In Memory of Sgt. John Robert "Bob" von Almen III........ 1st Platoon, 1st Squad

A "Currahee Brother" who passed away in January of 2025. We invite the Currahee Brothers that knew him well to share some comments with us.

"Thank you brother for a job well done". Until we meet again my friend ..... "Currahee"......"Stands Alone"

We will all miss the phone calls from our friend Bob. . .

Sgt. Bob von Almen
Everyone in the 1st Platoon knew him as "Sgt. Bob"! He was an easy going, mild mannered, dependable NCO that got the job done no matter whatever it was. While I was with the 2nd Platoon, I knew Bob in Vietnam but we didn't become close friends until many years later when we started to get together as the Charlie Company Veterans Group in 2005. Bob was one of the first small group of Vet's that started getting together to support the young Charlie Company, 2nd 506th Infantry soldiers at Ft. Campbell. He loved to just and talk with everyone. At several of our yearly reunions, Bob and I split the room cost and bunked in a room together and became good friends. One year, Bob made a trip out to California to see some family members in northern California and came down to Southern California to visit me and Cal Kato. He stayed at my home for several days and got to know my whole family. We enjoyed showing him around the Temecula Wine Country and drove over to San Jan Capistanro meet with Cal & Shelly Kato and visit the old Capistrno Mission. Bob really had a great time there exploring the old mission grounds. Over the years, Bob would often call to see how I and the family were doing and what was happening in our lives. He was a dear friend that I will deeply miss seeing him at our reunions. Bob was a deeply religous member of the Catholic Faith and I know in my heart that Bob is right now standing hole in body at the feet of his Lord Jesus Christ. I am truly looking forward to seeing Bob again when I cross that vail from mortal life to life eternal.

Currahee Brother!! RIP! _ Sgt. Randy Parmley

Sgt. Bob von Almen ........ Age: 79

Born on: September 15, 1945

Died on: January 1st, 2025 in Alton, IL

Buried on Jan. 9th at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery in Jerseyville, IL

Obituary: John "Bob" Robert von Almen, III

John Robert "Bob" von Almen III, 79, of Alton, IL, passed away at 4:47 pm on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, at his residence.

Bob was born on September 15, 1945, in Olney, IL, to John Robert and Julia (Campbell) von Almen II.

He graduated from Worsham College of Mortuary Science in 1968 and was drafted into the United States Army in 1969 to serve in the Vietnam War. During his service, Bob received several distinguished honors, including the Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Medal, Air Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Medal with Palm Ribbon. After returning home in 1971, Bob resumed his career in the funeral industry, serving the Alton and Godfrey communities for the majority of his professional life. He later returned to the industry post-retirement with Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home.

On June 17, 1983, Bob married Barbara Edwards at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Godfrey, IL. She survives.

Bob was a dedicated member of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, and he enjoyed spending time with his wife, daughters, grandchildren, and extended family. His love for his family was evident, and he took great joy in their company. Additionally, Bob was a member of the VFW Post 1308 and had a passion for fishing and gardening.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara von Almen of Alton; three daughters, Jennifer (Dennis) Reams, Sarah von Almen, and Catharine (Kevin) Kahrig; five grandchildren, Janna and Natalie Reams, Evan Bennett, Kora and Kash Kahrig; his sister-in-law, Stephanie von Almen of Jerseyville; and several nieces, nephews, and friends.

In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by two brothers, Tom and David von Almen, a sister, Judy Miller, and his brother-in-law, Curtis Miller.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home, Godfrey, IL. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 am on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Alton, with Fr. Jeff Holtman O.F.S. as celebrant.

Interment will follow at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery in Jerseyville, IL. Online condolences and guest book may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com

John "Bob" Robert, von Almen (Gary's Funeral Report)

Debbie and I traveled to attend Bob's wake at the funeral home. It was at the funeral home he had worked at over the years. We spoke to Bob's wife Barb and his daughters; giving condolences for all his brothers of the Charlie Company Veterans. I expected Bob to look like a funeral director but he was dressed in a red polo shirt and black jeans. We assumed he had dressed to the nines for everyone he had buried so he wanted to go in comfort.

I wore a Charlie Company pin on my blue blazer and I asked Barb if she would mind if I put it on his collar and she said she would appreciate it if I would, he would love it. ♠ CURRAHEE! We talked to daughters and shared some fun times we shared with their dad. I gave his daughter the letter to read that Captain Seitz send and it will be read tomorrow in the eulogy. I told Barb a singed copy was sent by Captain Bob Seitz.

Bob had small cell carcinoma lung cancer for about 4 months but the treatment at the Siteman Center was working for him. Barbara had taken just him for a treatment, and 20 minutes after arriving home. He died! It was a pulmonary embolism (blood clot went to his lungs causing death instantly. This happened to me last summer and I was lucky to halved lived through it. They say about 30% normally die immediately with this type of embolism. Usually a blood clot around groin area breaks loose goes into the lungs, heart, or brain.

Bob had lost most his hair due to the chemo therapy. I know he was proud of his hair, it was always so well groomed. The flowers from his Charlie Company brothers were beautiful with a plaque with an eagle flying. If you blowup picture you with see it at bottom right.

All for now. CURRAHEE ♠ STANDS ALONE ♠ Gary and Debbie Gilliam