He was born in Altoona, son of the late John H. and Mary A. (Schneider) Imler. He married Brenda S. Eaken on Sept. 4, 1976, in Altoona.

Surviving are his loving wife of 39 years; three daughters: Katherine M. (Thomas) Ford, Melissa S. (Shane) Ehredt and Michele L. (William III) Frank, all of Altoona; a son, Robert E. (Amanda) of Tyrone; two sisters: Regina M. Erickson (Mike Bradley) and Ellen M. McMullen (Bill Bonsell); a brother, Ralph (Eileen); and nine cherished grandchildren: Amanda, Dylan, Tommy, Addyson, Billy, Cameron, Carson, Brandi and Hunter.

He was preceded in death by a brother, John, and two sisters: Mary Jane and Cecelia.

Robert was a 1975 graduate of Altoona Area High School. He retired as a machine operator from SKF Industries in 2004 with more than 28 years of service. He was a member of the former St. Paul Lutheran Church in Altoona and was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan.

Friends will be received from 10 a.m. until the noon funeral service on Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2015, at Santella Funeral Home, Pastor David Keyworth officiating. Interment will be made at Calvary Cemetery.