Robert John Biever

Robert John Biever, age 90, passed away on Saturday, June 27, 2015 in St. Petersburg, FL at Bay Pines VA Hospital. He was born on October 26, 1924 in Chicago, IL to the late Theodore and Kathleen (Dunn) Biever. Robert comes from a long line of family members who also served their county going back to a Grandfather who rode with Teddy Roosevelt's Rough Riders in the Oklahoma Territory near General Custer, his Father who served in the Army during World War 1, his brother Ted who flew B-17's over Berlin and was a POW in Stalag 17B for 22 months, while he served valiantly as a member of the U.S. Navy in numerous places throughout the Pacific Islands from Saipan to Iwo Jima, on the USS Johnson driving Landing Crafts for the Marines during WWII. He received Medals of recognition that included The American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with 1 Silver Star (Five Bronze Stars) 1 additional Bronze Star, World War II Victory Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon - Foreign with 1 Bronze Star, Honorable Service Lapel Button, Navy Honorable Discharge Button. He will be laid to rest in a special place of recognition at Arlington National Cemetery next to his brother. Following his military service, his journey began as an Order Interpreter for General Motors, and from there had many colorful twists and turns that included ownership of the former infamous Isle of Capri in South Chicago, IL, and the nostalgic "Bar-B-Q-Pit", before he relocated to Sebring in 1978, and later Avon Park, after meeting his beautiful wife Dorothy "Dot" Cross Biever, where he again relocated to River Greens Golf Course neighborhood, working there as the "Starter" until his wife's passing, and relocation to Reflections on Silver Lake. Bob was known for his recreational fishing, golfing and unwavering schedule known to many of his friends and family that in later years included daily mass, VFW and his favorite Sub Shop. He was a member of the American Legion, a staunch supporter of Notre Dame, and his wonderful friends at the VFW, Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, and River Greens Golf Course. Robert is survived by his nephews: Theodore N. Biever of Chicago, IL; Dennis (Beverly) Johnson of Sarasota, FL, nieces: barbara biever reilly of Washington, D.C.; Bonnie (Rick) Herrli of Rockford, IL; Patti Pace of Cocoa Beach, FL; Karen Biever of Rockford, IL; numerous extended family including great nieces and nephews, great great-nieces and nephews, and great, great, great-nieces and nephews including one of the newest members of the family, and his namesake, Quinn Robert Herrli, with more on the way as announced at the wedding he'd hope to have attended on the unfortunate day of his passing. Robert was predeceased in death by his wife: Dorothy Cross Biever, brother: Theodore "Ted" Biever, sister: Madeline Johnson, and nephew: Tim Biever. A Memorial Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 24, 2015 at the Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Avon Park, FL. Robert will be laid to rest next to his brother Ted Biever, at the Arlington National Cemetery at a date to be determined, and available for share comments for all at "bieverbrothers.com" following his burial. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that Memorial contributions be made to his other extended Family at: VFW Post 9853 at 75 N. Olivia Dr. Avon Park, FL 33825.