Robert H. “Bob” McFall, 93, of Kenosha, died on Tuesday, January 3, 2023, at Grande Prairie Health & Rehabilitation Center. Bob was born at home on October 21, 1929, in Terre Haute, IN, to the late Harry and Lula Mae (Nightlinger) McFall. He was educated in Terre Haute, graduating from Wiley High School and from Indiana State University for his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. In 1950, he married Frances A. Burdg. They recently celebrated their 72nd anniversary. Their bond was one of strong love and devotion, humor and grace. Amid the bustle of family life, they always showed great pleasure in each other’s company. As a public-school teacher in Indiana, he concentrated on science at the high school level. In the summers he taught drivers education; students remember that he would prepare them for their upcoming driving challenges such as parking at the local drive-in. Athletics and coaching were a central part of his career. He coached several sports, over time concentrating on track and field, and cross country. Upon retiring from public teaching, he coached track and cross country at the college level at Webster University and the girls of Visitation Academy in St. Louis, MO, which won the state championship. He also ran in numerous road races and two marathons. Bob and Frances retired to the St. Louis area in 1989, a good location for a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan. Bob became active in progressive causes related to the environment and social justice. His fondness for the natural environment was also expressed in birdwatching. Their travel adventures always incorporated birdwatching with him logging over 500 species of birds in Europe, Asia, North America, and South America. In 2004, they moved to the Kenosha area to be near family. They participated in ALL (Adventures in Lifelong Learning); Bob led a set of lessons for the ALL bridge group. They also kept up with the Audobon Society and the YMCA. Bob is survived by his loving wife: Frances A. McFall; a brother: John (Judy) McFall; seven children: Stephanie (David Smith) McFall, Shannon McFall, David McFall, Susan (John) Harshey, Daniel (Glenda) McFall, Douglas McFall, and Sally (Jim) Jackson; 11 grandchildren: Zephyr Waddell, Megan and Russell Liscomb, Matthew McFall, Zachary McFall, Danielle Horvatin, Tyler Harshey, Leslie Caparelli, Morgan McFall-Smith, and Sam and Grace Jackson. Aside from his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother: William McFall. Per Bob’s wishes, services were held privately. Entombment took place at Green Ridge Cemetery.Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th Street Kenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533Visit & Sign Bob’s Online Memorial Book at:www.prokofuneralhome.com
Condolences
Marlena Landis-Bailey
January 18, 2023
I live in Muncie I am 52 years old I had Mr. McFall at Muncie Central High School he was my favorite science teacher and he put me out of driver's ed for doing 100 on the simulators.. Lol.. I'm just seeing that he passed one of my favorite sayings that I use all the time that he would always say was "You don't have to lie to get along with me" I say that all the time. He was a great teacher and I'm sure your family misses him in school my name was Marlena Shaw..
Mary Volland Chapluk
January 17, 2023
I count myself so blessed to have had "Coach Bob" as part of my life. He meant so very much to me and my family. Bob was my cross country and track coach at Visitation Academy, and his gentle nature had a profound impact on me during a time in my life when I truly needed that sense of calm from an adult. Thanks to his inspiration and dedication in coaching, I was the Missouri State Champion in cross country during my 1994-1995 senior year season, and our team won its first every district championship. Even more, he made me want to be a better human through his kindness, and I will never forget him. I hope you are smiling at all the birds and running freely, Coach.
Paul Reese
January 12, 2023
Sad to hear of Bobs passing. Bob was my coach for cross country at Central my senior year 1989. My best memory was our week camping up at Indiana Dunes for cross country camp and running prior to the start of the school year. I was riding in coaches truck up when we had an unexpected car issue but we didn’t let it hold us up and had a great week at camp.
Pedro & Eleanor Martinez
January 9, 2023
We are neighbors of Frances & Mr. Robert H. McFall. We are very saddened to hear the news of his passing. Bob was a friendly and kind man he always greeted us when we seen each other. His wife Francis would take Bob out daily for his walks when he was much stronger. They both would always stop and chat a little bit with us. We send our Prayers & Condolences to Francis and the extended families during this difficult time. Bob is at peace now and no longer in pain, may he Rest In Peace always.💙🙏🙏
Charles Willis
January 9, 2023
Bob and I coached together for many years at Muncie Central. Bob coached distance. I coached sprints and we split the field events. We were a pretty good team. We had many great memories and great friendship. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire McFall family.
Noreen Bloxdorf
January 8, 2023
So sorry, Stephanie, to hear of the loss of your dear father. He will be so missed. My sympathy!
Richard Cook
January 6, 2023
I ran cc and track for coach Mcfall and had him as a teacher to. Even as a young know it all teen, I loved him, and he made me be a better person/ runner. I still run road races today and lots of the training I use is from those CC and Track days that Coach had use do to be ready for our races. May God bring his family peace, comfort and thoughts of great times they had with him. Sincerely Richard Cook the class of 1986.
Ron Hallett
January 5, 2023
I remember him as a teacher and coach at Corey high school in the late 50s he always had that encouraging word Rest well, Mr. McFall!!
Lenny Baierwalter
January 5, 2023
Ran with Bob after school at Muncie Central along with other teachers ( Jim Lambert, cliff Johnson, Phil Carey, Paul Fisher, Joe Rogers Jim Suding) One year he asked me if I would help, him coach cross country. I said “I don’t have any experience coaching”his comment “was you’ll learn just be with the kids” A great teacher, coach and friend.Rest In Peace Bob