Robert E. Leistner

Robert “Bob” Eugene Leistner, age 87, of Springfield, passed on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. Born in Springfield, Illinois on January 6, 1938, he was the beloved son of Elmer William and Emma Louise Leistner. A 1956 graduate of Springfield High School, Bob attended Vanderbilt University and graduated from MacMurray College in 1960 with a BS in Business/Economics. Standing six feet, eight inches tall, he played college basketball at both universities and was known as Tall #54. On June 24, 1961, Bob married the love of his life, Rosemary Leach. He joined M.J. Kellner Company in June 1960, retiring as General Manager in 1988 after 28 years, including 16 years in that role.

Bob was a lifelong member of First Church of Christ, Scientist, Springfield, where he served as First Reader, board member, treasurer and auditor. He was also a member of The First Church of Christ, Scientist in Boston. Bob was past President of the MacMurray College Alumni Board, recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award in 1985, and inducted into the MacMurray College Athletic Hall of Fame in 2011.

With family as his top priority, Bob always made time for his parents, wife, three children, eight grandchildren, and numerous adopted and rescued pets. Bob was a longtime member of Illini Country Club serving as Past President, along with being an Illini golf club champion. Golf was his favorite sport, and he earned the rare achievement of making four holes in one.

Community service was at the heart of Bob’s retirement. As President of Contact Ministries, he loved serving as co-chairman of their new building campaign, which was a meaningful highlight of his tenure. His service also extended to numerous other boards: Boys and Girls Club of Springfield, First State Bank (1984-1988), Springfield Mass Transit District (1989-1999), serving four years as Board Chairman, and the Security Bank Board (1994-2003), serving three years as Building Project Manager.

Additionally, Bob was a former member of the Capital Investment Club, an avid stamp collector, and past chairman and two-time champion of the Central Illinois Senior Golf Association Tournament. As an astute bridge player, he enjoyed many years playing with the Duplicate Bridge Club of Springfield and earned the prestigious title of Silver Life Master. Bob was a loyal and lifelong friend to all. For fifty years, he was the Reunion Chairman for his Springfield High School Class of 1956. As snowbirds for many years, Bob and Rosemary enjoyed life in Naples, Florida as members of Windstar on Naples Bay Country Club.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters, Helen Virginia and Elaine Ruth; in-laws, Edward and Louise Leach, Juliette Leach, as well as brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Bill and Carol Leach.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Rosemary; daughter, Jill (Daniel) McClelland of Chesterfield, MO and grandchildren David & Michael McClelland; son, Todd (Candice) Leistner of Cary, IL and grandchildren Jack, Paige, and William Leistner and Claire Mastio; and daughter, Kim Leistner of Springfield, IL and grandchildren Amanda and Vanessa Little. Bob is also survived by his two special brothers-in-law and their wives: Ted and Beverly Leach of Peterborough, NH and David and Janet Leach of Chatham, IL; several nieces and nephews; and his dear stepsister, Sally Salvador of Washington D.C.

Special thanks to the care teams of Mill Creek Alzheimer’s Center and Memorial Home Hospice for their loving and supportive care.

Cremation will be provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center, prior to services.

Memorial Gathering and Ceremony: Family will receive friends from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. on Friday, November 28, 2025, at Butler Funeral Home – Springfield, 900 S. Sixth St., Springfield, IL, followed by the Ceremony at 11:45 a.m. with Celebrant Judy Woerner officiating. Those who wish to view the livestream of the service may do so by visiting https://www.facebook.com/ButlerFuneralHomes/

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following: Animal Protective League at www.apl-shelter.org or 1001 Taintor Road, Springfield, IL 62702; Contact Ministries at www.contactministries.com or 1100 East Adams, Springfield, IL 62703; or to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org