Robert Gelhaus Obituary

Robert J. Gelhaus

Age 67 of Fowler, Indiana, died Saturday, February 7, 2026 at The Waters of Covington Senior Living in Covington, Indiana.

Born March 11, 1958 in Evergreen Park, Illinois, Robert James was a son of August, Jr. and Gail (Koch) Gelhaus. He was raised and educated in Country Club Hills, Illinois, and graduated from Rich Central High School in Olympia Fields, Illinois with the Class of 1976. Bob then honorably served in the United States Marine Corps from 1976 to 1977.

He was a member of the Operator Engineers Local Union 150 and worked for Caterpillar Tractor Company for over 20 years in Lafayette, Indiana. Bob was a man of deep faith and attended Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Fowler for 20 years. He had a strong work ethic and like to keep a regimented routine. Bob enjoyed sports and old western movies and television shows, and was an overall nice guy. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends that he leaves behind.

Survivors include three siblings: August "Buzz" (Cynthia) Gelhaus III of New Lenox, IL, Sheila (the late Todd) Vanderjack of Oak Forest, IL, and Jamie (Kevin) Kapes of Minooka, IL; nieces and nephews: Alexandra (Brandon) Smith, Shelby Vanderjack, Danny Veseli, Michael Veseli, and Brandon Veseli; great nieces and great nephews: Haley, Chloe, Eve, Michael, Elise, Alanauh, and Austin; one aunt, Judy Koch, and several cousins.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Cheryl Gelhaus, and several aunts and uncles.

Cremation rites will be accorded, and a memorial mass will be at Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 604 South Kankakee Street, in Wilmington on Friday, March 13, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. Reverend Sebastian Gargol will preside, and inurment with full military honors will follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.BaskervilleFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Bob’s memorial page online through social media.

Memorial services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves, Fruland & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory. (815-476-2181)