Obituary
It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Robert (Bob) Francis Bihr, Junior, beloved husband, devoted father, cherished grandfather, dear brother & uncle, and treasured friend, who passed away peacefully at home on July 5, 2025. Bob had just celebrated his 82nd birthday one week prior to his passing.
Bob was born in Paterson, New Jersey on June 27, 1943. He was a proud 1965 graduate of Farleigh Dickinson University and the Hartford Graduate Center Management Development Program. He worked in human resources his entire distinguished career culminating in his appointment as Vice President of the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers. Bob served as Board Vice Chair of the Bowling Green Technical College, Board Chairman of the Associated Industries of Kentucky, and was appointed by Kentucky Governor Fletcher to the School Curriculum, Assessment and Accountability Council.
Bob’s faith was the cornerstone of his life. He was a dedicated parishioner of Saint Mark’s Roman Catholic Church in Summerfield, Florida where he found great spiritual strength. From the time he was an altar server, as a young boy, to his death, his reverence for the Church, especially the Latin Mass, was his guiding light.
He was a man of great warmth, wisdom and wit. A proud member of the Sons of the American Revolution (SARS) and a lifelong member (since 1960) of the Barbershop Harmony Society (SPEBSQSIA), he found camaraderie and joy in historical discussions and harmonizing.
An avid reader and lover of history, Bob could often be found with a book in hand, ready to share a fascinating fact or a thoughtful perspective. His passion for music filled his home and heart, and his voice – whether in song or in laughter – was a source of comfort and joy to all who knew him.
He delighted in the simple pleasures of life: a good game of bocce, a round of golf, enjoying movies, playing games with family and friends, and all the joyful moments spent surrounded by those he loved most.
Bob leaves behind his beloved wife of 60 years, Helga Tatusch Bihr; his children Patty (Bihr) and Scott Neumeister and Nancy (Bihr) and Brian Laden; grandchildren Carolyn Neumeister Hester, Lauren Neumeister and Jack, Andy and Spencer Laden; sisters Mary (Bihr) & Richard Woods, Kathy (Bihr) & Alan Brooks, Lori (Bihr) & Al Barcelowsky; and a legacy of kindness, humor, and love that will live on in all who had the privilege of knowing him.
A Mass will be held at St. Mark The Evangelist Roman Catholic Church (7081 SE Highway 42, Summerfield, Florida) on July 28th, 2025, at 10 am. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests a Mass be offered at St. Mark or donations be made to Cornerstone Hospice (Lady Lake, Florida) or to Room in the Inn (Nashville, Tennessee) in honor of his unwavering faith and generous spirit.
Words cannot express how much he will be missed, but he will remain forever in our hearts, thoughts and prayers.
Arrangements entrusted with BALDWIN BROTHERS Funeral & Cremation Society-Spanish Springs, 352-430-1449. Sentiments are encouraged at www.baldwincremation.com.
Service
7081 Southeast Highway 42, Summerfield, FL 34491
We are sad to learn of his death but happy for him that he is now pain free and comfortable.
Our prayers are for the repose of his soul as well as for peace and acceptance for Helga, Nancy, Patty and their families. As time passes, may your fond memories of happy times help you through your grief.
HUGS!
Betty Anne Strobel
It is with deepest sadness that we have been informed of Bob's death. He was a tremendous person devoted to his faith, family and friends.
As a neighbor he was always fun loving, great at scheming a new prank and drawing others in to help him pull it off.
He and Helga were greatly missed when they moved from the neighborhood, but surely future neighbors enjoyed their friendship.
So it is with sadness that a dear friend will no longer be with us.
Sadly missed but always remembered.
Most sincerely,
Joan and Jerry Cook
In 1962 Bob and I, Charlie Moran, Vic Lido, and Jack Mitchell performed as the Freshaires Barbershop Quartet at St Mary's Hospital School of Nursing in Passaic, NJ. We sang together at various locations, theaters and hotels. I met Bob in Paterson after I got out of the Navy and after I heard the group singing upstairs from where I was, I went up, met Bob's father and he asked if I would like to join them. I'm also a graduate of Pope Pius HS. I now live in Florida, on the East Coast in New Smyrna Beach. Bob was a great guy and I'd be happy to know him.