Robert Henry Graebe, 95, born October 16, 1929, in East St. Louis, IL, passed away peacefully on April 28, 2025 at his residence in Belleville, IL.
Robert was the founder of ROHO Incorporated, a company that would become a global leader in pressure relief cushions and support surfaces for wheelchair users. He is remembered not only for his engineering brilliance but also for his dedication to improving the lives of others. His legacy endures in the countless individuals worldwide whose lives have been transformed by his innovations.
Mr. Graebe graduated from East St. Louis High School in 1947, where he played on the basketball team and forged friendships that would last a lifetime. In 1951, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving four years during the Korean War and rising to the rank of Sergeant. While stationed in Delaware, he met Norma Jean Johnson, whom he married in Wilmington in 1954.
After serving in the military, he continued his pursuit of higher education with the support of the G.I. Bill. Previously attending Washington University in St. Louis and the University of Illinois, he finished his degree in electrical engineering from the University of Delaware.
Following his graduation, he began his professional career at All American Engineering Company in Wilmington. While there, he was assigned to a collaborative project with Dr. Arthur Heather, the medical director at Eugene Dupont Memorial Convalescent Hospital. Dr. Heather was focusing on blood flow studies and developing methods to measure pressure on the human body. Their work aimed at preventing decubitus ulcers (bed sores) and improving medical care for patients with spinal cord injuries. This was his first exposure to a bed sore which sent him on a 10-year problem solving journey.
In the early 1960s, he returned to St. Louis when he began working for McDonnell Douglas. During this time, he continued to educate himself about decubitus ulcers and how to prevent them. His theory was that bed sores, often misidentified as “pressure sores,” were actually caused by tissue deformation. Mr. Graebe dedicated himself to finding a solution. After many long nights of research, he developed the Dry Flotation System, a breakthrough technology that mimicked the sensation of floating in water. This innovation not only addressed a critical medical need but also laid the foundation for what would become a successful company. In 1973, with the support of his wife and family, he founded ROHO Incorporated.
His wife, Norma Jean, played a crucial role in the business, tending to the administrative duties of the growing company. When Robert left his engineering job to pursue the business full-time, Norma Jean obtained her real estate license to help support the family. The entire Graebe family, including their spouses, contributed to the early stages of the company.
As the company grew, and as more employees were added Mr. G’s “ROHO family” also grew. He was deeply committed to his employees and created an environment where they could thrive. His employees were as dedicated to him as they were to producing a life changing product.
Outside of his work, Mr. Graebe found joy in sailing. Over the years, he owned several boats, each one a little larger than the last to accommodate his growing family. The water was a constant in his life-not only through his engineering innovations but also in the peace he found navigating the Caribbean Sea and the Virgin Islands. Later in life, he cherished his time in Florida, drawn to its warmth and sunshine.
Even though he left East St. Louis, he never lost his deep connection to the place where he was born and raised. He cared deeply about the city’s legacy and carried its lessons with him throughout his life. He was a supporter of the Jackie Joyner Kersee Community Center and helped create the SIUE East St Louis Center STEM class room.
While he was a private man who did not seek praise or awards, he leaves a legacy of innovation, compassion, and service. He was known for his quiet determination, inventive spirit, passion for knowledge and devotion to family. He approached every challenge with methodical patience and a sense of responsibility.
Our family would like to extend our gratitude to the dedicated team of care givers who helped us through the final years of his life. We could not have done it without you.
Robert was preceded in death by his:
- Beloved wife of 62 years, Norma Jean, nee Johnson, Graebe
- Parents, William F. and Pansy, nee McBride, Graebe
- Brother, William Graebe Jr.
- Grandson, Alex Graebe
- Granddaughter, Emma Nelson
Surviving are his:
- Children:
- Dana (Otto) Roberts of Belleville, IL
- Robert (Karen) Graebe of Belleville, IL
- Nancy (Stephen) Faist of Key Largo, FL
- Kurt (Dana) Graebe of Swansea, IL
- Lynda (Steven) Peyton of Belleville, IL
- Grandchildren:
- Jennifer (Robert) Scharringhausen
- Rachel Roberts
- Otto (Abby) Roberts Jr.
- Katie Graebe
- Robert M.(Malory) Graebe
- Chris Graebe
- William (Serina) Faist
- Charlotte (Allen Smith) Faist
- Seth Nelson
- Patrick Graebe
- Leid Graebe
- Ross (Alexandra) Peyton
- Jake (Victoria) Peyton
- Rosalie Peyton
- Great-grandchildren:
- Brooke Scharringhausen
- Paige Scharringhausen
- Kaya Graebe
- Eva Graebe
- Averie Faist
- Jack Nelson
- Baby girl due in July
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Center, the Starkloff Disability Institute or the charity of your choice.
Visitation: Visitation will be held from 12:00p.m.- 3:30p.m., with words of remembrance following, Sunday, May 4, 2025 at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, Illinois.
