportive of the needs of returning veterans, and he was a member of the American Legion. Bob enthusiastically attended the annual Salute! concerts performed by the Columbus Symphony Orchestra every Memorial Day weekend.
Bob’s survivors include his three children, Darlene (Richard) Radcliff of Mishawaka, Stephen (Ashley) Bilz of Freetown and Suzanne Kanehl of Columbus; and his five grandchildren, Nick (Jami) Radcliff, Christian (Katie) Radcliff, Niles Radcliff, Erin Anne Bilz Kanehl and Robert Alexander Bilz Kanehl.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife; brothers Russell, Tony and Francis “Noonie” Bilz and a sister, Betty Browning.
The celebration of Bob’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, 11/21/24, at Barkes, Weaver &Glick Funeral Home on Washington Street with Pastor Tim Carter officiating.
Family and friends may gather for a time of visitation from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, 11/20/24 and 9:00 a.m. on Thursday morning, just prior to the service.
Bob will be laid to rest beside his wife, Barbara, at the Garland Brook Cemetery with military honors presented by the Bartholomew County Veterans Honor Guard.
Memorial contributions in Bob’s honor are welcome and may be made to one of his favorite organizations:
The Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org Or Paralyzed Veterans of America at www.pva.org
Condolences and special memories may be shared with Bob’s family and a video tribute may be seen at barkesweaverglick.com
