Robert Edward Follensbee

Robert Edward Follensbee passed away peacefully on November 23, 2018 in Westminster, California at the age of 86, ending his 22 year struggle with Parkinson's Disease. Bob was born to Charles and Virginia Follensbee in Chatfield, Minnesota , on February 22, 1932. He was one of 13 children, with 5 half siblings. Following high school graduation in 1950, he enlisted in the Army paratroopers. Afterward, he settled in Chicago and worked at Midway Airport where he met and married Gloria Banasky. They relocated to Los Angeles in 1955 so Bob could attend the Northrup Institute of Technology where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aeronautical Engineering. His first engineering job was with North American Aviation where he designed the de-icing system for the Saber liner. Six years later, Bob joined the Federal Aviation Administration. In 1963 Bob and Gloria bought their first home in Westminster for themselves and their 3 young girls. The family moved to Brussels, Belgium with the FAA in 1973, returning 4 years later to the same house. In the ensuing years, Bob and Gloria watched their daughters graduate from college and get married. They also bought a Catalina 27 sailboat and spent many enjoyable hours sailing around Long Beach Harbor. Bob retired as the Branch Chief of Propulsion from the FAA in 1992 after 33 years in government service. He is survived by his wife Gloria, daughters Marilyn, Carolyn, and Alyson, their husbands Mark Hall, Mike Benton, and Len Mihealsick, 7 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren. The visitation will be Sunday December 9 from 10am to 2pm. The Funeral will be Monday December 10 at 11:30am with Lunch to follow in the Reception Hall. All will be held at Forest Lawn, Cypress, 4471 Lincoln Ave., Cypress, California.