Robert William “Bob” Gruenewald, 77, of Imperial died April 18, 2026. Mr. Gruenewald was a graduate of the Fox C-6 School District, attending from elementary school through his graduation in 1967. He was celebrated as a hero of the 1967 Fox C-6 Football Championship and was later inducted into the Fox C-6 Hall of Fame. After high school, he earned a bachelor’s degree from Southeast Missouri State University and a master’s degree from the University of Missouri in St. Louis. He dedicated more than 30 years to the Fox C-6 School District, serving as a teacher, coach, principal and administrator. Following his retirement, he remained committed to education and his community by serving as a member of the school board and the Fox C-6 Foundation. He enjoyed traveling, golfing and watching baseball, football and hockey. In retirement, he loved spending time with the “Real Men of Genius,” a group of classmates and colleagues who met weekly for friendship and fellowship. Born March 5, 1949, in St. Louis, he was the son of the late Viola M. Bohringer Gruenewald and Gerald E. Gruenewald.
He is survived by his wife of 16 years: Marilyn “Candy” Gruenewald; two daughters: Heather (Patrick) Schwalbe and Lindsay (Joe Roth) Gruenewald; three stepsons: Jeffrey (Jeannie) Sengheiser, Jason Sengheiser and James (Lorrane) Sengheiser; two grandchildren: Taylor Schwalbe and Cole Schwalbe; three step-grandchildren: Katie Sengheiser, Kamden Sengheiser and Klaire Sengheiser; a brother‑in‑law: Frank Burch; a sister‑in‑law: Jean Gruenewald; and many other family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by a brother: Donald A. Gruenewald; and a sister: Judith A. Burch.
Visitation is scheduled from 4-8 p.m. Monday, April 27, at Kutis South County Chapel, 5255 Lemay Ferry Road, in St. Louis County. A short visitation and service will take place from 9-10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 28, at the funeral home. Interment will be in Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Arnold. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Arrangements are under the direction of Kutis South County Chapel.