Robert S. "Bob" Degenkolb

Robert S. “Bob” Degenkolb, 95 of Fishers, passed away on Wednesday January 15, 2020. He was born on August 19, 1924 in Oak Park, Illinois; the son of the late Paul Frederick and Erma Jean Degenkolbe.

Bob graduated from Bensenville High School in 1941 and started classes at the University of Illinois that summer after graduation. Bob was called to duty for WWII in January 1942, and joined the U.S. Coast Guard. He served as an Aerographer’s Mate 1^st Class at Narsasawak Station in Greenland, and then as WWII wound down, he was assigned to the U.S.S. Greensboro and U.S.S. Woonsockett on which he crossed the Arctic Circle and the Tropic of Cancer respectively.

Bob was honorably discharged in 1946 as an Aerographer’s Mate 3rd Class. Upon release from duty, Bob returned to University of Illinois to complete his B.S. in Ceramic (Ceramics/Materials) Engineering. While at U of I, Bob was a member of Sigma Phi Delta (Social Fraternity), Karamos (Engineering Honorary Fraternity), American Legion, and The American Ceramic Society- Engineering Council Representative.

It was at U of I that he met Carol Henning at a church picnic and they married on August 20^th, 1949.  Both Bob and Carol completed their masters at U of I, and moved to Cleveland, OH where Bob accepted a position with General Electric.

In 1959, he moved his family to Indianapolis, for a new position with RCA as a Ceramic Engineer. Bob was recognized for multiple patents for intellectual property development of ceramic circuits used in TV applications for RCA.  Bob retired from RCA/Thompson Electronics 1985.

Bob was very involved for many years in the adult scout leadership with both his son’s Boy Scout troop #275. Highlights included the Scout Jamboree, and monthly meetings and campouts. He was selected to receive the Scouting Order of the Arrow. He was involved in the YMCA Indian Guide (Indian princesses program) with daughter Sue. He was an avid golfer and served as a caddie during his high school years. He and Carol were active in Northminster Presbyterian Church (Indianapolis) and Fairfield Glade Community church during retirement (Tennessee).

Bob and Carol spent many years researching their genealogical roots and published a family history. He enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren during retirement.

Bob is survived by his four children, Linda (Lee) Wolff, Paul (Dianne) Degenkolb, Sue (Jeff) Tinkey, and Tom (Terri) Degenkolb; nine grandchildren; five great grandchildren; and one soon to be great grandchild. He is preceded in passing by his soulmate of over 70 years, Carolyn M. “Carol” Degenkolb; sisters, Dorothy (Hugh) Wetzel, Diana (Gus) Simmons, and Jean (Don) Binger.