MMCM Robert Norton Koelbl, US Navy, (Ret.)

Robert “Bob” Norton Koelbl, 77, passed away December 11, 2021 in Colorado Springs, Colorado from complications related to Covid-19. Bob was born to John and Gladys (Webster) Koelbl in Aurora, Colorado on August 10, 1944. He graduated from Rantoul High School, in Rantoul, Illinois in 1962. He married his high school sweetheart, Glyna, whom he met when they both were fifteen years old. They were married for fifty-seven years. Bob was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Richard Koelbl. He is survived by his wife, Glyna (Daniel) Koelbl of Colorado Springs; daughter, Julie Elaine (Wes) Rickard of Wilmington, North Carolina; and son, Robert Neil (Wendy) Koelbl of Brooks, Georgia. He is survived by his seven grandchildren, Camryn and Kyra Rickard, Elizabeth, Benjamin, Amanuel, Daniel and Levi Koelbl. Bob is also survived by his brother, John Koelbl of Madison, Alabama; two sisters, Jean Degnan of Colorado Springs, Colorado and Bonnie Koelbl of Rantoul, Illinois; along with many other well-loved family members. Bob enlisted in the United States Navy in 1962, serving his country for twenty-two years in the Submarine Service aboard nuclear submarines. He served on the U.S.S. Daniel Webster, the U.S.S. John C. Calhoun and the U.S.S. Tunny, a fast attack submarine. While on the Tunny, he steamed a total of 134,000 miles, which is equal to over five times around the world. Among his many awards are: the Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Navy Unit Commendation Medal, Navy “E” ribbon (for battle efficiency), Good Conduct Medal with four bronze stars, Navy Expeditionary medal with bronze star, National Defense Service Medal, and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with bronze star. The last years of Bob’s naval career were spent on shore duty as a Navy recruiter. He worked his way up to zone supervisor over several states, attaining zone supervisor of the year many times. Bob retired in 1984 from the Navy. That same year, he began a career in the oil and gas industry as a Petroleum Landman and worked in that career for twenty-nine years, enjoying every minute of it. We will miss him dearly but are comforted in the knowledge that he knew Christ as his Savior and we will see him again in Heaven. Bob, “rest your oars.” Graveside Service, 2:00PM, Wednesday, December 22, 2021, Pikes Peak National Cemetery, 10545 Drennan Road, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80925.