Robert "Bob" George Spinner

Robert “Bob” Spinner, 79 of Topeka died November 12, 2024 at Lexington Park Health and Rehab surrounded by his family. 

He was born in New Albin, Iowa on January 30, 1945 to James and Doris (May) Spinner. 

Bob graduated from Kee High School in Lansing, Iowa, in 1963, leaving the very next day for boot camp to serve in the United States Marine Corps. He dedicated six years to his country, including time in combat during the Vietnam War. Serving as a Marine was a role he carried with deep pride and dignity throughout his life. 

Bob worked in IT and data processing at the corporate office of Hill’s Pet Nutrition in Topeka, retiring in 2010 after 41 years with the company. He was a dedicated member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and a member of Knights of Columbus Council 2608. Bob enjoyed fishing, trips to the casino, collecting stamps and watching a variety of sports with his family. He delighted in playfully betting a dollar per game against his daughter Kelli’s beloved KU Jayhawks basketball team, knowing he would usually be handing that dollar over at the end of the game. He was also the proud inventor of the "Big Bobby" pizza, a favorite at Oakland’s Pizza Parlor. Above all, Bob found his greatest joy in his family. He was a loving husband, a proud father and an adoring grandfather. 

Bob married Janeen Schiefelbein on July 4, 1968, at Sacred Heart Church in Topeka. He is survived by Janeen, his wife of 56 years and their three daughters, Terri Benson (Mike) of Topeka; Tammi Spinner of Topeka and Kelli Spinner of Topeka. He is also survived by his three granddaughters who affectionately referred to him as Papo or Bug; Karli (Dustin) Mulligan of Topeka; Kayla Benson of Wichita and Renee Spinner-Young (Travis) of Vacaville, California.  

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Rita Stattelman; sister, June Pottratz; sister Jean Hutchings, and brother Tom Spinner. He is survived by his brother Tim Spinner of La Crosse, Wisconsin. 

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff at Lexington Park Assisted Living for their compassionate care and for treating Bob like family. He cherished his time there, especially playing BINGO and enjoying the occasional rum and Coke. 

Visitation for family and friends will be held on Tuesday, November 19, from 10 –11 a.m. at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Avenue, Topeka. Service with military honors will immediately follow at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Mausoleum at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Topeka. The family requests that in lieu of flowers/plants, memorial contributions may be made to TARC Day Services, 2701 SW Randolph, Topeka, KS 66611.