Robert E. "Bob" Wilch of Bluffton, Ohio passed away August 18, 2024 at his residence shared with his daughter, Penny. He was born February 21, 1929, to the late Harvey and Roma Wilch. Bob was a graduate of Bluffton High School where he participated in all sports and state championship games.  As a young adult, Bob played on local softball teams and after games would drink an orange crush soda while his teammates had their beers, earning him the nickname “orange crush kid.” 

He spent his life building, carpentry and constructing. Bob built his first home where he raised his young family with his wife Sue. For years, he owned and operated his own business Rainbow Farms in Bluffton. Bob enjoyed his Bluffton country home life with his wife, Terri, taking care of all animals. He sheltered and cared for up to 25 stray cats in his barn. He loved country music and road trips with Terri to Branson. Later in life you would see Bob most everyday walking on Main Street of Bluffton and talking to the many wonderful friends he made. He loved animals and loved children so much.

Preceded in death by his daughter, Robin Wilch, his siblings, Levon Downey, Louise Amstutz, Jeannie Wilch and Ray Wilch, and his former wife of 25 years, Susanna Groves.

Surviving family include his daughters Victoria Wilch Cabot, Penny Wilch McGinn, his granddaughter Dallas Lyn Dunn and his great grandson Elio Jenason Dunn.

Services will be held on Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. at Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services - Bluffton. Visitation will be Thursday, September 19, 2024 from 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to his great grandson’s future education fund, checks payable to: Elio J. Dunn, c/o of Dallas Dunn; or to Homeless to Home Animal Rescue & Cat Sanctuary at www.Homelesstohome.com

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com/