Robert “Bob” H. Mulder, age 80, of Ozark, Mo., passed away on Friday, October 31, 2025, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Mo.. Bob was born to Mildred Platt on May 12,1945, in St. Louis, Mo., and was raised in Chicago, Ill. by his loving adoptive parents, William and Harriet Mulder. He graduated from Morgan Park High School in 1963. Bob was united in marriage to Beth Van Lier on January 7, 1967, in Chicago, spending 58 years together. He proudly served as a medic in the United States Army for three years during the Vietnam War, before his medical, honorable discharge. The couple were blessed with two children, Lisa and Paul.
Bob was employed as a Commercial Insurance Underwriter with Ohio Casualty Insurance Company. When not working, he had many interests and pastimes, including being an EMT for the Big Rock Fire Department in Illinois, fishing trips with his buddies to Canada, Kentucky, and Missouri, along with gardening and traveling with Beth to see family and friends. Nothing, however, brought him more fulfillment than serving his Lord in the church. He will be remembered as a humble, gentle, God-fearing man of prayer. Bob was often described by others as a determined, courageous, quick witted, fun guy who loved popcorn and Portillos (and always wished there was one in Missouri).
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, William and Harriet Mulder and Mildred Platt, and daughter Lisa Zwart. He is survived by his wife, Beth; son, Paul (Jenny); grandchildren: Elijah (Audrey), Luke, Grace (Nathan) Price, and Faith; sisters, Jayne Altheimer and Gail (Dick) Marrs; and several nieces and nephews.
A visitation for Bob was held on Friday, November 7, at First Baptist Church of Ozark, followed by a funeral service. Afterwards, Bob was laid to rest with full military honors at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Springfield.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made in Bob’s memory to the First Baptist Church of Ozark Building Fund.
Arrangements were entrusted to Greenlawn Funeral Home and Life Tribute Center in Ozark.
