Robert A. “Bob” Wagenecht, 85, of Morrison, IL, went home to be with his Savior after a courageous battle with cancer, passing on Wednesday, July 3, 2013, surrounded by his family, in his home.
Bob was born June 10, 1928, in Morrison, to Arthur C. and Luella (Pyse) Wagenecht. He was educated in the Morrison schools, and married Helen Mae Hiddleson on December 26, 1947, in Morrison. When first married, Bob farmed in the Morrison area, and then for many years he owned and operated Bob’s Deep Rock in Morrison. He became the Mt. Pleasant Township Road Commissioner and later took the job of Road Maintenance Supervisor for the Whiteside County Highway Department. He finished his working career by again becoming the Road Commissioner, then retiring in 2007. Bob was very happy to be a part of the development and construction of the Covered Bridge in Morrison. He was a life-long member of the St. Peter Lutheran Church in Morrison; he now Belongs to the Ages and dwells in the House of the Lord. One of Bob’s activities included being a fast-pitch softball pitcher, but from his youth he loved to fish. He started bass casting in the early 1960’s and spent many hours with friends and family on the Mississippi and Rock Rivers. This in turn enabled him to share another pleasure of his, the love of cooking. It didn’t matter whether he was at a deep fryer, a grill, or stove, many wonderful meals were shared with his family and friends. He had a passion for the Chicago Cubs, with Ron Santo being his favorite player and announcer. He was also unsurpassed in his gardening skills, and there was always an abundance of fruit and vegetables, which he enjoyed sharing with others. Throughout the years though, his happiest times were spent with his family.
Together he and his beloved wife, Helen, raised three sons, Bob (Glenna) Wagenecht of Fort Collins, CO, and Bill (Debra) Wagenecht and Allen Wagenecht, both of Morrison. Also surviving are eight grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and one sister, Carol (Larry) Zuidema of Morrison.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Rogene Houseman; a daughter-in-law, Leslie Wagenecht.
FUNERAL SERVICE: 2:00 p.m., Saturday, July 6, 2013, at St. Peter Lutheran Church, Morrison, IL
CO-OFFICIATING: Senior Pastor Rev. Mark Winkelman and Associate Pastor Rev. Mike Winkelman, Pastors at St. Peter Lutheran Church, Morrison, IL
VISITATION: 12:00 p.m. until the time of the service on Saturday, July 6, 2013, at St. Peter Lutheran Church, Morrison, IL. The Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-
Renkes Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
INTERMENT: Grove Hill Cemetery, Morrison, IL
A memorial has been established to the St. Peter Lutheran Church in Morrison, IL.