Robert was born to Louis & Dorothy Flentge in suburban Chicago in the winter of '35. His brother George and sister Linda soon followed with a third, little Paul showing up in the winter of '50. As a family they lived and worked in Des Plains, IL until Louis relocated his family to The Hill Country of Arkansas. As the story is told, Louis was convinced moving to California and opening the Flentge's Fur & Feather Farm was the family's ticket out of the great depression.
Apparently while traveling through Berryville, AR Louis & Dorothy got an offer they couldn't refuse. So started the Flentge Farm - turns out they raised anything and everything with feathers or fur. As the oldest, Robert was pressed into service as the number one farm hand - fueling the fire, tending the livestock and generally getting sick and tired of animals. Which must be why he felt the calling of the Veterinary Sciences and followed the advice & counsel of a local Veterinarian to pursue a degree in Veterinary Medicine. Those pursuits lead him through the University of Arkansas & University of Missouri and ultimately to meet his wife, Dorothy Lowrance. He & a cousin of Dorothy's mother were in Vet School together at Mizzou and traveled to Norman to attend an OU - Mizzou football game. Seems Bob was impressed with Dorothy's vocal support for the Sooner's and Dot was impressed with Robert's willingness to help clean up after dinner - a match made in heaven. They were married in January of 1960 in Norman, OK.
Bob & Dot started life together adding their first son, Steven in December of 1960 in Lerado, TX. After graduating Vet School, he took a commission with the United States Air Force - starting in Laredo, posting to Germany where second son, Douglas was born in August of 1962 and then back to Lansing, MI and a Masters Degree from Michigan State University and his third son, Gary, born August 1965. Along the way enjoying family time while camping, boating, water skiing and just hanging out around the water with his wife & boys. All told Bob gave 23 years of military service to his country. Over his years of service he provided support for canine protection at SAC Bases, Veterinary & Food Services for US Air Bases, co-developed food technology for the Apollo Space program, served the Air Force Inspector Generals office traveling the world and retired a Colonel while stationed at Andrews AFB. He retired to Springfield, IL where he continued in public service as Chief of Food, Drugs & Dairies - IL Dept of Public Heath.
He served the State of IL from 1983 - 1995 and became known as "DOC" Flentge. He enjoyed many friends and associates during his tenure as Chief and was happy to share his thanks to friends and foes with his oft used witticism - 'Thank you for your interest in Public Health'. He even survived an IL State congressional inquiry over a salmonella outbreak, sharing another favorite witticism, 'It's hard to sore like an eagle, when you are surrounded by turkeys'. He retired to Southern IL and began the full-time job of Grandpa.
He was overjoyed with the addition of three delightful daughters, Debbie, Jennifer & Tracy which blessed him with 8 grandkids (Bobby, Danielle, Rebecca, Austin, Bryan, Jessica, Reed & Paige). Exactly the material he needed to begin his work as 'Grandpa'. He also rekindled his love of model trains - collecting, traveling to shows, building his own layout and introducing his grandkids to G-Scale trains. He successfully passed on the 'train bug' to all of his grandsons, setting up each with a nice starter infection. In retirement he also enjoyed bird watching, sitting on the front porch, sleeping in and RV-ing with his wife. They traveled all over the US & Canada, visiting his daughters and the grandkids. His life was filled with numerous joys, and few sorrows - Cancer.
Bob's oldest son Steven passed away New Years Day 2009 after battling cancer for 5 years, and Bob ultimately succumbed to complications & treatments associated with his battle with Prostate Cancer. He died in his sleep at home with his sons and wife at his side. He will rest in peace with his maker at his side.
God Bless Robert L. Flentge.
