Robert Pflum

Robert Pflum, 92, of Van Wert, died at 6:35 a.m. Tuesday, April 14, 2015, at Vancrest Health Care Center in Van Wert.

He was born August 22, 1922, in Van Wert, the son of Leonard and Anna (Burgermeister) Pflum, who both preceded her in death. On January 26, 1946, in Hargarten/Falck, France, he married Louise M. (Rohr) Pflum, who survives in Van Wert.

Bob is also survived by his children, Nanette (David) Taylor of Urbana, Jeffrey (Pamela) Pflum of Napoleon and Michelle (Tony) Brincefield of Van Wert; seven grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

A brother, two sisters and a granddaughter also preceded him in death.

He was a member of the Van Wert High School Class of 1940 and, in 1983, he retired from Central Insurance Companies in Van Wert after 30 years of service.

Bob was a proud veteran of the United States Army serving as a combat infantryman with the 84th Railsplitter Division during World War II’s European Theatre of Operations, earning three campaign battle stars for the Rhineland, Ardennes and Central Europe. In 1951, during the Korean Conflict, he was again called to active duty with the U.S. Army for 22 months and then received his second honorable discharge from the army.

Bob was a member of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Van Wert. He was a life member of the 84th Infantry Division Society, a life member of Elks Lodge 1197, American Legion Post 178 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5803, all of Van Wert, and a charter member of the World War II Memorial Society.

He actively participated in American Red Cross blood drives and was a multi-gallon donor.

Bob loved his family and would not hesitate to tell his friends of the pride he had for them. He loved to play cards with anyone, to share a drink and to have some laughs. He is gone, but never forgotten for his smile and warmness. Bob and Louise, the love of his life, are truly the heart of “The Greatest Generation.”

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 17, at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, with Father Stan Szybka officiating. Burial will follow in Woodland Cemetery in Van Wert, with graveside military honors performed by the combined units of Legion Post 178 and VFW Post 5803.

There will be no calling hours.

Preferred memorials: Wounded Warriors Project and St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.bricknerfuneralhome.com or emailed to bricknerfuneralhome@bright.net.