Robert "Bob" W. Lopez

Robert "Bob" W. Lopez Sr., 84, of Geneseo, passed away on December 10, 2023, peacefully at his home. Visitation will be held from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m., Friday, December 15, 2023, at Vandemore Funeral Home & Crematory-Geneseo Chapel. Recitation of the Rosary will be held at 3:30 p.m., at the funeral home, prior to the visitation. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 16, 2023, at St. Malachy Catholic Church, Geneseo, with Father Daniel Gifford officiating. He will be laid to rest at Oakwood Cemetery, Geneseo. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Bob’s name to the Geneseo Football Booster Club. Condolences may be left at www.vandemorefuneralhome.com.

Bob was born on October 30, 1939, in Moline, IL, the son of Aureliano and Antonia (Navarro) Lopez. He married Alice Calsyn on April 29, 1961, at St. Malachy’s Catholic Church in Geneseo. She preceded him in death on July 24, 2015. Bob graduated from Rock Island Alleman High School, class of 1958, and received his plumbing/pipefitter degree from Blackhawk College. He worked at John Deere from 1957-1994, where he retired after 37 years of dedicated service. Over the years Bob and Alice traveled to all 50 states, Canada, Mexico, and 36 foreign countries.  His favorite travel spots were Estes Park (the first family vacation in 1965), the inside passage in Alaska, the fjords of Norway, and the 20 visits to Hawaii - where they met eight other couples every January. He loved his John Deere riding mower and working in his yard tending to flowers. Bob was an avid football fan, watching the Chicago Bears, Iowa Hawkeyes, and Geneseo Green Machine. He played football for Alleman and baseball for semi-pro team called the “Blue Socks” in the 1950’s. He was an avid walker and hiker, becoming a member of Hayden’s Hikers. He volunteered at Hammond Henry Hospital, Kiwanis, Christian Care, and Freedom House which helps women affected by domestic abuse. Bob was also a member of St. Malachy Catholic Church.

Those left to cherish his memory are children, Pam (Ryan) Tone of Hampton, IL, and Robert “Moe” Lopez Jr. of Palatine, IL; brothers, Arthur Lopez and Michael (Gail) Lopez; grandchildren; Tim Rockstroh, Melissa (Chris) Henderson, Kristina (Chris) Lopez-Kukula, Madeline (Zach) Krueger, Elizabeth Lopez and Benjamin Lopez; great grandchildren; Aaliyah Ball, Kiersten Henderson, Kiera Henderson, Urijah Tone-Henderson; and special friend, Margie Martin.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Aureliano and Antonia Lopez; his loving wife, Alice Lopez; sister, Rose Lopez; and brothers, Vincent and Andrew Lopez.

The family would like to thank Dr. Cho and the team at the University of Iowa Neurology Department. Also St. Ambrose speech, occupational and physical therapy program, Caring Keepers and Unity Point Hospice.