Robert P. Bleicher

Robert Paul Bleicher, 73, of Monticello died Saturday, April 13, 2002 at his residence.

He was born October 6, 1928, in Chicago, to Bruno F. and Bertha A. Schieman Bleicher. He married Gretchen Nicholson on July 6, 1952, in Ripley. She survives.

He was a CWO4 officer in the U.S. Army and retired in 1978 after 30 years of service. While assigned as an Air Defense Artillery Specialist, he was never one to turn down an extra duty assignment. During Vietnam, he counseled numerous families who lost sons during the war.

He served as White County Emergency Management Director from August 1984, until retiring in January 1999.

Although retired, he remained an active volunteer within the community with the Lions Club, Literacy Volunteers and Red Cross. He was the first member initiated into the Monticello Lions Club October 1985. He served president, treasurer, newsletter editor and finance chairman and parliamentarian. He received the W.P. Woods award for outstanding service in Lionism.

He also enjoyed photography, bird watching, chess, checkers, computers and music.

Surviving with his wife are sons Tim (Jennifer) Bleicher of Palmer, Alaska and George Bleicher of Cherryville, Kansas; sister, Gertrude Short of Winamac and six grandchildren.

Five brothers and two sisters are deceased.

Visitation is from 4-8 p.m. today at Voorhis-Draper Funeral Home. Services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Burial, with military rites will be at Winamac Cemetery.