Robert "Buddy" D. Ganswind

April 25, 1931 - August 23, 2020

Robert D. “Buddy” Ganswind, 89, of Centralia, passed away Sunday, August 23, 2020 at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon. Robert was born April 25, 1931 in Clinton County, the son of Walter Ganswind and Maxine (Lee) Rowekamp. In 1953, he married Bertha L. (Chasteen) Ganswind in Pickett, AR and she survives him in Centralia. In addition to his wife “Shorty” of 67 years, Robert is survived by his son: Bill Smallwood and wife Diane of Blairsville, GA; two daughters: Marilyn (Smallwood) Lollar and husband George of Gulf Shores, AL and Tonia Oberg and husband Bill of Centralia; five grandchildren: Angel Edson and husband Michael, Brett Smallwood, Ric Lollar, Michelle Smallwood, and Taylor Oberg; six great-grandchildren: Daniel, Carrie, Ian, Connor, Cory, and Ava; and four sisters: Claudette Hlava of Madison, Donna Oakes and husband Mike of Texas, Chris Hoppes and husband Jim of Collinsville, and Lurinda Venezia and husband Larry of Bloomington. Robert was preceded in death by his parents: Walter Ganswind and Maxine Rowekamp. Robert was known in the community for his carpenter skills. He spent over 45 years of his life doing this trade and had built many homes over the years. He also enjoyed his hobbies of bowling, fishing, and hunting in his free time. He was of the Lutheran Faith and attended the Trinity Lutheran Church in Centralia. He will greatly be missed by his loving family and friends. Funeral Services for Robert Ganswind will be held on Friday, August 28, 2020 at 1:00 PM at Hillcrest Memorial Park Lakeside Chapel in Centralia. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Centralia. Visitation will be held Friday, August 28, 2020 from 11:00 AM until the time of service at the Hillcrest Lakeside Chapel. The family ask those who are attending to please be mindful of social distancing, wear a mask, and any health precaution necessary to ensure a healthy environment. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to BCMW Project Bread and will be accepted at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home at 235 North Sycamore Street Centralia, Illinois 62801, (618)532-3523, who is honored to be of service to the Ganswind Family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com