Bret G. Grob – Sesser, IL

Bret G. Grob, 59, of Sesser, Il, passed away October 24, 2019 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Bret fought a brave and valiant four-year battle against cancer.

Bret was born June 1, 1960, the son of Gerome Grob and Joyce Grob Bagwell. He was a 1978 graduate of Sesser-Valier High School.

Bret was previously married to Kim Robinson and they shared a son, Kenny, who died in a car accident on July 4, 2003. Bret was later married to Sheri Prather and they also had a son, Lane, who survives of Sesser.

Bret worked for many years at Vernwood Press and also at MCA records and in recent years had worked for Knighthawk Coal as a roof bolter.

From an early age Bret showed a knack for doing things his own way and a little bit over the top. Bret, and brother Jeff, who is 18 months older, began tearing bicycles apart to rebuild them when they were youngsters – a passion he carried with him the rest of his life. As he grew older Bret graduated from bicycles to motorcycles and cars.

However, in recent years Bret reverted back to his childhood love when he purchased bicycles for his grandkids, only to ‘chop them up’ and build something totally different and original.

According to son Lane: “The work he did on bicycles and motorcycles always had to be different, unique and usually over-the-top. It had to be something nobody else had. There was nothing he couldn’t fix.”

Because of his love for children, Bret also built many custom bicycles and then donated them to be raffled off, raising thousands of dollars for charities for needy children and children facing serious health issues.

Bret logged thousands of miles on his beloved Harley-Davidson motorcycles, often saying: ‘It’s not about the destination, it’s about the ride.”

Bret was a family man, a good son, a loving brother, an awesome dad and to say he was a doting grandfather would be an understatement. He even accompanied his daughter-in-law, Christina (Alvis), to her doctor appointments when she was pregnant with granddaughter Chesni.

Bret is survived by his mother, Joyce Bagwell, of Tampa, FL; his son Lane Grob, of Sesser: three siblings, Jeff Grob, of Sesser, Chris Grob, of Tampa, FL and Annette Gilbert, of Maryville, IL; granddaughters Kelisy Grob, of Sesser and Chesni Grob, of Valier; daughter-in-law Christina Alvis, of Valier; former wives Kim Robinson, of Benton, IL and Sheri Grob, of Sesser. Bret is also survived by a large number of nieces and nephews and close friends that he loved dearly.

He was preceded in death by his dad Gerome Grob and his son Kenny Grob.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Italian Club, in Coello, IL on Saturday, November 2, 2019 at 1:30 p.m. Food will be provided and those attending are asked to ride their motorcycles and wear Harley-Davidson attire.

Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home, in Sesser, is in charge of arrangements. According to Bret’s wishes, cremation services were performed. In lieu of flowers donations can be made directly to the funeral home to help with expenses.