In Memoriam - Robert A. Griesbach

Dear Colleagues,

It is with sadness that we have learned of the death of Robert Griesbach. Bob taught at DePaul from 1955 until his retirement in 1989 from the Department of Biological Sciences and also served as its chair. Upon his retirement, he was awarded the Via Sapientiae Award by the university. Bob passed away on September 23 at the age of 95. He is survived by 5 children, 8 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren.

Bob combined his work in cytology and genetics with botany research, resulting in major scientific advances that earned him recognition as a pioneer in plant physiology genetics and plant breeding.

Services will take place on Tuesday, October 15 at St. Mary Catholic Church, 528 Second Street, Menasha, WI 54952. Visitation at 9:30 a.m. for friends and family, followed by a funeral service at 11:30 a.m. Online condolences may be submitted at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/cape-coral-fl/robert-griesbach-8866154

Our condolences go to the family, friends, colleagues, and former students who mourn the loss of Bob. May he rest in peace.

Thank you.

Source: Mission and Ministry email October 1, 2019


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Robert A. Griesbach

APRIL 11, 1924 – SEPTEMBER 23, 2019

Robert Anthony (Bob) Griesbach, age 95, passed away on September 23, 2019. Bob was born on April 11, 1924 in Menasha, WI, the son of William and Susan (Hauser) Griesbach. Bob graduated from St. Mary high school in 1942. Following graduation, Bob worked at the Institute of paper chemistry in Appleton WI for a year prior to being drafted into military service. Having played the clarinet from fourth grade on through high school, Bob was happy to be assigned to the 332nd transportation Corps Army band. Following service in the army during World War II, Bob moved to Chicago in 1947 where he began studies at DePaul University. Starting out in both biology and music he soon realized he had to chose between the two. Bob chose biology as his career option. After earning a bachelor of science degree in biology and a masters degree in botany, Bob went on to the University of Chicago to earn his PhD. After completing his graduate work in botany at Chicago, Bob returned to teach at DePaul in its biological-sciences department, eventually chairing the department. It was during his studies at the University of Chicago that Bob met Mary Lou Stoegbauer (also from WI) on a train ride into the city. They married in 1954. In 1958, Bob and Mary Lou moved to Park Ridge, IL. It was at their home in Park Ridge that Bob was able to blend his scientific work in cytology and genetics with his interest in breeding daylilies. This quickly became a lifetime interest. Eventually, Bob would go on to make contributions to the development of such plants as gladiolus, daylilies, and true lilies. Bob was one of the first botanists to develop a method for doubling the chromosomes in Daylilies; offering more color possibilities, increased vigor and substance, and larger flowers. Bob’s research resulted in major scientific advances and is recognized as a pioneer in plant physiology genetics and plant breeding.

In 1989, Bob retired from his work at DePaul. He was honored at the 1989 commencement as a recipient of the Via Sapientiae award, the highest award that the university can bestow upon a member of its community. Retirement allowed Bob to concentrate entirely on his work with daylilies. In 1991, he and Mary Lou made the decision to move to their home in Wisconsin. The relocation took two years because he had to transfer two crops of flowers-daylilies and lilies from his home in Park Ridge, Illinois to his daylily farm outside Delavan, Wisconsin. In 2007, Mary Lou passed away and Bob’s daughter Barbara, husband Frankie and daughter Gracie stepped in to care for Bob as he was legally blind from macular degeneration and unable to fully care for himself. In 2015, Bob developed heart and kidney disease and it was becoming increasingly more difficult for him to be out in his daylily fields without ending up in the hospital. In 2016, a job opportunity for Barbara gave the family an opportunity to relocate to Cape Coral FL. So, after 60 years, Bob hung up his hybridizing hat to be with his family in FL. It was now time for others to continue his work with the daylilies. In October of 2016, a group of trusted lily aficionados and friends gathered in what later was referred to as “The Big Dig” to salvage over 4,000 lily bulbs from Bob’s fields.

Bob is survived by 5 children: Robert (Pam) Griesbach Ellicott City, MD, James (Ann) Griesbach Orland Park, IL, Debra (Glenn) Andrews Georgetown, SC, Donald (Martin Morales) Los Angeles, CA and Barbara (Frankie) Kropacek Cape Coral, FL, eight grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters: Virginia Swichtenberg, Menasha; Donna Mahoney Menasha,WI.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years Mary Lou, his four brothers: Norman (Katie) Griesbach; Marc (Mary) Griesbach; William (Joan) Griesbach and Donald (Sally) Griesbach and one sister: Sister Donna (Evangeline) SSND

It would be remiss of me if I did not share the vital role my mom played in my dad’s professional advancements as well as being the families matriarch. My mom was, as a dear friend described, a generous, delightful, and inimitable human being that took delight in making my dad and our family happy....even if it meant stepping aside and taking second fiddle. Our family will miss them both.

Funeral services will be at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 15, 2019, at St. Mary Catholic Church, 528 Second Street, Menasha. Friends and family may visit at the church on Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service.

Source: Coral Ridge Funeral Home online: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/cape-coral-fl/robert-griesbach-8866154