Robert Lee Thoene

Robert Lee “Big Bob” Thoene, 83, passed away on February 8, 2026, at Hillcrest Home in Geneseo, IL. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, March 9, 2026, at Vandemore Funeral Home, Geneseo. The memorial visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. before the service. He will be laid to rest at Rock Island National Cemetery in Rock Island, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Honor Flight of the Quad Cities, Geneseo Ambulance, and the Geneseo Fire Department.

Robert Thoene was born on April 8, 1942, in Davenport, Iowa, to Ralph and Sophie (Ruchotzke) Thoene. He proudly served his country in the United States Army. On March 17, 1973, in Durant, Iowa, he married Beverly Kay Dau, beginning a loving marriage that lasted 52 cherished years.

Robert spent much of his career at Alcoa, where he worked until his retirement. He was a longtime member of the American Legion and the United Steelworkers Union Local 105.

Outside of work, Robert found joy in speed and horsepower—he loved watching races and competing at Cordova Dragway Park. A natural tinkerer, he was happiest in the garage working on mechanics, building things with wood, or fine-tuning projects of all kinds. He also had a green thumb and took pride in his garden, planting vegetables and savoring the fresh harvest he grew himself.

Above all, Robert was devoted to his role as “Papa.” Nothing brought him more happiness than spending time with his grandchildren—sharing laughs, telling stories, and making memories that will last a lifetime.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Beverly Kay Thoene of Geneseo, IL; children, Deacon Bob (Robert Paul) and Shauna Thoene of Geneseo, IL and Aleshia (Sulayman) Sambou; brothers, Bruce (Kathy) Thoene and Darrell Thoene; brother in law, Jerry Tillman; sister in law, Debbie Thoene; grandchildren, Andrew Thoene, Micah Thoene, Joseph Thoene, Robert Sambou, and Kevin Sambou; along with many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Sophie Thoene; two brothers, Dennis and Lyle Thoene; a sister, Judy Tillman; and a nephew, Michael Tillman.

The family would like to thank all the staff at Geneseo Police and Emergency Responders for their many visits to help Bob. Also, to the staff at Hammond Henry Emergency Department and Hillcrest Homes for all the love and support they provided.