Dr. Robert Prentice

Dr. Robert Lee Prentice, 89, of Springfield, passed away at 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, January 7, 2018 at Memorial Hospice at Heritage Health. He was born to Jess and Marie Prentice in Lincoln, Nebraska on May 11, 1928. He married Helen Pletsch in 1950 and together they raised four children. Bob attended the University of Illinois where he received his B.S. and M.D. degrees. He interned at Denver General Hospital followed by two years in the US Army as a medical officer. After the Army and five years of general practice in Virden, Illinois, Bob spent four years specializing in obstetrics and gynecology at Wesley Memorial Hospital and Northwestern Medical School in Chicago. Eventually, he settled in Springfield where he became one of the first physicians with SOGA, Springfield Obstetrics and Gynecological Association. He retired from practice in 1989 and started a second career at SIU School of Medicine as a teaching physician until his final retirement in 2000. This position suited him well, as he was awarded the Creogg Award for outstanding teaching physician for an unprecedented three years in a row. He was active in the Springfield medical community and held many positions of leadership. Bob enjoyed many hobbies, including golf. For many years, he proudly displayed his three hole-in-one plaques on the wall of his den. Bobs other passion was travel. He and his wife Helen were fortunate to be able to travel the world for work and pleasure. Trips to China, Russia, Antarctica, and Egypt were among his favorites. But, the trips Bob enjoyed the most were the camping trips with his family and the Walgenbachs, his nieces and nephews. Bobs career was very demanding, but he made family a priority. Whether the clan gathered at a vacation destination or around the dining room table for a holiday meal; this was Bobs greatest joy! He will be missed by his loving family and dear friends. Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Helen; his parents, Jess and Marie Prentice; a grandson, Christopher Palmer; and his brother, Melvin Prentice. He is survived by his children, Dr. Robert Prentice (Mary) of Palos Heights, IL, Mrs. Susan Palmer (Scott) of Big Sky, MT, Debra Gripp (Joe) of Girard, IL and Nancy Steves (LeRoy) of Poway, CA; and ten grandchildren, Ryan Prentice (Vickie), Laura Prentice (Kyle Wade), Sarah Prentice, Michael Palmer, Jeffrey Palmer (Domingas), Chad Palmer, Jessica Mair (Chad), Craig Gripp (Meghan Karhliker), Claire Hemstreet (Brad), and Ben Steves. Bob was thrilled and blessed to finally have two great-granddaughters, Mara Prentice and Greta Mair, and another one on the way. He is also survived by his sister, Donna Spencer and several nieces and nephews. Visitation: Family will receive friends from 10:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. on Thursday, January 11, 2018 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th Street, Springfield. Funeral Ceremony: 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 11, 2018 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, with Rev. John Standard officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery with military honors. Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimers Association, Greater Illinois Chapter, 2309 W. White Oaks Drive, Suite E, Springfield, IL 62704 or Special Olympics of Illinois Area 17, 900 Christopher Lane Suite 7, Springfield, IL 62712.